Outemu Silver vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct yet compelling options tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silver, known for its smooth linear feel, appeals to those who favor a quiet and uninterrupted keystroke experience, making it ideal for rapid gaming or seamless typing without the tactile bump. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience with its satisfying bump while maintaining a balanced sound profile. For users who enjoy the feedback of their keys without excessive noise, the Weightlessness switch shines. These characteristics highlight why one might choose either switch: the Silver for speed and stealth, and the Weightlessness for a tactile and enjoyable typing rhythm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and Gateron Weightlessness switches differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Silver switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This quality allows for a crisper acoustics experience, especially beneficial for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, notable for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound results in a more rounded and muted auditory experience compared to the pronounced clarity of the Silver switch. These differences not only affect the sound produced when the switch is pressed but also influence how users may perceive the overall typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, making them similar in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a muted acoustics profile, resulting in that deep and resonant sound characteristic of switches that deploy softer materials. As both the Outemu Silver and Gateron Weightlessness share this commonality for their bottom housings, the complexities in their overall sound signature are shaped primarily by the top housing. Thus, although the Silver offers a sharper sound with its polycarbonate top while Gateron creates a fuller sound with nylon, the shared bottom housing allows for a consistent depth of sound that ensures a satisfying tactile experience with both switches.

Ultimately, when evaluating the overall performance of the Outemu Silver and Gateron Weightlessness, it’s essential to consider the interplay of materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silver switch introduces bright and crisp acoustics during usage, while its nylon bottom housing provides depth to the bottoming-out sound. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness combines the soft character of nylon in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistency that yields a rounded auditory experience. Therefore, while the switches will deliver different sound profiles owing to their distinct top housings, users can expect a similarly satisfying tactile sensation from both switches, particularly because of their shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is unspecified. The Outemu Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively lighter compared to the Gateron Weightlessness, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may find the Outemu Silver more suitable, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel might lean toward the Gateron Weightlessness. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feedback when fully pressed down, while the lack of data for the Weightlessness means we cannot make a direct comparison in this regard. Ultimately, if you are considering the typing experience, the Outemu Silver will give a lighter feel during use, while the unspecified bottom out force of the Weightlessness leaves its overall feedback somewhat uncertain.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Outemu Silver boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and provides users with a more pronounced feel during key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize rapid response times and quicker actuation. While the Silver's longer travel distance may be favored by those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial key press, the Weightlessness appeals to those looking for a snappier experience. Ultimately, if you prefer hearty depth, the Outemu Silver is the better choice, while the Gateron Weightlessness is ideal for those who enjoy a more responsive feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, on the other hand, features a balanced sound profile that aligns with its tactile characteristics, providing a subtle auditory feedback without being overly loud. Both switches are influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, but the Silver’s linear nature generally leads to a smoother and quieter keystroke compared to the more pronounced sound that can accompany the tactile feedback of the Weightlessness.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, lacking any tactile bump, which allows for rapid and fluid key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch includes a subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing that satisfying bump during the actuation point without disrupting the overall fluidity when typing. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for those who appreciate a distinct point of engagement, in contrast to the seamless pressing of linear switches like the Silver.

In summary, the Outemu Silver linear switch is a great option for those seeking smoothness and quietness in their typing experience, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balance of tactile feedback and sound. Depending on personal preference, one might choose the Silver for a quieter, linear experience or the Weightlessness for a more engaging tactile feel that still maintains a balanced sound. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more consistent and smooth keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Silver is an excellent option, especially for faster typing or gaming where you want to avoid unintentional key presses. Its linear nature provides a quiet experience, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a subtle to moderate bump upon actuation, you might lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness. Its tactile characteristics, paired with a balanced sound profile, offer an engaging and satisfying typing experience. This switch would be ideal for those who appreciate the sensation of feedback without the noise that can accompany more aggressive tactile switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal comfort and the specific activities you'll be using your keyboard for, balancing performance and tactile enjoyment as you see fit.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more