Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Ocean present contrasting options for users seeking different typing experiences. The Kailh Box Navy is a clicky switch renowned for its heavy typing experience, pleasing sound signature, and satisfying tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that offers a quieter typing experience without a distinct sound signature. If you prefer a sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff typing feel, the Kailh Box Navy may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without any distinct characteristics, the Outemu Silent Ocean could be the perfect fit. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Ocean feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This shared material ensures that both switches will provide a similar auditory and visual experience for users. However, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing may result in a more distinct sound when letting go of a key, adding a unique element to the typing experience for each switch.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Ocean contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar auditory sensation when bottoming out keys, creating a consistent typing experience across both options.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Ocean may differ, the qualities each material brings to the switch ultimately affect the overall sound and feel of typing. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during bottom-out sounds and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials showcases how the design choices made by manufacturers can shape the typing experience for users, offering a unique blend of sound profiles and tactile feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is heavier compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Box Navy offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent Ocean provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own advantages depending on user preference, with the Box Navy being heavier and the Silent Ocean being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's 4 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Box Navy may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Ocean switch may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press for some users. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10.
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 Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a high-pitched and sharp sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has no known sound description, making it a silent option in comparison. Depending on personal preference, the Box Navy switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a clicky and immersive auditory experience while typing.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for delivering a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback with each keypress. This intense feedback and pronounced tactile bump create a satisfying and reactive typing sensation. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch has no known feel description available. If looking for a switch with distinct tactile feedback and a firm actuation force, the Box Navy may be the preferred choice over the Silent Ocean linear switch.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, individuals seeking a clicky switch with a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback may find the Kailh Box Navy to be a perfect match for their typing preferences. On the other hand, those looking for a silent linear switch alternative may lean towards the Outemu Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound, the Box Navy switches with their 90-gram bottom out force and resonant, crunchy sound profile are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a silent operation, the Silent Ocean switches with their 65-gram bottom out force are a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound signature. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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