Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Ocean both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is celebrated for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliability and smooth typing experience. While the Durock Medium Tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the Outemu Ocean does not fall into any specific categories. If you value a tactile switch with a distinct feel and sound, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the better option 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in their bottom housings - the Medium Tactile uses nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ocean also utilizes nylon for a similar effect.
When it comes to typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel of a switch. In the case of the Durock Medium Tactile, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The Outemu Ocean, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall typing feel and sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Ocean may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, it is the bottom housing material that sets them apart. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Medium Tactile or the similar effect in the Outemu Ocean, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Ocean tactile switches, we can see that the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force is not specified. This means that the Ocean may have a lighter actuation force compared to the Medium Tactile, but the bottom out force remains unknown. The Medium Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, which may be preferred by those looking for a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ocean's lighter actuation force could be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Ocean tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that regard. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Ocean tactile switches is the same, providing a familiar and reliable typing experience for users.
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 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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, while the Outemu Ocean switch's sound profile is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and typing technique.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized as an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile switch, offering a prominent yet balanced tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch is unspecified. The Medium Tactile's unique combination of tactile attributes provides a pleasant typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
Considering the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Ocean switch are unknown, it is important to consider personal preference and typing needs when selecting a tactile switch. Ultimately, individuals looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced but not overpowering tactility may find the Durock Medium Tactile switch to be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Ocean tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, and descriptors such as accented, stepped, mild, and polished for the feel, then the Durock Medium Tactile is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, sound characteristics, or feel descriptors, then the Outemu Ocean may be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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