Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko Rosewood are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is designed for those who seek a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces, where loud clicks can be distracting. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood delights users with its rich, thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of lubricant that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback right out of the box, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy the sensory experience of typing. Both switches fall under the linear category, providing smooth key presses without tactile bumps; however, they present distinct characteristics that may sway your decision based on your specific needs and environment. With these general insights in mind, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko Rosewood showcase a contrasting selection of housing materials that influence their overall auditory profiles and tactile experience. The top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly appealing for users who favor responsive auditory feedback during typing. The translucence of the polycarbonate also provides an aesthetic advantage, especially when incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the key switches. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition which reproduces a deeper and fuller sound. This inherent characteristic of nylon results in a sound profile that is rounder and less piercing than polycarbonate, catering to users who prefer a more muted auditory experience.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, reinforcing a consistently rich auditory experience. The nylon bases of both the Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Akko Rosewood facilitate a deeper sound profile due to their sound-absorbing nature; the nylon dampens the impact noise when the key is bottomed out, making each keystroke feel more substantial. In this regard, both switches cultivate a similarity in tactile and auditory feedback that caters to users seeking a hushed, more contained typing experience when the key presses are fully engaged. This duality emphasizes how the bottom housing can significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound upon release.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a unique auditory experience that leans towards clarity and responsiveness, while the all-nylon construction of the Akko Rosewood produces a richer, softer sound. For users seeking varied auditory experiences from their typing, the distinct reactions of the same bottom housing material paired with differing top materials highlight the nuanced impact of housing composition. With both switches emphasizing their individual strengths, users can select based on their sound and feel preferences, even if both end up leveraging similar qualities in their nylon bottom housings to deliver satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extensive typing or gaming sessions might find the Rosewood more suitable, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who enjoy a firmer typing experience may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean, which offers a more substantial feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. In summary, while both switches provide different tactile experiences, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is the heavier option, while the Akko Rosewood is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. In contrast, the Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns more closely with the traditional 4.0 mm standard and offers a deeper feel for users who prefer a more pronounced key press. With its shorter travel distance, the Dustproof Silent Ocean can provide faster response times, catering to gamers and those who favor quick typing. Conversely, the Rosewood’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a deeper key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 has not been defined in the provided information, making it difficult to draw any specific conclusions about its auditory characteristics. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are renowned for their deep, satisfying thocky sound that emerges straight from the box, thanks in part to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This inherent quality gives the Rosewood switches a distinct auditory profile that many users find appealing, especially in a typist’s setting.
In terms of feel, the specifics about the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch are not mentioned, leaving its tactile feedback, smoothness, and overall experience somewhat of a mystery. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known to offer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, which is characteristic of linear switches. This consistency contributes to a pleasant typing experience, allowing for fast and uninterrupted key presses that many typists and gamers appreciate.
In conclusion, without clear information on the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's sound and feel qualities, it is challenging to provide a complete comparison. The Akko Rosewood switches stand out with their desirable thocky sound and smooth feel, which can be attractive for users seeking an enhanced typing experience. If you opt for either switch, be prepared for unique qualities—the Rosewood promising rich auditory feedback, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean may still offer a different yet undisclosed experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams that offers a more substantial tactile feedback, the Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the ideal choice, especially in a noisy environment where its silent operation can enhance your focus and minimize distractions. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the Akko Rosewood switch would be more suited to your needs, particularly if you enjoy a satisfying thocky sound profile that adds character and engagement to your typing experience. The factory-applied lubricant on the Rosewood switches further elevates its smoothness right out of the box, making for a more delightful experience. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you're a quiet typist who values discretion or someone who revels in an audible and tactile feedback, to make the best switch choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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