KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Ocean, both of which are tactile switches. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being noticeable without being overpowering. Known for its light touch and crisp actuation, the Ash Gray switch offers an enjoyable blend of tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who prefer a gentle yet distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch lacks a specific description but falls into the tactile switch category. Although both switches offer tactile feedback, the Ash Gray switch may be more appealing to those looking for a lighter touch, while the Outemu Ocean switch could potentially appeal to those who prefer a more versatile typing experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Ocean, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, the overall sound and feel may differ based on other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Ash Gray utilizes nylon while the Outemu Ocean also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound, contributing to the overall typing experience. The similarities in the bottom housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect a similar sound profile in terms of depth and fullness when typing on either switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Ocean share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences in their bottom housing material, nylon in both cases, provide a unique typing experience for each switch. It is important for users to consider not only the material of the housing but also other factors such as keycap compatibility and overall design when choosing between these switches for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams to bottom out, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. The Ash Gray switch provides a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ocean switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Ash Gray due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Ocean. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. In general, the Ash Gray would provide a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, while the Ocean would offer a more traditional typing feel with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Outemu 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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is appreciated for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It also offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. As for the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is no specific information provided about its feel.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch stands out for its blend of tactile feedback that is noticeable yet not overwhelming, along with its comfortable typing experience and neutral sound profile. Without information on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound and feel, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two. However, it is likely that both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel, based on the available information on the KTT Ash Gray switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a light touch with a crisp actuation versus an unavailable bottom out force. If you value a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique bottom out force or a different tactile feel, you may want to explore the Outemu Ocean switch. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific typing preferences and needs.
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