Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic 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 Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that has gained popularity for its smooth factory lubing, dual-railed stems, and the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback it provides. Described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Melodic switch is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch that is known for its silent operation and dustproof design. While it may not have as many standout features as the Melodic, it offers a quiet typing experience that can be beneficial in shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. However, despite this similarity, the two switches differ in their bottom housings. The Melodic utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean also uses nylon for its bottom housing, reflecting a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
While both switches use the same materials for their top housing, the housing material used in the bottom of the switches plays a significant role in the typing experience. With the Melodic's nylon bottom housing absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound, compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's bottom housing, which provides a similar typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different feel when bottoming out keys on each switch. However, both switches still offer a pleasing typing experience overall, with varying levels of sound and feel due to the housing materials used.
In summary, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches both feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting. Where they differ is in the bottom housing material, with the Melodic utilizing nylon for a deeper sound profile, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a similar experience. The bottom housing material can impact the typing experience, with the Melodic offering a duller sound due to the absorption properties of nylon. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic has an actuation force of None grams, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. In terms of bottom out force, the Melodic requires 60 grams, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making it heavier. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Melodic being slightly lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we find that the Melodic has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Melodic switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Melodic is more traditional, providing a deeper press feel, whereas the 3.3mm travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean is shallower, offering a quicker response time. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Melodic with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing users with a high-pitched and immersive auditory feedback that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for its buttery and invigorating typing sensation, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with uniform feedback. The switch provides a seamless and effortless typing experience with moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel for users. As for the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, the information on its feel is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch boasts a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks available information on both its sound and feel characteristics. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a satisfying clicking sound and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Melodic switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, without more details on the Outemu switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Melodic if you prioritize a medium bottom out force, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating typing feel. This switch is perfect for those seeking a classic clicky experience with a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force is ideal if you prefer a silent typing experience without sacrificing smoothness. Although it lacks specific sound and feel descriptors, this switch offers a reliable and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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