Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, both being linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. With a smooth and satisfying feel, along with a crispy sound profile, the Ink Reds are effortless to type on. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have any specific standout features mentioned. However, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and benefits. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it is clear that they both prioritize sound profiles in different ways. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Red offers a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a sharper and crisper sound. This highlights the importance of the top housing material in determining the overall sound experience of a switch. However, despite these differences, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience through their distinctive sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing continues the trend of offering a high-pitched and clacky sound. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shows how the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. While the Ink Red focuses on a thin and higher-pitched sound, the Dustproof Silent Ocean aims for a more robust and rounder sound, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users. The differences in top and bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles, with the Ink Red offering a clacky and high-pitched sound while the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a sharper and fuller sound. Despite these variations, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Gateron Ink Red provides a more moderate typing experience overall compared to the slightly heavier feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Ink Red, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may find the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean to be a more suitable option for them. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches provide different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The Outemu Dustproof 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Its crisp and clacky sound adds a satisfying element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks a specific description of its sound profile, so it is difficult to compare directly. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red is appreciated for its silky smooth typing experience, which minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. The mild and polished characteristics of the switch provide a comfortable typing sensation for most users. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have a specified feel descriptor available, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing experience.
Overall, based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch appears to have a more detailed description of its sound and feel characteristics compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force, smooth feel, and crisp sound, the Gateron Ink Red may be the preferred choice. However, if the specific qualities of the Outemu switch are unknown, it is possible that you may achieve similar results but with some uncertainty regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Red linear switch or the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Ink Red if you prefer a lighter typing style and enjoy a smooth, crispy, and clacky sound profile. The lower actuation force of 60 grams in the Ink Red makes it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with dustproof capabilities, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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