Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Ocean offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The MX Black is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth texture, deep sound profile, and stiff feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that does not have a specific standout feature. If you enjoy a low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience, the MX Black may be the ideal choice 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Ocean, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches that use nylon will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
On the other hand, the key point of contrast between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. While the Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, the Outemu Ocean boasts a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users of the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Ocean switches can expect a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both nylon and polycarbonate in their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Black is heavier in both aspects. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Ocean switch may allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it a suitable choice for extended use such as in work or gaming settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. However, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its smooth linear feel, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch provides a tactile bump during key press. Despite these differences in feel, the travel distance remains the same for both switches, ensuring a similar typing experience in that aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Ocean comes in at $3.10.
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 Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that is deep and satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specific sound description available, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured feel, providing a noticeable friction when pressed that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. Additionally, these switches are on the stiffer side, meaning they require more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. As for the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is no specific information available regarding its feel, making it challenging to compare directly with the MX Black in this aspect.
Considering the information available, it is clear that the Cherry MX Black linear switch excels in offering a low-pitched sound profile and a textured, stiff feel that many users enjoy for its unique typing experience. On the other hand, the details about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are limited, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison. However, if both switches are designed to be linear or tactile, respectively, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel based on these characteristics. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a smooth, deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Ocean switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to see which one feels best for you. Happy typing!
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