HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are key differences to consider. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique feel for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean does not have a specific standout feature mentioned. However, both switches offer a linear typing experience, which can be appealing for those who prefer a consistent and smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Ocean will come down to personal preference and individual typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Ly
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Ocean provide different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cheese's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its relatively stiffer plastic composition. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the Nylon top housings. This shared material provides a consistent typing experience across both switches in terms of sound output. However, the differences in their respective top housings affect the overall sound and typing feel, with the Cheese offering a softer and duller sound compared to the Silent Ocean's sharper and clearer sound. Despite the shared bottom housing material, the top housing variations play a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
The utilization of different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of switches allows for a split in the qualities they bring to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Nylon bottom housing in both the Cheese and Silent Ocean, primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether it be Nylon or polycarbonate, has more impact on the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials enhances the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing compositions in determining the switch's characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter in both categories. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, whereas the Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Cheese more conducive to longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods due to its lighter touch. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their respective forces, catering to users who prefer either a lighter or heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances that are commonly found in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique and satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, so it is uncertain how it compares in this aspect. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
In regard to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback. Conversely, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is not provided, making it difficult to compare the two switches in terms of feel.
Overall, if the HMX Cheese linear switch provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, it is likely that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel with the HMX Cheese switch. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors like typing style and use case when choosing between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer an ultra-light switch with a smooth and crisp typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and perhaps a quieter typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Ocean would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Choose wisely and enjoy your typing experience!
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