Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Box White is praised for its maximum audio feedback, producing a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Ocean switch does not come with any special features. If you prefer a resonant and high-pitched typing experience with a crunchy and polished feel, the Box White may be the switch for you. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Outemu Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the clear housing allows for a visually appealing look. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. While both switches share similar characteristics in terms of their housing materials, the differences in sound and feel can be attributed to the unique qualities of each material.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Ocean, the different qualities of polycarbonate and nylon are distributed between the top and bottom housings. Pressing down on either switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials gives each switch a distinct sound profile and tactile feedback, providing users with a varied typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in different housing components creates a balanced blend of characteristics, offering a mix of sharpness and depth in sound.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Ocean may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches use similar materials for their housings, the distribution of polycarbonate and nylon in different components creates unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, each switch offers its own distinctive qualities. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience, influencing not only the sound but also the tactile feedback and feel of each keystroke.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White has a slightly higher force of 60 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box White for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial feel to their typing experience may opt for the Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box White offers a slightly shallower keypress experience than the Ocean switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Box White, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Ocean switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box White being on the shorter end and the Ocean on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Outemu 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 White clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched qualities, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is currently unavailable. Both switches may produce different sounds depending on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White switch offers a distinct clicky sound with accented tactility and a smooth typing experience, the information on the Outemu Ocean switch is limited. If a newcomer is looking for a switch with similar sound and feel to the Box White, they may be inclined to choose the Ocean switch based on preference for clicky switches. However, without more detailed information on the Ocean switch, it is recommended to try out both switches to determine the best fit for individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a clicky typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Box White switch offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, producing a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. In addition, it provides a polished feel for smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lighter actuation force and a more subtle typing experience, the Outemu Ocean switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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