Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Wine Red offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Grey is praised for its quiet and tactile typing experience, providing a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes that are perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet silent option. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches are loved for their pillowy light type feel and deep, rich sound profile, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy a bassy and low-pitched typing experience. 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
44g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Wine Red switches, we can see that they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which will contribute to the overall sound profile in a similar manner to the top housing, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the switches.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. This contrast results in a noticeable difference in sound profile and feel when typing on the switches. The Silent Grey's Nylon bottom housing provides a softer and more absorbed sound, creating a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing in enhancing the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, contributing to a crisper typing experience. Despite this difference, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly influence the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Wine Red switches showcase how materials like polycarbonate and nylon can impact the acoustics and feel of a switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing for its stiffness and clarity, the distinction in bottom housing materials highlights the importance of considering how different materials work together to create the desired sound profile. Whether deeper and fuller with Nylon or sharper and crisper with polycarbonate, these switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 44 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey requires 65 grams, while the Wine Red only requires 55 grams. This means that the Silent Grey is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter Wine Red switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Wine Red switch for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Silent Grey switch for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. In terms of comparing and contrasting, both switches offer a consistent and standard travel distance, resulting in a similar typing experience for the user. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other when it comes to travel distance. Whether you choose to use the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch or the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of key travel 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a smooth keystroke and a pronounced tactile bump, making it a great option for those who prefer a discreet typing sound. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch has a deep and rich sound profile, described as bassy and low-pitched. This gives it a more satisfying and full-bodied sound with each key press, which some may find more enjoyable for typing or gaming sessions.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump, allowing for more tactile feedback during typing. The KTT Wine Red switch, on the other hand, offers a pillowy light feel, giving a softer and smoother typing experience overall. This difference in feel can cater to different preferences, with the Silent Grey focusing on tactile feedback and the Wine Red focusing on a lighter touch.
Taking into account the information provided, both the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Wine Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and rich sound profile along with a softer typing feel, the Wine Red switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing preferences and requirements for your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a quieter and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switches would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile with a medium-light bottom out force, then the KTT Wine Red switches would be more suitable for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.