Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent Ocean. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. It is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch with no specific standout features. If you prefer a quieter typing experience and enjoy a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be the way to go. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches have different top housing materials, with the MX Brown featuring a nylon top housing and the Silent Ocean featuring a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
Both the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer slightly different overall sound profiles due to the differences in their top housing materials. The impact of the bottom housing material is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In instances where the top and bottom housing materials differ in a switch, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This division of qualities affects the sound profile and feel of the switch when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches showcase how different housing materials can contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see some key differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a similar typing experience in that aspect. However, the bottom out force of the MX Brown is 55 grams, making it lighter than the Silent Ocean's 65 grams. This means that the MX Brown will feel slightly lighter to press all the way down compared to the Silent Ocean, which may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Ocean may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience a similar amount of travel on both switches. The tactile feedback on the MX Brown, however, may give a slightly different sensation compared to the linear action of the Silent Ocean. While both switches offer the same travel distance, the MX Brown provides a tactile bump which some users may prefer for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean offers a smoother linear action, which can also be appealing to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Overall, the travel distance on both switches is the same, but the type of feedback they provide sets them apart in terms of user experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Silent 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 Brown tactile switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific sound description available. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Brown is often described as having a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture can be preferred by some users for its tactile feedback. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Silent Ocean switches.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have specific descriptions available for its sound and feel qualities. As a newcomer, you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience between the two switches, but keep in mind that individual preferences for sound and feel may vary. It is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with linear feedback and no audible clicks, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches may be more to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and overall feel when making your decision on which switch to go for. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to what feels best for you as you type, so consider trying out different switches to see which one suits your preferences the most.
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