HMX FJ400 vs. Outemu Ocean

Overview

When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the differences between linear and tactile switches is essential, and the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Ocean are prime examples of these two categories. The HMX FJ400, as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile, making it a great option for gamers and typists who prefer a clean and consistent feel without the tactile bump that can interrupt rhythm. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that provides a distinct feedback with each press, ideal for users who appreciate the sensation of a pronounced actuation point, enhancing typing accuracy and satisfying the tactile needs of many writers and gamers alike. While each switch brings its advantages—smoothness for the FJ400 and tactile feedback for the Ocean—choosing between them ultimately boils down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX FJ400 Linear

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX FJ400 and Outemu Ocean switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which ultimately affects their sound characteristics. The FJ400 features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This quality contrasts sharply with the Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its crisp, high-pitched sound profile owing to the stiffness of the material. The translucence of the polycarbonate in the Ocean not only contributes to its sound profile but also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting—making it more visually striking in a backlit setup. In essence, while both switches utilize advanced materials, the sound signature delivered by each top housing presents a distinct auditory experience.

Both switches, however, share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This classic material is praised for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. The nylon base of both the FJ400 and the Outemu Ocean contributes to a duller, rounder sound that complements the more pronounced characteristics of their respective top housings. Consequently, while the FJ400's POM top may produce a muted tone, the nylon bottom ensures that the overall sound experience remains rich and full-bodied. Similarly, the nylon in the Ocean maintains a cohesive deeper sound profile, effectively balancing the sharper upper frequencies introduced by its polycarbonate top.

In terms of overall performance, the different top housing materials lead to contrasting sound experiences, emphasizing the roles of each housing type. The top housing, which dictates the sound when releasing a key, ensures that the FJ400 conveys a smoother, more subdued response, while the Ocean's polycarbonate top offers a livelier, more resonant audio experience. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches plays a crucial role in grounding their tonal qualities, making the authorship of sound a shared characteristic, despite the variation in their respective sound profiles. Thus, while the switches explore different sound details through their distinct top housings, the uniformity provided by the nylon bottom housing indeed assures a consistent level of richness and depth across both models.

Weight

The HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which may appeal to different types of users. The FJ400 has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that could be more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Ocean is unavailable, making it difficult to compare its bottoming out characteristics with the FJ400's bottom out force of 58 grams. Consequently, while both switches cater to different preferences with regard to actuation force, the FJ400 is the lighter option, potentially favoring those who prioritize comfort over force in their typing or gaming activities.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The FJ400 boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Ocean offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction may appeal to different preferences: if quick response times are your priority, the HMX FJ400’s shorter travel distance could provide a more responsive experience. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean's longer travel distance might be more appealing to those who favor a deeper, more tactile feel when pressing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth during typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound qualities of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the FJ400 presents a balanced sound profile, striking a middle ground that offers a pleasant auditory experience conducive to both casual typing and gaming. The Ocean switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific sound profile highlighted, which leaves its acoustic characteristics mostly unknown. It's important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning users might find ways to enhance or mitigate the auditory feedback regardless of the switch type.

Turning to the tactile feedback, the FJ400 maintains a smooth and linear feel, offering uninterrupted keystrokes that are ideal for those who prefer a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch provides a tactile sensation that likely gives more feedback at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for users who enjoy pronounced tactile responses. However, precise descriptions of the Ocean's feel are not provided, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat uncertain in comparison.

In summary, the HMX FJ400 linear switch is characterized by its balanced sound and smooth, linear feel, which can cater well to users seeking a versatile typing experience. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, while its sound profile remains unspecified, presumably offers a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, while the subjective qualities differ, both switches have unique attributes that can satisfy various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, and users might optimize their experiences through careful selection of boards and keycaps.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing or gaming preferences. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keypress with a balanced sound profile, the FJ400 is a solid option thanks to its medium 58-gram bottom-out force that provides a satisfying tactile sensation without being overly stiff. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where you want quick actuation without distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback from your switches, the Outemu Ocean switch may be more fitting, particularly if you appreciate the physical bump with each keypress that provides confirmation of your actions, which can be beneficial for typing accuracy. While the specific sound characteristics of the Ocean switch are not highlighted, it’s essential to consider that the feel of the switch—its tactile nature—could enhance your gaming or typing experience fundamentally. Ultimately, choosing either switch depends on whether you prioritize a smooth linear response or a tactile bump, so consider your personal typing style and preferences before making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more