Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Ocean offer distinct advantages based on their design and functionality. The Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a slightly heavier feel compared to the MX Red, but the key difference lies in its silent operation. Known for being 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', this switch offers a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Cherry MX Silent Red is ideal for those looking for a quiet typing experience, the Outemu Ocean may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and Outemu Ocean switches both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. However, the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing. This leads to a contrast in sound profiles, with the MX Silent Red offering a duller and rounder sound, and the Outemu Ocean providing a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the MX Silent Red does not have.
While both the MX Silent Red and Outemu Ocean switches use nylon for their bottom housing to create a deeper sound profile, they differ in their top housing materials. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound. Interestingly, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean switch allows for RGB lighting due to its translucent nature, giving users the option to customize their setup further. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their use of nylon in the bottom housing.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when a key is released. This means that even though the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Ocean switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, the choice of top housing material differentiates their sound profiles. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and aesthetic features such as RGB lighting.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is difficult to compare them in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red may make it more appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Ocean may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Silent Red switch offers a quicker and more responsive experience, which is ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch provides a deeper and more satisfying keypress with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately depends on personal preference on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is best known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have any known sound characteristics defined. When it comes to feel, the MX Silent Red is noted for its textured sensation, which may offer a unique typing experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Unfortunately, there are no known feel characteristics defined for the Outemu Ocean switch at this time. Overall, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and a textured sensation, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are unsure about the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Ocean switch, choosing the MX Silent Red would provide a more certain and defined typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it's important to keep in mind your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red may be the better choice for you. Its muted sound profile and slightly heftier feel compared to the classic MX Red make it a popular option for those seeking a more discreet mechanical keyboard switch. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with customization options, the Outemu Ocean switch could be more suitable. Its unique characteristics, such as bottom out force and sound profile, make it a good option for users who prefer a more tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound output.
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