Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, both offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is known for its silent operation and dustproof design, providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out for its unique heaviness without a pronounced tactile bump, offering a different tactile experience compared to other tactile switches. While the Dustproof Silent Ocean is categorized as a linear switch, offering a consistent typing feel, the Plum falls into the tactile category with a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 key difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Kailh Plum lies in the bottom housing. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum also incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both the Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Kailh Plum share the same polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic material allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a consistent typing experience for both switches, ensuring that the sound produced when pressing down on a key is uniform and satisfying.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the different housing materials of the Dustproof Silent Ocean and Kailh Plum result in distinct typing experiences. While the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, the Kailh Plum provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the qualities of each material impacting the sound and feel of both pressing down on a key and releasing it. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a deeper, more absorbing sound or a sharper, more resonant sound while typing.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams and 70 grams respectively, making them medium-heavy in terms of typing pressure. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Kailh Plum switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Plum switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quick response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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, both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Kailh Plum switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they do not produce overly loud or quiet noises when typing, making them suitable for a variety of environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have a specific description provided, while the Kailh Plum switch is described as offering a mild and stepped feel. The mild nature of the Plum switch provides a gentle typing experience that falls in a comfortable middle ground, appealing to a wide range of users. Additionally, the stepped characteristic gives the switch a two-stage feel, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and Kailh Plum switches share similarities when it comes to their sound profiles, both being described as neutral. However, they differ in feel, with the Plum switch offering a mild and stepped typing experience, while information on the Dustproof Silent Ocean's feel is not provided. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as well as other factors such as actuation force requirements and intended usage. Experimenting with both switches on a compatible keyboard may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with no particular standout feature, then the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique tactile feel with a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum switch could be a more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
