HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The HMX Canglan V2 is a linear switch that has garnered attention for its "thocky" sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and a seamless typing experience. Its carefully designed materials and advanced molding techniques not only contribute to its satisfying acoustic signature but also create a light touch feel that appeals to those who enjoy rapid key presses without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch is a tactile switch that offers a distinct bump at the actuation point, providing users with tactile feedback that many find satisfying for typing and gaming alike. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience, particularly for those who appreciate a clear indication of actuation. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Canglan V2 shining for its linear smoothness and the Ocean excelling with its tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Ocean, notable distinctions arise between their top housings, which impacts their overall sound profiles. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to effectively absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer and generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that tends to resonate more clearly. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially for users who favor RGB lighting, underscoring one of the critical differences in user preference between the two switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Canglan V2 and the Outemu Ocean employ nylon, which provides a consistent foundation for the sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller audio experience similar to the Canglan V2, as both switches benefit from the same material characteristics. When users press down on the switches, the nylon bottom housing's properties influence the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches produce rich auditory feedback upon actuation. Therefore, the tactile experience remains consistent, reflecting the advantages of nylon in their design.
Overall, while the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Ocean switches present contrasting top housing materials leading to divergent sound profiles, their shared bottom housing material fosters similarities in typing experience. The Canglan V2’s nylon top absorbs sound for a mellower auditory response, while the Ocean’s polycarbonate top produces a brighter sound, highlighting how material variations can drastically affect the final output. However, the identical nylon bottom ensures that users will still experience a profound and resonant feel during keystrokes, blending the two contrasting auditory characteristics into a cohesive typing experience. This interplay between different housing materials illustrates how thoughtful engineering can shape the nuances of keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch differ significantly in their actuation force, with the Canglan V2 requiring only 42 grams to actuate compared to the Ocean's heavier 55 grams. This makes the Canglan V2 the lighter option, which can be beneficial for users who engage in prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. However, the Outemu Ocean switch, with its higher actuation force, may provide users with a more substantial feel, making it preferable for those who enjoy a stronger push during their typing experience. While the Canglan V2 has a bottom out force of 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Ocean is unknown, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for extended use may lean towards the Canglan V2, while those preferring a heavier touch might find the Ocean switch more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ocean switch measures 4 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, as it offers a deeper key press. In summary, if responsiveness is your priority, the Canglan V2 is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Ocean is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation and a deeper press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch produces a satisfyingly deep sound signature that many enthusiasts recognize as both rich and thocky. This quality delivers an auditory experience that enhances typing satisfaction and contributes to a premium feel during use. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specified sound description available, making it challenging to directly compare; however, tactile switches are generally known for their distinct "bump" sound at the actuation point, which might differ greatly from the deep thock of the Canglan V2. It's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the specific keyboard they are installed in and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Canglan V2 is noted for its smooth and light actuation, providing users with a delightful typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. This smoothness is a hallmark of linear switches, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes without any tactile feedback or resistance. On the other hand, the tactile nature of the Outemu Ocean switch is not elaborated upon in the provided information, but typically, tactile switches offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing more pronounced feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This fundamental difference in feel between linear and tactile designs means that users will gravitate toward each based on personal preferences for feedback during typing.
In conclusion, the HMX Canglan V2 switch stands out with its deep sound profile and smooth, light feel, offering an appealing experience for those who favor linear switches. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean's qualities remain less defined, particularly in terms of sound and feel, leaving some uncertainty. Users who prefer a tactile experience may find the Ocean switch valuable, while those looking for a refined and satisfying linear option will likely gravitate towards the Canglan V2. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to personal preferences and the specific typing experience desired, as each switch can cater to different tastes based on their inherent characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, your preferences and typing style should guide your decision. If you appreciate a smooth and light keystroke, along with a satisfying deep sound profile, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who enjoy a quick, responsive typing experience without much resistance. This switch is particularly favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback experience that enhances your typing with a noticeable bump, the Outemu Ocean switch would likely be more to your liking. While the Ocean’s specifications are less defined, its tactile characteristics can provide clear sensory feedback that makes each keystroke more pronounced, benefiting those who like to know when a key has been engaged. Ultimately, consider how you engage with your keyboard—if you like the silent, smooth operating of a linear switch, go for the Canglan V2; if you enjoy the tactile engagement of your typing with a bump, the Ocean should be your pick.
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