Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, the key differences lie in their unique characteristics. The Crystal switch offers a distinct linear typing experience thanks to its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing users with a neutral sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean remains silent during use, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. While the Crystal switch offers a chirpy, high-pitched sound profile, the Silent Ocean remains silent. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Ocean switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Crystal also incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining consistency throughout the switch for a uniform sound and feel. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While both the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Ocean switches share polycarbonate as their top housing material, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Crystal's use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with the stiffness of the material contributing to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience, with the Crystal emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the Silent Ocean prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Ocean switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Crystal's use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing provides a consistent and clear sound, ideal for those seeking a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more rounded typing feel. Whether you prioritize clarity and resonance or depth and fullness in your typing experience, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, meaning they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal switch has 55 grams, making it lighter than the Silent Ocean switch, which has 65 grams. This means that while both switches feel the same when initially pressed, the Silent Ocean switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully depressing the key. Some may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the Crystal switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial feel of the Silent Ocean switch for a more rigid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that they both offer a consistent key press experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance when typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance indicates that users can expect a comparable typing experience regardless of whether they choose the Outemu Crystal or Outemu Silent Ocean switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, 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
The Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing users with a smooth and responsive typing feedback. While the Crystal switch produces a neutral sound profile during typing, it is described as chirpy and high-pitched, offering a distinctive acoustical signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound qualities attributed to it, leaving it a mystery in terms of acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. This indicates that the materials used or factory lubing contribute to the sleek feel of the Crystal switches. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the Silent Ocean switch is not available, making it difficult to compare the two switches in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, along with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remains a mystery in terms of sound and feel qualities. If you enjoy the characteristics of the Crystal switch, you can expect similar results in sound and feel, but for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch might be worth exploring further. As with any keyboard switch choice, personal preference and typing style play a significant role in selecting the best switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should choose the Crystal if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. The Crystal switches are known for their chirpy and high-pitched sound, as well as their polished feel for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, then the Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch will best suit your needs and enhance your overall typing experience.
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