Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent 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 Silent Ocean are two popular choices for those seeking a linear switch. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is a lesser-known option without any specific standout features mentioned. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Silent Ocean doesn't fall into any particular category. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the MX Red provides a bit more tactile feedback. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches equipped with nylon bottom housing. As a result, both the MX Red and Silent Ocean switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile when it comes to the bottom housing material.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Cherry MX Red differs from the Outemu Silent Ocean. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but with a slightly different tone compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the MX Red offering a mellower sound and the Silent Ocean providing a clearer and more resonant sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the top housing materials set them apart in terms of the specific tone and characteristics of the sound. Whether one prefers the fuller, rounder sound of the MX Red's nylon top housing or the sharper, crisper sound of the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing will determine which switch is best suited for individual typing preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red has an unknown value, while the Outemu Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This difference in bottom out force means that the Outemu Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Red. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Cherry MX Red more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Outemu Silent Ocean for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation. So, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same level of performance and comfort to the users.
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 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 Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available at the moment. However, 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 keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, providing a slight friction when pressed that some users may appreciate for added tactile feedback. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel descriptor available for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch currently.
Considering the available information, it can be concluded that the Cherry MX Red switch offers a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, which does not have specific descriptors for sound or feel. However, it is important to remember that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the right switch for each user, and trying out different switches to find the perfect match is key. Ultimately, both switches are linear switches, so users can expect similar smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, along with a more textured typing experience, the Cherry MX Red might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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