Outemu Silent Grey vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Jerrzi Violet stand out as compelling options, each offering a unique typing experience suited to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is celebrated for its quiet operation and pronounced tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a highly tactile experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes. This switch is ideal for those in shared environments or late-night typists seeking satisfaction in their keystrokes while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches provide a gentle tactile feel characterized by their smooth actuation and pleasant poppy feedback. With a neutral sound signature, they create a balanced and enjoyable typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate the tactile sensation without overwhelming noise. Both switches cater to distinct typing needs—whether you're after silence and pronounced feedback with the Silent Grey or a smooth, balanced experience with the Violet. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and the Jerrzi Violet, it is notable that both switches share the same housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This uniformity in materials leads to a multitude of similarities in sound profiles and overall performance. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This quality ensures that both switches provide an excellent auditory experience, especially for users who appreciate clarity when pressing and releasing keys. Furthermore, as both switches feature clear top housings, they are especially compatible with RGB lighting, providing visually striking illumination effects.
However, while the top housing materials are identical, the differences in sound and feel when typing are largely influenced by the bottom housing made of nylon. Both the Silent Grey and the Violet utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a notably rounder and less resonant sound. This consistent use of nylon across both switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel at the bottom-out point as they press down on the switches.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials for the Outemu Silent Grey and Jerrzi Violet highlight the significance of their design in achieving similar acoustic properties. With polycarbonate tops delivering a crisp sound upon key release, combined with nylon bottoms that provide a rich and full sound upon bottoming out, users can anticipate comparable auditory experiences from both switches. Therefore, for enthusiasts looking to enjoy a harmonious blend of sharpness and fullness in their typing sound profile, either switch would yield similar results, making the choice largely a matter of aesthetic preference or other individualized features rather than fundamental performance differences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation forces. The Silent Grey requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy category, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Violet switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions, although its bottom out force is not specified. This lack of information means we cannot compare the bottom out forces of the two switches. Consequently, while the Silent Grey offers a heavier push feel throughout its keystroke, the Violet is lighter, appealing to users who might prioritize comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, a notable difference arises. The Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, catering to the trend of shorter switch distances that offer quicker response times, often favored by gamers. This means that if you choose the Violet switch, you'll experience a more responsive feel, while the Silent Grey provides a deeper, more pronounced typing experience. Consequently, those who prefer a hearty depth should opt for the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey, while users seeking increased responsiveness might prefer the Violet's slightly shorter 3.7 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience, which makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. Its sound profile is muted due to the design of the switch, delivering a subdued yet satisfying auditory feedback that keeps distractions to a minimum. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a neutral sound signature. This means that while it isn’t overly loud, it maintains a balanced audio profile that makes it suitable for both quiet settings and more dynamic environments. Ultimately, those who opt for the Silent Grey will benefit from a quieter keyboard experience, while the Violet caters to users who prefer a more versatile sound in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey boasts a pronounced tactile bump, along with a smooth keystroke that can provide a deeply satisfying typing experience. This tactile feedback offers clear signaling during each keypress, allowing for a more engaged and confident typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet presents a stepped tactile sensation, characterized by a two-stage feel. This means that while you can sense the tactile feedback during actuation, it is less intense than the Silent Grey’s pronounced bump, resulting in a gentler overall feel. The Violet’s smooth actuation contributes to a comfortable typing experience, but it also lacks the same level of pronounced feedback that the Silent Grey offers.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Jerrzi Violet switches provide distinct typing experiences shaped by their sound and tactile feedback. The Silent Grey excels in producing a quieter environment and is highly tactile, making it ideal for users who prioritize silence and pronounced feedback. Conversely, the Violet switch features a gentle tactile sensation accompanied by a neutral sound profile, balancing versatility for different environments. Depending on personal preferences, users can select either switch to match their typing style, particularly if they value either a pronounced tactile bump or a more subtle stepped response.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, you'll want to consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quiet, satisfying tactile experience with a heavier actuation force, the Silent Grey is your go-to option. Its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke make it particularly appealing in settings where sound may be a concern, such as shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more gentle typing experience with a balance of tactility and sound, the Jerrzi Violet switches would be the better choice. Their neutral sound signature and stepped feel provide an enjoyable experience that suits both beginners and experienced typists alike, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your preferences for sound, feel, and the intended use of your keyboard, allowing you to select the switch that best enhances your overall typing experience.
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