Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Keylin stands out with its unique molds from Keygeek, which not only enhance the smoothness of the keystroke but also provide a rich acoustic experience that many typists appreciate. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean, while lacking a singular standout feature, offers users a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. Both switches serve their purpose well within the linear switch category; you might prefer the Keylin for its auditory satisfaction or the Silent Ocean for its stealthy operation. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches showcase distinct housing materials that result in varied auditory and tactile experiences. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which dampens the frequencies produced during key presses, creating a rounder sound experience. In contrast, the Silent Ocean opts for a polycarbonate top housing, delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound that's crisper and more resonant. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, allows for clearer sound dynamics, making it particularly suitable for emphasizing the sounds generated when releasing a key, thus creating a more pronounced auditory feedback within an RGB-lit environment.
On a similar note, both the Keylin and Silent Ocean utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which elicits a comparable deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material results in a consistent tactile sensation during typing, as the nylon construction in the bottom housing serves to absorb some of the higher-pitched sounds generated during the keystroke. As a consequence, when pressed, both switches retain a consistent finish, allowing the bottom-out sound to resonate with a softer impact rather than a sharp strike, thus enhancing typing comfort and reducing auditory fatigue. The similarity in the bottom housing ensures that users will still enjoy a rich tactile feedback and sound profile, despite the differences present in the top housings.
In practice, the variation in materials between the top and bottom housings of the Keylin and Silent Ocean switches results in a complex interplay of sound characteristics. For the Keylin, the nylon top mitigates sound clarity while enhancing depth, whereas the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top adds brightness and clarity but maintains a softer bottom-end due to the nylon bottom. Each switch, therefore, reflects its unique combination of housing materials, with the bottom influencing key feel and sound richness, while the top impacts the release's sound profile. For users seeking a balance between a muted sound experience and sharper auditory feedback, these diverse configurations present opportunities to achieve a tailored typing experience, highlighting the nuanced differences in design that ultimately affect performance and satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less resistance, especially for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ocean switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Consequently, the Keylin switch is preferable for users seeking a lighter touch, while the Silent Ocean appeals to those who favor a medium-heavy experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest a tailored choice depending on an individual's typing preferences and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option, whereas the Silent Ocean has a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer and allows for a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in distance can influence the overall typing experience; the Keylin may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Silent Ocean may be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in key feel, which highlights the importance of considering travel distance when selecting a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is known for delivering rich acoustics, creating a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This can be attributed to its premium mold design, which helps to enhance the depth and quality of the sound produced. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound qualities noted, suggesting it may prioritize a quieter operation without distinct auditory feedback. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
Regarding feel, the Keylin switch is celebrated for exceptional smoothness, allowing for a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing tasks. The responsiveness and tactile engagement create a sense of reliability and comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Ocean linear switch is less defined, as there is no specific feedback available regarding its tactile qualities. This could indicate that it offers a more standard linear feel, but without concrete attributes to distinguish it.
Overall, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out for its rich sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it a premium choice for users seeking both auditory satisfaction and a superior typing experience. The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific sound and feel characteristics that would highlight its appeal, which may make it a more average linear option. If you're seeking a well-rounded experience with a focus on premium qualities, the Keylin is your go-to, whereas the Silent Ocean may deliver a standard performance without distinct standout features.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will greatly influence your decision. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch with a smooth feel and rich acoustics, the Keylin would be the ideal choice; it provides a premium typing experience that is excellent for fast-paced typing and gaming, making it suitable for those who prioritize speed and agility. On the other hand, if you are someone who favors a more substantial actuation force with a medium-heavy feel, the Silent Ocean would be more appropriate, especially if you enjoy a solid typing experience that can help prevent accidental key presses. While the Silent Ocean does not have standout acoustic properties, its heavier force can be beneficial for users who prefer a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing comfort and whether you seek smoothness and acoustics or a firmer keypress.
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