Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Ocean stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The MX Red is a linear switch that is favored for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience, although there is not much information available about its specific characteristics. While the MX Red is known for its 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured' qualities, the Ocean's categorization remains unknown. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs; 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
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
The Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Ocean both use different materials for their top housing, with the MX Red using nylon and the Ocean using polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the MX Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffness, leading to a clearer and resonant sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, the MX Red's nylon top housing offers a more muted typing experience compared to the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Ocean use nylon, which offers similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material between the MX Red and the Ocean means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottoming out keys. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall typing sound and feel, maintaining a level of consistency in the typing experience regardless of the brand.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is essential to note that the top and bottom housing materials influence different aspects of the sound and feel of a key press. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Ocean may have different top housing materials (nylon for the MX Red and polycarbonate for the Ocean), their similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users will encounter comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, whether a user prefers the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the crisper, sharper sound of polycarbonate will depend on their individual preferences for typing sound profiles.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its light actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more pronounced push feel for a firmer typing experience. While the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, it is likely that the Cherry MX Red would result in a lighter bottom out due to its lower actuation force compared to the Outemu Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user values a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the MX Red or the Ocean switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. However, it is worth noting that both switches offer a different tactile feel despite having the same travel distance, with the MX Red being a linear switch and the Ocean being a tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback rather than the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience that is often described as a thud or a soft knock. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile is currently unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by a textured sensation, which may provide a slight friction when pressed. This textural feedback can add a layer of tactility to the typing experience, offering a balance between smoothness and subtle resistance. However, details regarding the feel of the Outemu Ocean switch are unknown at this time.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is renowned for its robust typing experience, combining a slightly heftier feel with a deep and thocky sound profile. While the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks available information on sound and feel, it is important for newcomers to consider their personal preferences for typing feedback and sound when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches may provide a similar typing experience if a user is seeking a linear switch with a tactile response.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the MX Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile feedback switch with a different bottom out force, the Ocean switch could be a good choice. Ultimately, it's important to test out both switches if possible and see which one feels more comfortable and responsive for your typing needs. Happy typing!
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