Outemu Silver vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Tom. The Outemu Silver is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump when the key is pressed. The Silver is often preferred by gamers for its quick actuation and rapid response time, while the Tom is favored by typists who enjoy the tactile feedback for more precise typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silver and Outemu Tom switches share many similarities, 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 those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, its translucency makes it a perfect choice for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience.
While both the Outemu Silver and Outemu Tom switches have similar top and bottom housing materials, the characteristics of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing how it responds when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a bigger role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction allows for a unique typing experience that combines the best qualities of both housing materials in a single switch design.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and Outemu Tom switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the Silver with its polycarbonate top housing, while others looking for a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Tom with its nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the benefits of different housing materials, providing a customizable option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which requires 55 grams to actuate. However, the Silver switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Tom switch is unknown. This means that the Silver switch provides a smoother and lighter typing experience initially, but requires more force to fully press the keys down. In contrast, the Tom switch may offer a more tactile typing feel with a higher actuation force, but it is unclear how much force is needed to bottom out the keys. Overall, the Silver switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Tom switch may provide a more tactile typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means the Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while a 3.0mm travel distance is shallower and preferred by gamers for quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker typing experience, the Outemu Tom tactile switch with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press, the Outemu Silver linear switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Silver and Tom.
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 Silver linear switch is typically known for a quiet and smooth operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for a more pronounced tactile bump which can result in a slightly louder typing sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch is often praised for its consistent and linear actuation, providing a smooth and predictable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Tom tactile switch offers a more tactile feedback with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the Outemu Silver and Outemu Tom switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a quiet and linear typing experience with the Silver switch or a more tactile feel with the Tom switch, both options provide quality performance. Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary based on personal preferences and typing habits, so trying out both switches firsthand may be the best way to determine which one suits your needs the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Silver switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, the Tom tactile switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Additionally, consider the factors of sound and feel when making your decision, as these aspects can greatly impact your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing needs to fully enjoy the benefits of a mechanical keyboard.
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