Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu 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 Ocean offer distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. The Gateron Melodic stands out as a clicky switch, renowned for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems that enhance the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. With descriptors like 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Gateron Melodic promises a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that offers a different typing feel compared to the Melodic. Despite the lack of specific information about the Ocean switch, tactile switches are generally known for their subtle bump and silent operation, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Ocean depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Ocean, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Overall, users can expect a similar sound profile and visual appeal from both the Melodic and Ocean switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, where the Melodic and Ocean switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ocean also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, highlighting both switches' commitment to providing a satisfying typing experience with enhanced sound quality. Despite this shared characteristic, users may still notice subtle differences in sound and feel based on the unique design and construction of each switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Melodic and Ocean switches showcases a thoughtful approach to sound quality and user experience. While both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile and typing experience, the slight variations in their housing materials may result in nuanced differences that cater to individual preferences. Whether it's the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing or the fuller sound of nylon in the bottom housing, each material contributes to the overall performance and feel of these switches, making them stand out in the competitive mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have some distinct differences in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Ocean switch has an actuation force of 55 grams but no specified bottom out force. In terms of weight preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ocean switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Melodic switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The identical travel distance ensures that typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. As a result, users can expect comparable results in terms of key press feeling and responsiveness, making both switches equally suitable for those looking for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 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 clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and a clean, sharp click reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing experience, known for its smooth and fluid keystrokes and pronounced tactile feedback. The switches deliver a seamless and uniform typing sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel. As for the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is no specific information available regarding its tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as its buttery and invigorating typing feel. While specific details about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are not provided, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on individual preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery or invigorating typing feel, then the Melodic switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, and are looking for a different tactile and auditory experience, then the Ocean switch could be worth considering. Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches and determine which one suits your typing needs and preferences the most.
Mentioned in this article
