Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, a few key differences stand out. The Dareu Aqua is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean remains a bit of a mystery with no standout features identified. While the Aqua switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the Silent Ocean lacks any defining characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches showcase the advantages of nylon as a housing material in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the differences between the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Ocean lie mainly in their bottom housing materials, as their top housing materials are the same. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials affects the sound profile when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. While the Aqua and Silent Ocean offer distinct typing experiences due to their nylon bottom housing, they both share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, clearer sound profile that is enhanced by the material's stiffness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in both aspects. The Aqua has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is less than the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua is not specified, while the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Aqua switch due to its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences based on their desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches being equal ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of key press feel, making them both reliable options for a linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
The Outemu Silent Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience for users who appreciate a lighter touch. The chirpy sound adds a subtle squeak, while the clacky sound delivers a sharp and snappy tone, creating a distinctive typing sound profile. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, thanks to its super light 37g actuation force. These characteristics make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The low-impact typing feel of the Aqua switch enhances the overall typing experience, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a lighter, gentler keypress. Unfortunately, there is no information provided regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its unique sound and light actuation force, providing users with a distinctive typing experience that prioritizes a lighter touch and reduced finger fatigue. While information on the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is lacking, it can be inferred that users seeking a similar sound and feel to the Dareu Aqua may find comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, typing feel, and individual typing habits.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a super light actuation force of 37g with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the perfect choice for you. This switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65g and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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