Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options. The Cherry MX Orange switch, a revival of the original MX Orange created by Cherry's Japanese partner Hirose, caters to those who prefer a smooth, linear experience, characterized by its consistent actuation without any tactile bump; this makes it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses and fluidity in gameplay. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch, known for its tactile response, offers a pronounced bump that provides satisfying feedback upon activation, ideal for typists who appreciate the tactile confirmation with each keystroke, enhancing both typing accuracy and comfort. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the MX Orange excelling in speed and the Ocean promoting a more engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Ocean switches, it is evident that they utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings but share a commonality in their bottom housing. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean boasts a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and translucence, which generates a sharper, more resonant sound when typing. While users of the Cherry MX Orange might appreciate the rich, deep tones produced, those utilizing the Outemu Ocean are likely to enjoy a crisper audio feedback.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Ocean switches utilize nylon, which contributes significantly to the auditory experience of the switch. The nylon material in the bottom housing ensures a consistent, fuller sound profile when keys bottom out. This alignment in material choice leads to a similar auditory experience during the action of key presses, even if the sound produced by the top housings diverge dramatically. Consequently, whenever the key is fully depressed, both switches will elicit a similar sonic echo, displaying the nuanced impact of the nylon material on the overall sound and feel of the user experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Ocean does induce a contrast in the audio experience, while unified bottom housing ensures a cohesive experience where the underlying qualities of nylon resonate in both switches. Users can expect differing tonal responses, with the MX Orange providing a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to the sharper notes from the Outemu Ocean, yet both will deliver a satisfyingly consistent bottom-out experience thanks to their nylon bases. Hence, regardless of the variations in material, those who switch from one to the other will notice a blend of familiar auditory experiences intertwined with unique sensorial feedback.
Weight
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is listed as unavailable, which means we cannot compare this aspect directly. Since their actuation forces are identical, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keys, with neither switch being lighter or heavier than the other based on this specific metric. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, both options would be suitable; conversely, users seeking a more substantial typing experience based on bottom out force would need more information to determine which switch may be more preferable for their needs. Overall, users can expect comparable performance regarding actuation, but the lack of bottom out force data leaves a gap in understanding the overall experience each switch provides.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress depth when utilizing either switch. This common distance contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from its top to bottom position. Since both switches share this specification, users can expect similar results regarding key actuation, enabling a comparable feel and responsiveness whether they choose the MX Orange or the Outemu Ocean.
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 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 its relatively quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise might be a concern, such as shared workspaces or home offices. The switch produces a soft thock when pressed, which is often more muted compared to other switches that have pronounced clicks or louder feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is designed to deliver a more pronounced sound on actuation, characterized by a subtle yet noticeable bump that adds an extra layer of auditory feedback. This can create a more engaging typing experience for users who appreciate auditory confirmation without the full clicky sound that some switches offer. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in typing sound, with the MX Orange favoring low noise levels and the Ocean providing a bit more auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange is appreciated for its linear characteristics, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke from top to bottom with no tactile bump. This provides a straightforward typing experience, ideal for typists who enjoy fluid keypresses without any resistance or feedback. The MX Orange allows for seamless transitions between keys, making it excellent for rapid typing or gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean switch features a tactile profile, meaning it incorporates a noticeable bump that users can feel at the actuation point. This tactile feedback offers a satisfying sensation when keys are pressed, allowing typists to feel their way through key presses, which can enhance precision and contribute to a more engaging experience overall. The Ocean's tactile nature may appeal to those who enjoy the feedback of knowing when a key has been actuated without looking at the keyboard.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Ocean switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they provide unique experiences for users. The Cherry MX Orange's quiet linear action suits those prioritizing minimal noise and smoothness in their keystrokes, while the Outemu Ocean's tactile feedback can be more reassuring for users who appreciate a little more connection to their typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's typing style and sound preference, ensuring a satisfactory experience regardless of the switch selected.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch fundamentally depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience without any tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice. Its linear nature allows for quick actuation, making it a great option for fast typists and gamers looking for swift responses. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile bump that provides a satisfying response at the actuation point, the Outemu Ocean switch would better suit your needs. This can enhance your typing experience by giving you a clearer indication of when a key has been registered, which many find beneficial for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider what feels best to you; if you love fluid keystrokes, go for the MX Orange, but if tactile feedback is your priority, the Outemu Ocean will likely enhance your overall experience.
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