Outemu Silent White vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the Kailh Sage stand out as excellent choices, each offering unique characteristics for a satisfying typing experience. The Silent White is a linear switch, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle keypress. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch, known for its invigorating, sharp, and crunchy typing feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback. While these generalities can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Kailh Sage are quite similar, as they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of sound, both switches will offer a clear and resonant typing experience thanks to the polycarbonate top housing. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent White utilizes nylon while the Sage also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches.
While the top housings of the Outemu Silent White and the Kailh Sage are both made of polycarbonate, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the impact of this softer material will be felt differently in the typing experience. The bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced more by the nylon bottom housing, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. This difference in bottom housing materials may lead to a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches, despite their similar top housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Kailh Sage play a significant role in shaping the typing experience and sound profile of these switches. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a clear and resonant sound when typing. The nylon bottom housings of these switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the impact of the softer material may influence the bottom-out sound and feel differently. Overall, while the two switches share similarities in their housing materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch results in a unique typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent White requires 60 grams, while the Sage needs 70 grams, making the Sage the heavier of the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent White may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel to their typing may gravitate towards the Sage. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Sage offers a medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sage switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White switch. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Silent White switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the press, the Sage switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific feel and speed of keystrokes desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent White comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 White linear switch is known for being quiet and lacking the traditional click sound associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its distinct and sharp clickiness, providing a crunchy sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch doesn't have a specific descriptor provided. Meanwhile, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing experience. The sharp tactile bump of the Sage switch is notable, providing a strong and crisp feel with each keypress.
Overall, if you prefer a quiet typing experience with smooth key presses, the Outemu Silent White switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and pronounced feedback, the Kailh Sage switch would be a great option to consider. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent White switch may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force, a distinct clicky sound, and a sharp tactile feedback while typing, the Sage switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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