HMX FJ400 vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Silent Ocean both present compelling options, particularly for users who prefer linear switches. The FJ400 is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, positioned as a middle ground in the HMX Film switch lineup, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile typing experience that strikes an ideal balance between tactile feedback and noise level. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean is tailored for quiet operation, making it an appealing option for users who prioritize minimal auditory distraction while gaming or typing in shared spaces. Both switches provide smooth key presses that enhance overall typing comfort, but they cater to different user preferences—whether one values sound profile balance or silent performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX FJ400 Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Silent Ocean utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The FJ400 features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic can be attributed to POM’s unique properties, which allow it to create a pleasing, yet subdued acoustic event when typing. In contrast, the Silent Ocean employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that facilitates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also has aesthetic advantages, particularly for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to diffuse beautifully through the housing.

Both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, nylon. Nylon is a classic choice in switch housing materials, lauded for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Users experience this softer sound as the nylon absorbs more of the vibrations that might otherwise create a higher-pitched noise. Accordingly, both the FJ400 and Silent Ocean will yield a similar bottom-out sound – the experience will feel consistent and rounded due to the nylon housing. This similarity emphasizes how, despite the differences in top housing materials, the bottom housing serves as a common ground for sound characteristics.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the FJ400 and Silent Ocean results in a nuanced audio experience. While the FJ400's POM top produces a more muted tone and the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top delivers a clearer sound, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a cohesive base sound. Therefore, even with their contrasting top materials, users can still attain similar results in terms of a rounded typing experience, particularly when considering the bottom-out sound. This highlights the importance of understanding how the interplay between different materials affects the overall acoustic profile of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Ocean is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silent Ocean more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force tells a different story; the FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the heavier bottom out force of 65 grams for the Silent Ocean. This difference indicates that while the Silent Ocean offers a gentler actuation, it requires more effort to press all the way down, providing a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for those who enjoy a heavier feel, the Silent Ocean may be the preferred choice, while the FJ400 suits those who favor a lighter and smoother keystroke overall.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The FJ400 features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, categorizing it as the longer switch. This difference in travel distance reflects varying user preferences: those who favor a more responsive feel may gravitate toward the FJ400 due to its shorter travel, enhancing typing speed and agility. Conversely, the additional 0.2 mm in the Silent Ocean may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, providing a richer tactile experience. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely depends on whether one values quicker response times or deeper feedback during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX FJ400 linear switch produces a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between the more muted tones of softer switches and the more pronounced clicks of tactile options. This middle ground makes it versatile for both gaming and typing, allowing for an audible yet not overly distracting experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed specifically to minimize noise, likely resulting in an experience much quieter than that of the FJ400. However, without specific descriptions of its sound characteristics, it's difficult to provide a detailed comparison. The overall sound can also vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps used, which is true for both switches.

When it comes to feel, the FJ400 is crafted to deliver a smooth and consistent keystroke, allowing for fluid motion across long typing sessions. This makes it appealing for both gamers and typists who appreciate a linear switch without any tactile feedback interrupting the flow. The Silent Ocean, meanwhile, is likely to offer a similarly smooth experience due to its linear nature, but without explicit descriptions regarding its actuation force or travel distance, a direct comparison remains elusive. Both switches aim for a streamlined feel, which can lead to comparable user experiences in practice.

In conclusion, while the HMX FJ400 might offer a balanced sound and a smooth feel, making it versatile in various scenarios, the Outemu Silent Ocean prioritizes noise reduction and likely maintains a similarly smooth keystroke. Users looking for a quieter option might lean toward the Silent Ocean, but if a balanced sound profile is your preference, the FJ400 serves well. Ultimately, both switches embody qualities ideal for different preferences, allowing for satisfying typing experiences with their linear characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you appreciate a balanced sound profile and a medium actuation force, the FJ400 is a fantastic option, providing a satisfying feel with moderate resistance that is conducive to both typing and gaming. Its overall characteristics make it suitable for users who prefer a versatile switch that can handle various tasks without feeling too heavy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier key feel and are seeking a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be the better choice, as it features a medium-heavy actuation force that can provide more tactile feedback while minimizing noise. This switch is particularly suited for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a more muted sound while typing. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your individual typing style and environment—whether you prioritize a balanced, versatile switch or a heavier, quieter alternative will guide you toward the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more