Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Beer switch evokes the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle with its mesmerizing translucent green color. Known for its refreshing lightweight design, the Beer switch boasts a stepped tactility that provides a subtler feel compared to traditional tactility. Additionally, it produces a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remains silent during typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Ocean, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the bottom housing of the Beer is also made of polycarbonate, while the Silent Ocean's bottom housing is made of nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
In terms of sound profile and feel, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role. The top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches, affects the sound when a key is released. This results in a sharper and crisper sound for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the choice of housing material differs. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile, while the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and Outemu Silent Ocean may have similar top housing materials, the choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The use of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures a sharp and high-pitched sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy choice. This means that the Beer will require less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Silent Ocean. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Beer would be a suitable choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Ocean would be better suited. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that the Beer has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Ocean has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer's 3.4 mm travel distance is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, making it a popular choice among gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its lightweight and subtly tactile feel, providing a unique typing experience. The sound it produces is described as clacky, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Beer. However, based on the information provided, if you prefer a light actuation force and a switch with a stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a suitable choice. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing habits, and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between different mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a light, easy-to-press switch with a unique stepped tactility and clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a linear feel and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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