Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both of which are linear switches delivering smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its reissue as part of the MX2A generation, brings with it a legacy of reliability and a catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a more traditional feel with a slightly cushioned bottom out, making it a great choice for typists and gamers alike who prefer a quieter acoustic profile without sacrificing responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is designed for those seeking a whisper-quiet experience, ideal for office settings or late-night gaming sessions where sound can be a disruptive factor. Both switches offer a unique appeal, with the Cherry MX Orange emphasizing a blend of heritage and performance, while the Silent Ocean prioritizes tranquility without compromising on smooth actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean, one notable distinction is found in their top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softness allows for a more muted auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a much stiffer material that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This dichotomy in materials is significant because it demonstrates how different plastics can influence the auditory characteristics of a mechanical keyboard switch.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches employ nylon, leading to a uniformity in sound quality at the base. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Cherry MX Orange and the Silent Ocean results in a deeper and fuller sound, as the material absorbs vibrations effectively. Consequently, while the top housing contributes varying sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent auditory experience when the keys are bottomed out. This commonality in material can lead to similar tactile feedback and noise levels when striking the keys.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials lend themselves to contrasting auditory experiences, while the shared nylon found in the bottom housings maintains a cohesive sound signature at the base. Users might appreciate the MX Orange for its warmer, more subdued typing sounds, while those who prefer a bright and resonant sound may gravitate towards the Silent Ocean due to the polycarbonate top. If both switches employ a similar bottom housing, they will likely generate comparable results when it comes to the sound and feel upon key bottoming out, even if other dynamics are at play based on the top housing material.

Weight

The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Ocean is notably lighter, requiring just 45 grams for actuation. This difference suggests that typists who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may find the Outemu Silent Ocean more comfortable. However, the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which adds a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable. This means that while the Outemu Silent Ocean offers a lighter actuation, it has a more substantial bottom out experience, which might appeal to users seeking feedback during keystrokes. In summary, the Cherry MX Orange is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, but the Silent Ocean can provide a more balanced typing experience due to its lower actuation force paired with a firmer bottom out feel.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance traveled when pressing either switch is the same. As a result, users can expect a similar experience in terms of key responsiveness and feedback between the two switches. Since they share the same travel distance, both switches will deliver equivalent performance when it comes to the distance your fingers must travel to register a keypress. This similarity can be particularly appealing to typists and gamers who might be considering either switch for their keyboard setup.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is generally regarded as producing a relatively quiet and subtle acoustic profile, suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern. Although specific descriptions of the MX Orange's sound are not provided, the reissued design likely maintains a low-volume output. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed specifically for quiet operation, featuring dampening mechanisms to minimize audible feedback during use. This focus on silence makes the Silent Ocean a preferred choice for users who prioritize discretion, such as those in shared workspaces or late-night typists. Both switches can deliver low noise levels, depending heavily on the accompanying keyboard and keycap materials.

Regarding tactile feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch is celebrated for its smooth linear action, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes which promote swift and effortless typing experiences. While the tactile characteristics of the MX Orange switches are not detailed, linear switches typically lack any tactile bump, which aligns with users seeking a clean and linear experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is similarly designed to offer a linear feel, emphasizing smooth travel without resistance points. This similarity in feel may lead to comparable typing experiences, making both switches attractive to typists who enjoy a fluid touch without interruptions.

In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Ocean switches emphasize quiet operation and a linear feel, which are ideal for users seeking a smooth typing experience with minimal noise. While the MX Orange benefits from a storied history and noteworthy reissue, the Silent Ocean stands out for its specific design that enhances silence. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference for brand heritage or specific silent capabilities.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended usage. If you're looking for a switch that embodies a unique tactile experience reminiscent of classic designs and enjoy a linear feel without any audible feedback, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation can provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where you prefer a more subtle touch. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet environment, or if you tend to type in shared spaces, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be your best bet. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a deliberate resistance that can help prevent accidental key presses while maintaining a silent operation, ideal for office use or late-night gaming without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider your personal comfort, the environment you’ll be using the keyboard in, and the overall typing experience you seek, as these factors will guide you towards the switch that fits your style best.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more