Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up in discussion are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Ocean. The Cherry MX Purple switches are renowned for their refined tactile feedback, featuring a distinct short, medium-strength bump that caters to typists and gamers alike who appreciate a more pronounced physical response when pressing keys. This tactile nature can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying experience for those who enjoy a more engaged interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches offer a linear feel that is notably quieter and smoother, making them ideal for environments where noise is a concern or for users who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke without tactile feedback. Each switch has its own appeal; the MX Purple RGB is perfect for those seeking tactile feedback and a bit of excitement in their typing, while the Silent Ocean caters to those prioritizing a quiet, fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Ocean, distinct differences emerge between their top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucence. These properties lead to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Consequently, while the Cherry MX Purple provides a warm and muted typing sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean gives a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback, appealing to users who prefer clarity and brightness in their keystrokes.
In contrast, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which presents a shared element in their sound profiles. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to the common characteristic of a deeper and fuller sound experience across both switches. Since the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Ocean provide a similar sound when the key is fully pressed down. This consistent use of nylon at the bottom means that, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, users can expect a certain level of uniformity in their tactile response and overall sound when actuating keys.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lead to varied sound designs, while the shared nylon bottom housing aligns the two switches in terms of tactile experience. When pressing the keys of either switch, users will feel the richer sound produced by the nylon bottom, but the sound upon release will be influenced by the contrasting top materials. Therefore, the Cherry MX Purple RGB will yield a more subdued or muted release, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean will offer a sharper and clearer sound upon key release. This blend of qualities underscores how both switches can cater to different preferences for sound profiles while still retaining some similarities through their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This parity means that users will experience comparable responsiveness when pressing the keys of these switches, making them equally suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. However, when considering bottom out forces, the Silent Ocean distinguishes itself with a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, meaning it cannot be evaluated in this aspect. Consequently, the Outemu Silent Ocean is the heavier option, providing a more substantial feel at the bottom, which some typists might prefer for its tactile feedback. Conversely, for those looking for a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more consistent experience without the additional resistance at bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making their keypress distances identical. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and key actuation depth when pressing either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they are likely to deliver similar results in terms of key responsiveness and overall feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Outemu 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch produces a noticeable tactile bump that generates a distinct audible click when activated, offering an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This satisfyingly crisp sound can contribute to an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to minimize noise, providing a quieter operation that’s ideal for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions where sound levels can be an issue. While the MX Purple RGB may emphasize clarity and feedback, the Silent Ocean’s focus on silence allows for a more discreet typing experience. Of course, it's worth noting that the overall sound profile is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
Feel-wise, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is characterized by a refined tactile experience. It features a well-defined bump that provides a medium-strength feedback without being overly harsh, making it enjoyable for both long typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. This tactile feel allows users to easily register each keystroke with confidence. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keypress without the tactile feedback of a bump, allowing for a silky feel as you type. This makes it appealing for users who prefer a consistent and linear action, where the key travels smoothly without distraction.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a pronounced tactile and auditory experience with a distinct bump and sound, ideal for those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch focuses on a silent and smooth typing experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize quietness and fluidity. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on whether you favor tactile feedback or a quieter, more seamless input experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and actuation force. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump while typing, the Cherry MX Purple could be your go-to option, especially if you appreciate the distinctive feedback that enhances your typing experience. It's a great choice for gaming and general typing where you want to feel each keystroke, particularly if you prefer the refined tactile experience fostered by keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without any tactile resistance, the Outemu Silent Ocean with its smooth linear feel might be more suitable for your needs. This switch is better for those who might work in shared or noise-sensitive environments where sound levels can be a concern, and its medium-heavy actuation force offers a substantial yet fluid feel for sustained typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects of key feel, sound, and tactile feedback are most important to you to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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