Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Type L. The Outemu Silent Grey switches are celebrated for their quiet operation and tactile feedback, making them an ideal choice for those who desire a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, they deliver just the right amount of tactility, perfect for work environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Type L switches shine with their linear design, offering a lighter touch with only 45g of force required to bottom out. This makes them one of the easiest switches to press, providing a quick and fluid keystroke ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing tactile feedback and silence, and the other focusing on smoothness and ease of use—it's essential to delve deeper into their unique characteristics to determine which switch aligns best with your individual needs. 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

Gateron Type L Linear

$3.10 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the Gateron Type L, the most striking distinction lies in the top housing. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for users who appreciate pronounced acoustic feedback. Additionally, the polycarbonate's clarity enhances RGB lighting effects, providing a visually appealing aesthetic that complements illuminated keyboards. In stark contrast, the Gateron Type L employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, being softer and more absorbent than polycarbonate, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder and less resonant character when typing. Therefore, users' experiences with sound and light may vary significantly between the two switches due to this fundamental difference in top housing materials.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a common ground in terms of sound quality at the bottom-out point. As noted, nylon’s inherent properties lead to a decreased sharpness in sound, allowing for a duller and rounder sound profile that many users find appealing. This similarity in bottom housing means that both the Silent Grey and Type L switches will deliver a deeper auditory experience when fully pressed down, which may provide some uniformity in terms of feel during actual usage. However, because the top housing differs, the overall experience when releasing a key will notably vary. The Silent Grey will present a crisper release sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the Type L will maintain that deeper, more muted tonal quality throughout the entire action.

Ultimately, while both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, it's the disparity in their top housings that creates distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. Users looking for a bright, resonant feedback might lean toward the Outemu Silent Grey with its polycarbonate top, while those preferring a softer and fuller sound could find the Gateron Type L more to their taste. The different materials impact the acoustic characteristics of both the pressing and releasing actions, emphasizing how the combination of top and bottom housings plays a critical role in the overall performance of mechanical switches. If you're seeking specific auditory or tactile results, understanding how these materials interact is key to selecting the right switch for your keyboard setup.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Type L boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This lighter feel can be advantageous for those engaging in long typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. Conversely, the heavier Silent Grey switch provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile and pronounced push. Ultimately, the Outemu Silent Grey is the heavier option, while the Gateron Type L is the lighter choice, aligning with different typing preferences and experiences.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. As a result, users can expect a similar keypress feel and actuation responsiveness when using these switches. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will deliver comparable experiences in terms of keystroke depth, providing a consistent typing sensation whether opting for the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey or the smoothness of the Type L.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a notably quiet experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a discreet typing environment. The pronounced tactile bump does not compromise its subtle sound profile, allowing for a typing experience that is both satisfying and unobtrusive. In contrast, the Gateron Type L has a deeper sound signature that tends towards neutrality. Although it is not completely silent, it produces a subdued sound that is more discreet than many standard switches, contributing to a low noise level during operation. Both switches cater to users who respect quieter environments, but the Silent Grey's design excels in minimizing sound even further.

In terms of feel, the Silent Grey tactile switch is characterized by its pronounced tactile bump combined with a smooth keystroke. This tactile feedback creates a satisfying sensation during typing that enhances the overall experience, particularly for those who value the feedback of each keypress. Meanwhile, the Gateron Type L is described as having a "feathery" touch, requiring only a light force to actuate. This ease of actuation reduces finger fatigue, making the switch comfortable for prolonged use, whether gaming or typing. While the Silent Grey offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Type L compensates with its light actuation, resulting in a distinct but enjoyable experience for users.

Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Type L switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Silent Grey stands out with its quiet yet tactile performance, ideal for those seeking a satisfying typing experience without noise, while the Type L provides an effortless press with a subdued sound profile, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on personal preference: if you prioritize tactile feedback in a quieter form, the Silent Grey is the way to go; however, if you want an easy and low-noise typing experience, the Gateron Type L will serve you well.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a typist or gamer. If you prioritize a tactile feedback experience while keeping noise to a minimum, the Silent Grey switch would be an excellent fit. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying bump during each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and prefer a quieter environment, like an office or shared space. Conversely, if you seek a light, fluid typing experience with minimal resistance, the Gateron Type L switch may be more suitable. With its low actuation force of 45 grams, the Type L allows for effortless key presses, perfect for long typing sessions without finger fatigue—whether you are gaming, studying, or working for extended periods. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels more comfortable and suitable for your intended use.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more