TTC Iron vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch with the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The TTC Iron offers a unique clacky sound signature with each press, providing an aural satisfaction to the typing experience. Additionally, it is remarkably light and offers swift, fatigue-free typing sessions with smooth travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. While the TTC Iron is easy-to-press and provides a mild and neutral feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean lacks specific defining characteristics. 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and Outemu Silent Ocean both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Iron features a POM top housing, which gives it a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The POM bottom housing of the Iron also adds to its deep and pleasing sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean provides a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches highlight the impact housing materials can have on sound quality.
While the Iron's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate housing offers a crisper and more resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Both switches showcase how housing materials can affect the overall feel and sound of typing, catering to different preferences and tastes.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on key presses, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings emphasizes the importance of considering both components when choosing a switch. Whether opting for the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Iron or the crisper and higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean, housing materials significantly contribute to the overall typing experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Iron requires 50 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean heavier in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Iron may appeal to those who prefer a smoother typing experience for longer periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial and potentially satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Ocean being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Iron for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
The Outemu 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 TTC Iron linear switch is best known for its clacky and sharp sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not provided, making it difficult to compare the two switches in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key activation. This light actuation force promotes comfortable and effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is unspecified, making it challenging to compare the two switches based on this aspect.
Overall, while the TTC Iron linear switch offers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remain unknown. Hence, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of sound and feel. However, if the Silent Ocean switch provides a similar level of clackiness and ease of pressing as the Iron switch, users can expect similar results in terms of auditory satisfaction and typing comfort. Ultimately, selecting the right switch will depend on personal preferences and the type of typing experience one seeks to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you value a light actuation force and a clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying element to your typing experience, the TTC Iron switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to determine what qualities are most important to you when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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