Outemu Silent Grey vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When debating between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and SP-Star RedBlue stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is revered for its quiet and tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Ideal for those seeking a satisfying yet silent typing experience, this switch is categorized as tactile. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch offers a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Categorized as linear, these switches are favored for their neutral, mild, thocky, and polished feel. Both switches have their own unique advantages, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
57g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the SP-Star RedBlue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Silent Grey also has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Silent Grey and RedBlue switches results in a variance in sound and feel when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey contributes to a deeper sound profile and a softer typing experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue enhances sharpness and clarity in sound. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's qualities will be more pronounced, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing's material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a similar sound profile, their differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences. The Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing provides a softer and fuller sound, emphasizing a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances sharpness and clarity, resulting in a crisper sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Grey is on the heavier side while the RedBlue is lighter. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to type for longer periods or for gaming, the RedBlue may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel for more substantial typing, the Silent Grey would be the ideal option. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, but ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. The similar travel distances of both switches suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel, regardless of whether they choose the Silent Grey tactile switch or the RedBlue linear switch. In conclusion, the travel distances of these switches are identical, ensuring that users will receive comparable results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 is best known for offering a quiet and satisfying typing experience with a smooth keystroke and a pronounced bump. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. The RedBlue switch is also described as having a relatively neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, providing a satisfying feedback to the typist. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. The polished finish of the RedBlue switch contributes to reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Both switches aim to provide comfort and satisfaction to the typist, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and key feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey and SP-Star RedBlue switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Grey switch excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, the RedBlue switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and key feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience to newcomers in the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps will help individuals find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and smooth key travel, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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