Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown 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 Brown and the Outemu Silent Ocean. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, known for its distinct tactile feedback and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch, favored for its smooth keypresses and silent actuation. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style when choosing between them. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Overall, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches have polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic enhances resonance and clarity in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. While both switches share this commonality in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Despite their different top housing materials, the switches share this common characteristic in their bottom housing, impacting the overall typing experience and sound produced.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Ocean switches serves to provide a balanced typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. This split in housing materials allows for a harmonious blend of characteristics, resulting in a unique sound profile for each switch. Whether using the Outemu Brown or Outemu Silent Ocean, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound qualities influenced by the materials used in their construction.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in terms of force required to fully press the key. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch due to its higher actuation force. In terms of weight, the Outemu Silent Ocean is the lighter option, perfect for typing for longer periods of time or extended gaming sessions, while the Outemu Brown offers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and feel when pressed. The 4 mm distance allows for a satisfying keystroke without being too deep or too shallow. Users can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience whether they choose the tactile Brown switch or the linear Silent Ocean switch. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches contributes to their overall performance and feel, offering a reliable option for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Brown 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
The Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its smooth tactile bump without any audible click, making it a popular choice for those who want a tactile typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to provide a silent typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Silent Ocean switch lacks the tactile bump that the Brown switch offers, providing a smooth keystroke from top to bottom without any interruption.
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch produces a soft and quiet typing sound, while the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed to be virtually silent, making it a great option for those who want to type discreetly. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when choosing a switch based on sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switch provides a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump during actuation, giving typists a satisfying sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, which can provide a different typing experience for those who prefer a linear feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities in terms of feel, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Brown switch provides a tactile typing experience with a soft sound, while the Silent Ocean switch offers a silent linear feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences, whether you prioritize tactile feedback, noise level, or overall typing experience. It is recommended to try out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile bump and feedback while typing, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience without the tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Happy typing!
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