Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your preference for linear or tactile switches. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch, offering a smooth and quiet typing experience without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump and feedback with each keystroke while still maintaining a silent operation. The Silent Grey switches are perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean switches are ideal for those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Silent Grey also has a nylon bottom housing, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Silent Grey, the nylon bottom housing in both switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. When typing on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing can be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch showcases how each material contributes to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Silent Grey are both made of polycarbonate, the bottom housings differ with nylon material. This contrast impacts the sound and feel of the switches, with polycarbonate creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, and nylon producing a deeper and fuller sound. The qualities of the bottom housing can be felt when typing on these switches, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in the overall typing experience. Whether designing for RGB lighting or aiming for a specific sound profile, understanding the differences in housing materials is crucial in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have medium-heavy bottom out forces of 65 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of resistance when fully pressed. However, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less force. This lighter actuation force may be preferred by some users for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a slightly stronger push feel, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean providing a quicker actuation and the Silent Grey offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean and Silent Grey.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is known for being a silent switch with dustproof properties, offering a smooth keystroke without the loud clicky sound commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet and tactile typing experience, with a noticeable bump and smooth keystroke that appeals to those who enjoy a more satisfying feel while typing.
When it comes to sound, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Silent Grey switch also offers a quiet typing experience, with the tactile bump creating a subtle sound that won't disturb others around you. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch provides a smooth and linear typing experience, lacking the tactile bump present in the Silent Grey switch. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump that provides feedback to the user with each keystroke. This difference in feel caters to different preferences, with some users preferring the smoothness of linear switches while others enjoy the tactile feedback of tactile switches.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences with their unique sound and feel characteristics. If you're looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch would be more fitting for your needs. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a quiet typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of sound level despite their differences in feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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