KTT Orange vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Orange and Outemu Silent Ocean switches present two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The KTT Orange stands out with its bouncy feel, enhanced by a 22mm long spring that provides a satisfying recoil during key presses. Its design features a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long-pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom, delivering a frictionless typing experience complemented by a low-pitched sound profile, thanks to its excellent factory lubrication. This makes it an ideal choice for users who value a smooth, responsive feel during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean lacks specific standout features, its silent operation significantly reduces noise, making it perfect for shared environments or late-night gaming without disturbing others. Additionally, the linear nature of both switches ensures consistent keystrokes without tactile bumps, catering to those who prefer a clean and uninterrupted feel. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, one can observe similarities in the materials used for their top housings. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to clearer and more resonant acoustics, which enhances the overall typing experience. Furthermore, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, making both switches aesthetically appealing in setups with illumination features. This shared material ensures that users of both switches can expect similarly vibrant and bright sound profiles from their keystrokes.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches present a striking divergence. The KTT Orange employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which reinforces the crispness of the overall sound. In this case, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, maintaining the sharper acoustic profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean's bottom housing is made of nylon, a material that lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, while both switches utilize polycarbonate at the top for similar sound characteristics, the Silent Ocean diverges at the bottom, leading to a distinctively different sonic profile.
As a result of these material differences, the auditory experience when using the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Ocean will vary based on the switch's configuration. The combined effect of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the KTT Orange means users will experience a consistently sharper sound throughout the keystroke, while the Outemu Silent Ocean will offer a more nuanced auditory profile due to its nylon bottom housing. Consequently, while both top housings generate similar vibrant sound traits, the divergence in bottom housing materials results in clear differences in key feel and sound, allowing users to choose a switch that aligns more closely with their individual typing preferences and aesthetic goals.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Ocean's 45 grams, making the Orange switch marginally more substantial in terms of initial keystroke pressure. However, the bottom out force of the KTT Orange at 53 grams is significantly lighter than the Silent Ocean's 65 grams, indicating that the Silent Ocean is designed to provide a firmer press at the end of the keystroke. This means users who prefer a stronger push feel might lean towards the Silent Ocean for its heavier bottom out force, while those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged use may find the KTT Orange more comfortable. Overall, the KTT Orange offers a medium-light experience, whereas the Outemu Silent Ocean provides a medium-heavy tactile feedback, thus appealing to different typing and gaming styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, the KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the KTT Orange can offer a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation, while the Silent Ocean’s longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced keypress experience for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out with its low-pitched tone, providing a mellower and bass-heavy auditory experience that can contribute to a quieter typing environment. This deep sound profile is less likely to be intrusive, making it ideal for both professional settings and personal use. The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, on the other hand, does not have specific sound characteristics detailed, which might suggest a focus on minimizing noise, similar to the Silent series of switches known for quieter operation. However, without an explicit description of its sound profile, it's challenging to make a direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch is characterized by its bouncy and frictionless performance. The 22mm long spring offers a lively rebound that enhances the typing experience, making key presses feel energetic and responsive. Additionally, the factory lubrication contributes to an exceptionally smooth and fluid travel, reducing any sensation of resistance while typing. The Silent Ocean switch lacks provided descriptions regarding its tactile feedback and spring characteristics, which leaves some uncertainty about how it compares in terms of engagement and smoothness.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange switch is well-regarded for its low-pitched sound and lively, frictionless feel, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a smooth and bouncy typing experience. While the Outemu Silent Ocean switch remains less defined in its characteristics, it may offer a quieter alternative, albeit without specific tactile qualities detailed. For those seeking a refined typing experience, the KTT Orange is a strong contender, while the Silent Ocean's appeal may lie in its potential for discretion.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, your choice should be guided by your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a switch that offers a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange is an excellent choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and outstanding factory-lubing, it ensures a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming sessions. The low-pitched sound profile further enhances the experience, allowing for quieter operation, which is great for shared workspaces or late-night typing. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silent Ocean can provide a more solid typing experience. Though it lacks the special characteristics that define the KTT Orange, you might appreciate the added resistance if you prefer more tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, your decision comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness and responsiveness (KTT Orange) or a heavier feel for more deliberate typing (Outemu Silent Ocean). Choose based on your needs, and you can’t go wrong with either option!