Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean are two popular options to consider. The MX Speed Silver is well-known for its lightning-fast response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for maximum speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance. The Speed Silver is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have any specific categorizations. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeals, 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound for both switches, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter keypress.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the two switches differ significantly. The MX Speed Silver uses nylon for its top housing, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. This stiffer plastic lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making the Dustproof Silent Ocean stand out with a distinct sound quality that may appeal to users looking for a more vibrant typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of material for the top housing also plays a role in determining the overall look of the switch. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the lighting effects to shine through. On the other hand, nylon provides a more traditional and opaque look. While both switches may offer similar typing experiences due to the shared nylon bottom housing, the choice between the MX Speed Silver and the Dustproof Silent Ocean ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is significantly lighter in terms of actuation force at 30 grams compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean is heavier at 65 grams, while the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. The MX Speed Silver is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a similar experience if their bottom out forces are the same, but the Dustproof Silent Ocean would provide a more tactile typing feel overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have slightly shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is slightly longer than the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver for $4.00.
The Outemu Dustproof 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 Speed Silver offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound that is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean remains unknown in terms of sound profile, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile experience that some may find satisfying. Conversely, information about the typing feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is not available. While it's unclear how the two switches directly compare in terms of feel, it's essential for users to consider their personal preferences when choosing a switch that provides the desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a fast and responsive typing experience with a distinct sound profile and textured feel, the details regarding the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch remain unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's priorities in terms of speed, sound, and tactile feedback, and while you may achieve similar results with both switches in certain aspects, it's crucial to consider all available information before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize speed and instant response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver would be a great choice with its negligible bottom out force and quick triggering action. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be more suitable with its dustproof design. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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