Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Tom offer unique experiences for users. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch, providing a smooth keypress without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tom is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is best known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Tom is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The main difference between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Tom lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Dustproof Silent Ocean stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tom's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split qualities between the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tom result in unique typing experiences. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials gives users the option to choose between a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller one.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Outemu Tom ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, resulting in a blend of sharpness and depth in sound profile. On the other hand, the Tom provides a consistent polycarbonate housing throughout, delivering a sharper and crisper sound overall. Regardless of the choice, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Dustproof Silent Ocean is the lighter of the two. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tom tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Tom tactile switch, even though its bottom out force is unspecified. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance from the top of the key to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience, providing consistent feedback and keypress feel despite being different in terms of linearity and tactility. So, whether you choose the Dustproof Silent Ocean or the Tom switch, you can expect to get similar results when it comes to key 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean and Tom.
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 Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is also known for being relatively quiet, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without the loud click often associated with tactile switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a quiet typing experience, with the choice between a linear or tactile feel being the main differentiator in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is described as having a smooth and consistent keystroke, making it a favorite among typists who prefer a linear feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with each key press. While personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch feels better to individual users, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and Outemu Tom tactile switch both offer quiet operation, making them suitable choices for those in shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. While the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a smooth and linear typing experience, the Tom switch offers a tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with both switches delivering reliable performance and durability for a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, opt for the Dustproof Silent Ocean. This switch is a great choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience due to its silent design. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback without a specified bottom out force, the Outemu Tom tactile switch may be more suitable for you. It provides a satisfying bump in each keystroke for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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