Outemu Silent Grey vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Kailh Plum offer different experiences for typists seeking a tactile switch. The Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it perfect for those who want a satisfying and silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch feels hefty but lacks a significant tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. Its neutral and enjoyable sound profile adds to its unique characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Kailh Plum feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material choice also results in a stiffer plastic that contributes to a clear and distinct sound profile. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may produce slightly different sound profiles due to other factors like spring weight or stem design.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Kailh Plum utilize nylon, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, as the qualities of the bottom housing are felt more when pressing down on a key. While both switches share this bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still vary based on other factors such as keycap material or plate material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Kailh Plum switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience they offer. While they share similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in other components of the switches can lead to nuanced variations in sound and feel. Whether it's the sharp and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the deep and full sound of the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, the Silent Grey is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Plum's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Grey requiring 65 grams and the Plum requiring 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Grey may be the better option for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Plum offers a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm distance. The 0.4 mm may seem like a small difference, but this can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Plum may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying, tactile feel for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience, perfect for those looking for a silent option. On the other hand, the Kialh Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of users and environments. Both switches offer pleasant sound profiles that won't be disruptive to others, making them great choices for office or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is highly tactile with a pronounced bump, providing a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the Kailh Plum switch feels hefty without a significant tactile bump, offering a unique typing feel that may appeal to those looking for something different. Both switches offer comfortable typing experiences, with the Silent Grey being more tactile and the Plum offering a more subtle typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey and Kailh Plum switches both provide enjoyable typing experiences, each with its own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a highly tactile experience with a quiet sound profile, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a unique feel and neutral sound, the Kailh Plum switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for those seeking a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique weightiness and a more neutral sound profile, the Plum switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual typing preferences and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider trying out both switches if possible to see which one aligns best with your typing style.
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