Outemu Silent Grey vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique typing experiences for different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch renowned for its quiet operation and highly satisfying typing feel, thanks to its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that provides a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to a lengthened single-stage spring. While the Silent Grey is perfect for those who prefer a tactile typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users who enjoy a smooth and immersive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Silent Grey differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound overall.

The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a similar sound profile, with a sharp and clear tone that is resonant and impactful. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the Silent Grey and the Tourmaline Blue leads to a distinction in sound experience. The Silent Grey, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.

When considering how the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials interact with each other in a switch, it becomes apparent that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. While both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound experiences. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the Silent Grey or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue, both switches offer distinct auditory 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we see that the Silent Grey has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Grey at 65 grams and Tourmaline Blue at 67 grams. This means that while the Silent Grey may offer a slightly lighter keystroke feel, both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience overall. The decision between the two would come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force. Lighter actuation force may be preferred for longer typing sessions, while heavier bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. It is essential to consider these factors when choosing a switch for your keyboard to ensure the best typing experience based on individual preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that you will get a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This makes them equal in this aspect, as they both offer a consistent distance for the user to feel when using the switches. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey or the smooth linear feel of the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect the same travel distance for either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is best known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, offering a satisfying and silent feel with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel due to the lengthened single-stage spring. While the Silent Grey offers a more subdued sound experience, the Tourmaline Blue's sound is more immersive and distinct, catering to different preferences in typing auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information, but based on its tactile nature, it can be inferred that it offers a satisfying and responsive typing experience with a noticeable bump during actuation. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. These descriptors suggest a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. The mild nature of the Tourmaline Blue switch indicates that it provides a gentle typing experience without extreme characteristics, appealing to a wide range of users.

In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Grey excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue delivers a deep, immersive sound profile and a smooth, easy-to-press keystroke feel. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and sensation, both switches can cater to different needs and usage scenarios. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feedback and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual tastes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you seek. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience to the fullest.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more