Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Weightlessness stand out as two excellent tactile options, each catering to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is renowned for providing a quiet yet pronounced tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for users who value a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of noise. Its smooth keystroke enhances comfort during long typing sessions, making it an excellent pick for both office environments and late-night gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtler to moderate tactile feel, striking a balance between feedback and noise. Its unique sound profile complements its tactile characteristics, appealing to those who enjoy a more nuanced typing experience that doesn't sacrifice auditory pleasure. While both switches provide tactile feedback, their distinct sound and feel create unique typing experiences that cater to different user 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, we see a significant distinction in their top housings, which results in differing sound profiles. The Silent Grey employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer makeup, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are released. This makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as the translucence of polycarbonate highlights the illumination. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, a classic material that produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer and more absorbent properties. As a result, while both switches may share a level of quality, their top housing materials lead to fundamentally different auditory experiences.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic in sound and feel during typing. Nylon's softer nature contributes equally to both the Silent Grey and Weightlessness switches, providing a deeper and more rounded sound profile for bottoming out. Since the qualities of the bottom housing significantly influence the overall sound and tactile feel upon keypress, users can expect a similar experience in this respect. Even with the contrasting materials in their top housings, both switches harmonize in sound profile when pressed down, creating a consistent tactile feedback and auditory experience.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Weightlessness differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing yields a comparable typing feel and sound due to the properties inherent to nylon. The interplay of these materials suggests that while the initial sound produced during a key release may vary significantly between the two due to their top housings, users can enjoy a uniform experience when the key is pressed down. Thus, despite their differences, both switches can yield a satisfying and resonant typing experience—highlighting the importance of material choice in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it becomes evident that they share an actuation force of 50 grams, which means both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity can lead to comparable typing experiences in terms of actuation. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Grey is 65 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unspecified, leaving us uncertain of its performance at the bottom of the stroke. Generally, since the Silent Grey has a heavier bottom out force, it may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, making it heavier overall. Meanwhile, if someone favors a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions without the bottoming out resistance being quantified for the Weightlessness, they might find that the Silent Grey better suits those needs due to its defined actuation characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing feel and responsiveness. The Outemu Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional preferences for a more substantial keypress, offering a hearty depth that some users may favor for a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to those who prioritize quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. Therefore, for users seeking a more traditional typing experience with deeper feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey may be the preferred switch. Conversely, those who prefer a more responsive feel will likely lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, this difference in travel distance highlights the distinct usability goals of each switch, as they provide different tactile sensations and performance characteristics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet operation, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. The pronounced tactile bump contributes to its satisfying sound profile without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch produces a subtle to moderate sound, which is balanced and complements its tactile feel. The quieter nature of the Silent Grey contrasts with the moderate sound of the Weightlessness switches, but it's important to remember that the overall sound experience can be significantly influenced by the keyboard's construction and the specific keycaps used.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Silent Grey offers a highly tactile typing experience characterized by a pronounced bump that guides the typist through each keystroke. This smooth keystroke, combined with the prominent tactile feedback, creates a satisfying sensation with every press. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch provides a more subtle tactile feedback that is still noticeable but less pronounced than that of the Silent Grey. This leads to a smoother typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a softer tactile response without sacrificing feedback entirely.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Silent Grey stands out for its quiet operation and pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. The Weightlessness, while more moderate in sound and tactile feedback, offers a balanced option for those looking for a subtly responsive switch. Ultimately, if you're seeking a switch with minimal sound disruption, the Silent Grey is the way to go, while the Weightlessness offers a softer, yet still engaging, typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quiet and satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy resistance and pronounced tactile bump, this switch provides a distinct feedback that many typists find enjoyable, especially in environments where noise reduction is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a more subtle tactile feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may better suit your needs. Its balanced sound profile and smooth keystroke make it ideal for those who enjoy a gentle, muted typing experience without the pronounced feedback of heavier switches. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value a quieter, more tactile experience with the Silent Grey or a smoother, lighter feel with the Weightlessness. Both switches have their strengths, so choose based on what aspect of typing you find most satisfying.
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