Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silent Ocean. The Outemu Blue is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch, recognized for its smooth keystrokes and lack of audible feedback. Depending on your preferences, you may choose the Blue for a satisfying tactile experience or the Silent Ocean for 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
4.00 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 Silent Ocean, it is clear that both switches make use of polycarbonate for their top housing. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate is also highlighted, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in their bottom housing material, with the Blue utilizing nylon while the Silent Ocean also uses polycarbonate for it. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Silent Ocean due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silent Ocean share the same polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings differ in material, leading to variations in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different tactile experience compared to the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in the Blue, while the Silent Ocean's bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the overall typing experience of a switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Silent Ocean demonstrate how the combination of different housing materials can result in unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to produce a sharp and clear sound, the use of nylon in the Blue's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and showcases how subtle differences can greatly impact the user's interaction with the switch.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Blue switch slightly heavier. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unknown, while the Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Blue switch with its unknown bottom out force may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the feel of the two switches, the clicky Blue switch provides a tactile bump and audible click during actuation, while the linear Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible noise. Despite their differences in feel, the travel distance remains the same for both switches, ensuring that users will experience a consistent key press regardless of the switch type they choose. Overall, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the clicky Blue switch or the longer travel distance of the linear Silent Ocean switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its distinctive clicky sound that provides audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to minimize noise, providing a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, creating a satisfying typing experience that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch provides a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback or audible click, offering a different typing feel that some users prefer for its quiet operation.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience, the Blue switch may be more suited to your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Silent Ocean switch would be a better choice. Additionally, factors such as typing style and the environment in which the keyboard will be used should also be considered when making a decision. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, so you can expect reliable results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy the audible clicky sound that comes with typing on a mechanical keyboard, then the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more quiet typing experience and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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