Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch that provides tactile and audible feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying clicking sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch that offers a smoother and quieter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing feedback. While the Blue switch is great for typists who enjoy a tactile response, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is perfect for those who value a quieter typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, due to the translucency of polycarbonate, it is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities as the Blue in terms of depth and fullness.
One key distinction between the two switches lies in the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience. With different top and bottom housing materials, the sound and feel of each switch will be a combination of the qualities brought by both materials. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. In this aspect, the similarity in the top housing material (polycarbonate) between the Blue and the Dustproof Silent Ocean means that users can expect a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile when typing or releasing a key on either switch.
While the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their nylon bottom housings offer slightly different sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, but the absorption of sound by the nylon material may result in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of their top and bottom housing materials for a satisfying sound profile.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue switch requires more pressure to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue switch has no available information while the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Blue switch with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the Blue has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean at 3.3 mm. The Blue, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional and deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance can provide a faster and more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quick key presses. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Blue providing a deeper press and the Dustproof Silent Ocean offering a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Blue and Dustproof Silent Ocean.
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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and distinct clicky sound, making it popular among typists who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch offers a quiet typing experience due to its dustproof design, which dampens the sound of key presses. When it comes to feel, the Blue switch provides a tactile bump during actuation, providing a satisfying tactile response for the user. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth and consistent linear feel with no tactile bump, allowing for smooth keystrokes without unnecessary noise. Overall, while the Blue switch is favored for its audible feedback and tactile feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is chosen for its silent operation and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prioritizes sound feedback and tactile feel (Blue switch) or prefers a quiet and linear typing experience (Dustproof Silent Ocean switch).
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a light touch and don't mind the noise, the Outemu Blue switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the clicky feel and sound of the Blue switch or the smooth and silent operation of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch.
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