Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Ocean stand out as two contrasting options. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that is celebrated for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that offers a quieter typing experience. The Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', whereas the Silent Ocean does not have any specific descriptors. Understanding the general characteristics of each switch can help guide your decision-making process; 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches have polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users looking for a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. With similar top housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic when using either switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softness and sound absorption properties, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more muted typing experience. This contrast in bottom housing materials allows users to choose between a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound depending on their preference.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Silent Ocean switches provides a versatile typing experience. With the Melodic offering a sharper sound and the Silent Ocean offering a fuller sound, users can tailor their keyboard setup to their liking. The split in housing materials also means that each switch has a unique feel when pressing down and letting go of keys, allowing for a diverse typing experience depending on which switch is chosen. Regardless of the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer high-quality construction and sound profiles that cater to a wide range of users' preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of triggering keystrokes, while the Outemu Silent Ocean switch requires 45 grams of force to actuate. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gateron Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. The choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference, with the Melodic providing a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, while the Silent Ocean offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer a consistent travel distance, providing a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Melodic clicky switch or the Silent Ocean linear switch, you can expect to feel the same 4 mm travel distance when pressing down on a key. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches makes them both suitable options for individuals looking for a consistent typing experience.
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 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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering users a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience that is clean and sharp. When it comes to feel, the Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific descriptions available for sound or feel. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the Melodic switch may offer a more tactile and audible typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean switch, which is designed for a silent operation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user values a clicky sound and tactile feedback (Gateron Melodic) or a silent and linear typing experience (Outemu Silent Ocean).
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch that offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Gateron Melodic would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Ocean might be more suited to your needs. Consider your preferences in sound and feel, as well as the specific typing experience you are seeking, when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Silent Ocean will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
