Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both of which are linear switches. The Cherry MX Silent Red is well-known for its quiet operation, offering a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red switch but with a significantly reduced sound profile. It is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean doesn't have a specific standout feature mentioned but falls under the linear switch category. While the Cherry MX Silent Red is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the Outemu Silent Ocean may offer a different feel or response that some users may prefer. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean, one can see distinct differences in their sound profiles. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a more subdued typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, which offers a more vibrant and clear sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the MX Silent Red and the Silent Ocean utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer plastic composition of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on the overall sound profile as the top housing, its role in creating a more subdued and muffled bottom-out sound is crucial for overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean comes down to personal preference in sound profile. If you prefer a typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, the MX Silent Red with its nylon top and bottom housing may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Silent Ocean with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing might be the better option. However, both switches offer a silent operation due to their materials, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a bottom out force that is not specified, while the Outemu Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium to heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean would be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force levels.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that the MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. The Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Silent Ocean may offer a slightly more pronounced key press with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive key press or a deeper, more pronounced feel.
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 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
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is a popular choice among users looking for a quieter typing experience without compromising on the smooth feel of a linear switch. With its muted and thocky sound profile, as well as its slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red offers a satisfying typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific descriptions regarding sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare to the MX Silent Red. However, based on the information provided, it is likely that the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may offer a similar quiet operation to the MX Silent Red, but potentially with a different feel depending on personal preference. In conclusion, for those prioritizing a silent typing experience with a slight texture, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be a reliable choice, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may also offer comparable results for users seeking a similar experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences and needs for a mechanical keyboard. If you value a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better choice for you with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a textured typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features and qualities are most important to you when it comes to your typing experience.
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