Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, both known for their linear characteristics, there are some key differences to consider. The Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Its smooth and satisfying feel, coupled with a crispy and clacky sound profile, makes it effortless to type on. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's distinguishing features are not explicitly stated, leaving room for interpretation. While the Ink Red is characterized by neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished qualities, the Silent Ocean lacks specific descriptors. In choosing between these two switches, one may lean towards the Ink Red for its precise characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and Outemu Silent Ocean switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean switches also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switches. On the other hand, the Ink Red's bottom housing also features the proprietary INK blend, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes the same INK blend as the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile across the switch. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing of the switch.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Ink Red and Outemu Silent Ocean switches plays a significant role in defining their respective sound profiles. While the Ink Red's INK blend provides a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound, the Silent Ocean's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer the thinner and higher-pitched sound of the Ink Red or the deeper and fuller sound of the Silent Ocean, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in a switch can have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the keyboard.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Red requires 60 grams while the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Ink Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ocean for a stronger push feel. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, but the Silent Ocean offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and response when using either of these switches. Overall, despite any differences in other aspects of these switches, such as actuation force or sound level, the travel distance remains the same, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of the chosen switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. The switch has a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound, giving a tactile feedback that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile remains unknown, so it's hard to compare directly. It's worth noting that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This polished switch provides a refined and sleek typing feel, thanks to either the choice of materials or factory lubing. The switch falls into the middle ground in terms of typing experience, making it approachable to most users. As for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, information on its feel is unknown, so we can't draw direct comparisons at this time.

Considering the available information, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch stands out for its smooth and refined typing experience, complemented by a crisp and clacky sound profile. It offers a neutral actuation force requirement, making it versatile for different users and environments. While the Outemu Silent Ocean switch lacks information on sound and feel, it may provide similar results to the Gateron Ink Red if it offers a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific qualities that each user values in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Red linear switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Gateron Ink Red if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a slightly lower bottom out force. The smooth and clacky sound profile of the Ink Red is well-suited for those with a lighter typing style. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be more to your liking. Keep in mind that the Silent Ocean switches do not have as prominent sound and feel descriptions compared to the Ink Reds. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more