Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Type A offer unique experiences for users. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is satisfying yet silent. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a different appeal with innovative features such as reimagined travel distances and factory lubing techniques. Its medium-weight feel and deeper sound signature make it a standout choice for those seeking a balance between feedback and noise levels. While the Silent Grey is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Type A caters to users who prefer a subdued sound profile with a medium-weight 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Type A, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housings, the impact of this material on the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary based on other factors such as design and construction.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Silent Grey and Type A switches differ in material, with the Silent Grey featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, nylon top housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile as they absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the typing experience.
While the bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Type A switches are similar in material, the contrasting top housings highlight the different sound profiles each switch offers. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Type A's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the sound and feel of a switch can be influenced by the material used in its housing. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to choose from depending on their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that they will provide a similar level of initial resistance when typing. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Silent Grey requiring 65 grams of force to fully press a key, making it heavier than the Type A, which only needs 55 grams. The Silent Grey switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Type A switch's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those looking for a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will offer a similar tactile experience and responsiveness when typing or gaming. With a travel distance of 4 mm, users can expect a consistent and reliable feel with each keystroke. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience without requiring too much force to actuate. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, making them suitable choices for those who value a consistent and precise typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70.
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 known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, offering a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" stands out for its innovative design that reimagines traditional travel distances and utilizes factory lubing techniques. When it comes to sound, the Silent Grey provides a quiet typing experience, while the Type A features a sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum with a subdued and dampened sound profile. In terms of feel, the subjective qualities of both switches are not mentioned in the provided information.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile and silent switch, the Outemu Silent Grey would be the better choice, while the Gateron Type A linear switch offers a medium-weight option with a unique sound profile leaning towards the deeper side. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience, as well as the other components in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch or the Gateron Type A linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a slightly deeper sound profile that leans towards the subdued side, the Gateron Type A switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you before making your decision.
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