Outemu Silver vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and Kailh Sage stand out as two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Silver is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes, while the Sage is a clicky switch that offers a more tactile typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. The Silver switch may be preferred for its consistency and quieter operation, whereas the Sage switch could be chosen for its invigorating and crunchy feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silver and the Kailh Sage utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. While both switches share this feature, the differences in their bottom housing materials will influence the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
The Outemu Silver features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the overall typing experience, giving users a more subdued and muffled sound when bottoming out keys. In contrast, the Kailh Sage also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in sound between the two switches may be subtle, but the bottom housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing feel.
When comparing the Outemu Silver and the Kailh Sage, it is clear that the choice of materials in their top and bottom housings greatly influences the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound, they differ in their bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, with slight variations in the level of dampening and roundness. Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience, where the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has a unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that while the Sage may require a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, both switches provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silver may be the better option, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sage, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. However, the Sage offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silver being on the longer side and the Sage being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for being quiet and lacking any distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as having a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This difference in sound can add a tactile element to the typing experience, with the Sage switch providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch is known for its smooth and consistent linear feel with no tactile feedback. In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as invigorating and sharp, offering a tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each key press. This difference in feel can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Sage switch providing a more tactile and responsive feel compared to the Silver switch.
Overall, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer vastly different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silver switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with no tactile feedback, the Sage switch offers a crunchy sound and a sharp tactile bump, creating a more immersive and satisfying typing sensation. It is important to consider personal preference and typing style when choosing between these switches to ensure the best possible experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback or audible clicks, the Outemu Silver switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams and a sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or a tactile and auditory feedback while typing.
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