Outemu Silver vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and the Jerrzi Violet offer unique typing experiences. The Silver is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation. On the other hand, the Violet is a tactile switch that provides a gentle tactile bump with every key press, adding a satisfying feedback to your typing. While the Silver is perfect for fast typists looking for a smooth keystroke, the Violet is great for individuals who enjoy a tactile typing experience with minimal sound. 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
45g
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
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Jerrzi Violet switches, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that aim for clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Therefore, in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both the Silver and Violet switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Jerrzi Violet differ, with the Silver using nylon and the Violet also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience for users of both switches. While the top housing may have more impact on the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing play a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Silver and the Jerrzi Violet can greatly influence the typing experience for users. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, the differences in their nylon bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. Whether one prefers a sharper sound with the Silver's nylon bottom housing or a deeper sound with the Violet's nylon bottom housing, the combination of materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the actuation force is the same at 45 grams. However, the Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Silver switch slightly heavier overall. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of both switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silver switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing feel that caters to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet switch, making it the longer option. The difference of 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience for some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Silver switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Violet switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
The Outemu Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its lack of specific characteristics, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. Both switches can provide a pleasant typing sound, but the final result will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch does not have a specific description provided, but as a linear switch, it offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a gentle tactile bump during the keystroke that adds a satisfying feedback without being too pronounced. This makes the Violet switch a popular choice for typists who enjoy a tactile typing experience without excessive resistance.
Overall, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer different typing experiences to suit varying preferences. The Silver switch is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward linear feel with no tactile feedback, while the Violet switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a subtle tactile bump during typing. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth actuation and a gentle tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Jerrzi Violet switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for its specific qualities, the Outemu Silver switch might be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so it is important to determine which features are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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