Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch that promises to deliver a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quiet operation and seamless key presses—ideal for late-night typing or a noise-sensitive environment. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is renowned for its medium-high tactility and the satisfying "thock" sound it produces, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile response while typing. The dual-stage spring provides a bouncy feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with its clacky, accented feedback. Selecting the right switch often boils down to personal preference and usage scenarios; linear switches like the Dustproof Silent Ocean excel in providing a sleek and noiseless experience, while tactile switches such as the Aflion Shadow cater to those who desire feedback and auditory satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches present both similarities and differences that significantly impact their acoustic profiles. Both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which is essential for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared component results from polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate top also makes it an ideal choice for those using RGB lighting, as it effectively showcases the illumination beneath, giving both switches a visually appealing aesthetic. Thus, from a sound perspective, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when it comes to the top housing of each switch.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches reveal distinct sound characteristics that contribute to their overall performance. The Dustproof Silent Ocean employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for its capacity to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller audio profile. This softer material dampens vibrations and generates a more muted sound when keys bottom out. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring opts for polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sharpness throughout the switch. This choice amplifies the crisper sound profile across the board, making the entire switch feel more uniform in its auditory feedback compared to the mixed material configuration of the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches create varied typing sensations and sound dynamics. While the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a richer, more resonant sound due to its nylon bottom housing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains a consistent and piercing clear sound owing to its dual polycarbonate housing. Users might prefer one over the other based on whether they favor a deeper sound or a sharper auditory experience. Nevertheless, the amalgamation of materials in both switches will yield distinct experiences, thus catering to a wider range of user preferences in terms of sound, aesthetics, and performance.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer a distinct typing experience due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features an actuation force of 45 grams, accompanied by a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it on the medium-heavy side of the scale. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a lower bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as medium. This means that while the Ocean switch is generally lighter to activate, the Shadow switch requires more force to begin a keystroke but offers a gentler bottoming out feel. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, while those desiring a firmer push and more tactile feedback might opt for the Aflion Shadow. In summary, the Silent Ocean is the lighter option for actuation, whereas the Shadow provides a heftier push, making the choice dependent on personal preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, the difference is quite clear. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch with a quicker response time, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can cater to gamers seeking faster actuation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional and hearty feel, suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress experience. Thus, those who appreciate the sensation of pressing deeper into a switch may find themselves gravitating towards the Aflion Shadow option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is designed to be quiet and unobtrusive, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience, especially in shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a much more pronounced auditory profile with its distinct deep, resonating thocks. This clacky and high-pitched sound adds a lively character to every keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing. The sharper and brighter tones produced by the Shadow switch contrast sharply with the muted nature of the Dustproof Silent Ocean, catering to very different user preferences.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a robust tactile sensation characterized by its medium-high level of tactility. Users will experience a sharp, accentuated bump with each keystroke, creating a responsive and engaging typing experience. Additionally, the dual-staged spring contributes to a bouncy nature, delivering a lively feedback that enhances the tactile response. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is currently unspecified, leaving it ambiguous in comparison. If the Dustproof Silent Ocean were to offer a more linear feel, it would be less tactile and might not offer the same level of feedback that the Shadow switch provides.
In conclusion, if you are deciding between these two switches, you should first consider your priority in terms of sound and feel. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a vibrant auditory and tactile experience that is engaging and lively, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more expressive typing session. Alternatively, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean appeals to users who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience without the auditory distractions. Each switch serves different needs and preferences, ultimately guiding newcomers to select the one that best suits their personal typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you often find yourself in quieter settings or simply prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, could be your go-to option due to its stealthy operation. However, if you thrive on responsiveness and feedback while typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch, with its captivating thock sound and medium 63 grams of pressure, would likely enhance your experience. This switch provides sharp tactile feedback that can make your typing feel lively and more engaging, perfect for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump. Additionally, if you lean towards a more clacky sound profile, the Shadow switch aligns well with that preference, while the Silent Ocean is designed to minimize auditory distractions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches is about balancing the tactile feedback and sound profile you desire with the atmospheric needs of your workspace.
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