Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean provide two distinct typing experiences. The Durock Medium Tactile is celebrated for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, offering a unique jelly-like sound signature that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the Silent Ocean lacks specific categorization. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Durock Medium Tactile is distinguished by its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
While both switches share similarities in their top housing material, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ in their bottom housing material. The Durock Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. Similarly, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material.
In summary, the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are significant differences to note. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option which can be preferred for long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a similar feel when fully pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm. As a result, the typing experience and feedback provided by both switches will be similar in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback experience to users due to their identical travel distances of 4mm.
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 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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its unique jelly-like sound signature, providing a tactile experience with a balanced tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch's sound profile is currently unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard used and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having an accented tactile feel, meaning it offers a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It is also noted to have a stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is categorized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Silent Ocean switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Medium Tactile switch is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback and jelly-like sound signature, the qualities of the Silent Ocean switch remain unknown. If a user is looking for a switch with a unique tactile feel and sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a good choice based on the available information. Ultimately, the selection between the two switches would depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, you would want to choose the Durock Medium Tactile if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who prefer an accented, stepped, mild, or polished feel in their typing experience. On the other hand, you would choose the Outemu Silent Ocean if you are seeking a medium-heavy linear switch. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and feel. So, whether you value a pronounced tactile bump or a smooth linear keystroke, there is a switch that will cater to your individual typing needs.
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