Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean are two compelling options that cater to distinct user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its smooth keystrokes and a pleasing balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation, is best suited for gamers and typists seeking a satisfying experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch focuses on minimizing external disturbances with its unique dustproof design and silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared workspaces. Both switches offer linear characteristics, ensuring a consistent feel without the tactile bumps found in other designs. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches, a clear distinction emerges in their top housing compositions. The Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This feature allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that feels rounded and low in pitch. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, especially pronounced in cases where RGB lighting makes the switch housing translucent, accentuating the aesthetic appeal without sacrificing sound quality.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean share the same material: nylon. This agreement in material choice means that both switches will produce similar auditory experiences regarding the bottom-out sound and feel. Given that nylon has proven qualities of absorbing sound, it contributes to a greater sense of depth and fullness, softening the auditory response when key presses reach their limit. While the nylon bottom housing creates a shared foundation in terms of sound absorption, the presence of the different top housing materials results in a split between the auditory characteristics influenced by the top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, the divergent qualities found in the top housings of both switches lead to distinct experiences when typing. With the Cherry MX Orange's nylon top housing dampening sounds and producing a fuller acoustics, users may find it better suited for quieter environments where typing comfort is necessary. Conversely, the higher-pitched and crisper sound profile of the Dustproof Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced acoustic feedback and clearer auditory indication of key presses. This combination of materials suggests that while the bottom housing keeps a level of consistency in auditory performance, the top housing significantly influences the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switches present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and easier keystrokes, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not specified, while the Outemu switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean requires a more substantial force when fully pressed down, providing a firmer feel for users who appreciate a stronger push. Overall, the Outemu switch is the lighter option in terms of actuation while being heavier at bottom out, contrasting with the MX Orange, which has the heavier actuation without a known bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, a notable difference in travel distance becomes apparent. The Cherry MX Orange features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and offers a deeper feel, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy a substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios. While both switches serve distinct preferences—one providing a hearty depth and the other promoting enhanced responsiveness—the Cherry MX Orange clearly stands out with its longer travel distance of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is known for a smooth and relatively quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less distracting auditory experience when typing or gaming. The switches do not produce any significant clicking noise, which makes them suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise control is essential. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch also emphasizes a quiet operation, designed specifically to minimize sound while typing. This means that both switches cater well to users seeking a muted auditory profile, allowing for a similar experience in terms of sound output.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches are characterized by their smooth linear motion, providing a comfortable typing experience without tactile bumps or loud actuation. This linearity creates a fluid sensation as the key is pressed down, which many typists and gamers appreciate for fast-paced input. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is similarly linear, offering a seamless feel with a focus on reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical switches. Given that both switches share this linear design, newcomers can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of feel, facilitating effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches present appealing options for users who prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience. With their similar auditory and tactile qualities, either choice is likely to fulfill the needs of those looking for linear switches that deliver on performance while minimizing noise. Although there may be differences in build quality and other subjective factors, both switches will enable users to enjoy a quiet and fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch largely hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a responsive typing experience with a smoother keystroke, the Cherry MX Orange may be the ideal choice for you. These switches, revered for their smooth linear action, are perfect for both gaming and typing, allowing you to enjoy a tactile feel without any noise distractions. On the other hand, if you require a quieter operation, perhaps for a shared workspace or during late-night gaming sessions, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch would be your best bet. With its medium-heavy actuation force and dustproof design, it delivers a sturdy, reliable feel while significantly reducing sound. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prefer the classic feel and reputation of Cherry MX switches or the unique characteristics and quieter performance of Outemu’s offerings.
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