Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. the durock medium tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. the switch falls under the categories of 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile typing feel. on the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a smooth and quiet linear typing experience without any specific standout features mentioned. if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the outemu switch might be the better choice for you. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches where RGB lighting is a consideration. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housing, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the difference in housing materials between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean becomes apparent. The top housing of both switches impacts the sound when a key is released, providing that distinct sharp and resonant tone characteristic of polycarbonate. However, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The softer nylon material of the Medium Tactile's bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing, which shares similar acoustic properties.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. Both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile, while the differences in their nylon bottom housings provide unique typing characteristics. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound associated with nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate, both switches offer a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that they both share a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches in that aspect. However, the Durock Medium Tactile has an unknown actuation force, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Outemu switch would offer a lighter typing experience compared to the Durock switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding the desired actuation force for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 3.3 mm. The Medium Tactile offers a more traditional travel distance, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a slightly shorter one. Gamers may prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean for its quicker response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Medium Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile experience, offering a prominent yet smooth tactility that is not overwhelming. As for the Dustproof Silent Ocean, the feel of the switch remains unknown.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a unique tactile experience with a distinctive sound profile. While the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch are unknown, it is essential to take into account personal preferences when choosing a switch. Both switches may provide a similar typing experience based on the information provided, but ultimately, it is recommended to try out different switches to determine the best fit for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silent keystroke with no specific tactile bump, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your personal preferences and typing style will play a key role in determining which switch is best suited for you.
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