Outemu Silent Grey vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options that emerge are the Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Silent Grey is renowned for providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump that enhances feedback while maintaining a serene environment—ideal for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a subtler ambiance. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their smooth operation and balanced auditory feedback, delivering a satisfying typing experience that appeals to both precision seekers and enthusiasts alike. Notably, these switches are fully compatible with Wooting's cutting-edge keyboards, offering an added layer of versatility for those looking to elevate their performance. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one prioritizing silence and tactile feedback, and the other emphasizing smoothness and compatibility—understanding their unique characteristics can help you pinpoint which is the right choice for your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Rice Pudding, it becomes apparent that both switches share the same materials for their top and bottom housings. Both employ polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that enhances resonance in sound. Moreover, its translucency allows for vibrant RGB backlighting effects, making it a favored choice among gamers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who place a high value on aesthetics as well as sound quality. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory experience when it comes to the sound profile and visual appeal, especially under RGB lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are crafted from nylon, which is known to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its comparatively softer composition. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less harsh auditory experience, particularly during keystrokes. Since both the Outemu Silent Grey and Everglide Rice Pudding utilize nylon for their bottom housing, users will enjoy a similarly muted and rich sound when bottoming out the keys, enhancing their overall typing experience. This commonality in material choice ensures that the deeper sound signature remains consistent across both types of switches.
Ultimately, since both the Silent Grey and Rice Pudding switches utilize the same materials for both the top and bottom housings, the unique sound characteristics of each switch can be attributed to the synergy of these materials. This makes both switches an appealing choice for users looking for specific auditory and tactile feedback from their keyboards. With polycarbonate enhancing the clarity of release sounds and nylon providing depth to the keystroke impact, users can confidently expect comparable performance and sound profiles from either option, regardless of their final selection.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey requires a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch offers a lighter actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, ideal for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, if you're seeking a switch that allows for longer periods of comfort, the lighter Rice Pudding is the better choice, while the heavier Silent Grey will appeal to users who appreciate a stronger push sensation. Overall, the selection between these switches heavily depends on personal preference regarding actuation feel and weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we see a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper keypress. This can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who favor a hearty depth. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option. This slightly reduced travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, although some may find it too abrupt for their liking. Overall, if you appreciate a more responsive feel, the Rice Pudding is advantageous, while the Silent Grey offers a more robust tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Its construction emphasizes subdued acoustics while retaining a tactile bump, allowing for a less intrusive sound profile during use. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch offers a deeper sound that adds an audible richness to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback. While the sound produced by each switch may vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap material, the Silent Grey leans towards a more muted presence, whereas the Rice Pudding brings a fuller, deeper tone to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey switch is characterized by its pronounced tactile bump that gives the user clear feedback on actuation without the accompanying noise typical of mechanical switches. This tactile response combined with a smooth keystroke makes it particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate a satisfying sensation without distraction. The Everglide Rice Pudding, on the other hand, strikes a balance between smooth operation and tactile feedback, offering a precise typing experience that many users find compelling. With the Rice Pudding, the sensation of each keystroke is smooth, yet it still provides enough feedback to keep the user engaged, making it a versatile option for various typing styles.
In summary, if you are leaning towards a quieter key experience with a pronounced tactile feel, the Outemu Silent Grey is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you appreciate a deeper sound profile coupled with smooth operation, the Everglide Rice Pudding will suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that are enjoyable in their own right, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience based on personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you’re looking for a quiet yet satisfying tactile experience, especially in a shared space or office setting, the Silent Grey is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a pronounced tactile bump that many users find gratifying, all while being designed to minimize noise. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth typing experience with a delightful acoustic profile, the Rice Pudding switch may be the better choice for you. Its 48 grams of actuation force makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming scenarios, and it offers a unique sound and feel that can enhance your overall experience. Additionally, if you’re an enthusiast looking to maximize performance with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding switch stands out with its versatility. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, environment, and aesthetic preferences when making your decision, as each switch has distinct advantages that cater to different needs and styles.
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