Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX SU both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to varying user preferences. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is designed for those who value a quiet typing experience without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, boasts a subtle, relatively deep sound profile that provides a satisfying auditory experience while maintaining smooth key presses. This makes it an attractive choice for users who appreciate a more immersive typing sensation without the distraction of loud click sounds. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
When evaluating the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX SU, the differences primarily reside in the top housing of each switch. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material not only contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile but also facilitates RGB lighting, making it visually engaging. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and thus absorbs more sound. As a result, the sound profile produced by the HMX SU is deeper and fuller, offering a more rounded auditory experience. The choice of materials in the top housings significantly influences the acoustic characteristics of the switches, highlighting how the properties of polycarbonate and nylon present differentiated sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX SU utilize nylon, which is a traditional and well-regarded material in switch construction. This consistency means that users can expect a similar impact on sound and feel for the typing experience, as both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the soft nature of nylon. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a unified experience for both switches when bottoming out, ensuring that the more muted and rounded sound delivered by the bottom housing remains consistent across both models.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and HMX SU differ notably in their top housing material—polycarbonate versus nylon—both shares a commonality in their bottom housing construction. This results in a hybrid acoustic experience where the top housing characteristics dominate the sound profile during key release for the Dustproof Silent Ocean while the HMX SU provides a rounder, deeper echo due to the absence of polycarbonate. Nevertheless, both switches utilize nylon in their bottoms, ensuring a similar tactile feel and sound production when pressed down, thereby creating a balanced experience between the two models despite their differences in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find some notable differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar tactile response when triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier, while the HMX SU's bottom out force is only 50 grams, categorizing it as lighter. This distinction means that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, the Outemu switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed all the way down, making it better suited for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Conversely, the lighter bottom out force of the HMX SU allows for a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or casual gaming. Therefore, depending on personal preference, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may appeal to those seeking a firmer touch, while the HMX SU caters to those desiring a lighter, more nimble feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it becomes clear that the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX SU measures 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm places the SU in the realm of switches that provide a more pronounced depth, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers who may benefit from quicker key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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's specific auditory characteristics aren't detailed, making it difficult to assess its acoustic profile accurately. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is recognized for a subtle yet relatively deep sound, thanks to its full PA12 housing construction paired with a T5 stem. This combination is likely to produce a pleasant sound experience, ideal for users who prefer quieter, subtler acoustic feedback. However, sound quality is ultimately influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used, meaning that users could achieve a similarly muted sound with appropriately chosen components when using the Dustproof Silent Ocean, despite its unspecified qualities.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have a defined tactile quality available, leaving its touch characteristics unexamined. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch is known to deliver a smooth typing experience, inherent to its linear switch design. Typical of linear switches, the SU is expected to provide minimal resistance throughout the keypress, which may appeal to those seeking uninterrupted motion while typing or gaming. If the Dustproof Silent Ocean is also a linear switch, users can anticipate a generally smooth experience, albeit with an undefined tactile sensation that may or may not add uniqueness to it.
In conclusion, for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and HMX SU linear switches provide interesting options but differ significantly in the clarity of their qualities. While the SU stands out with its subtle, deep sound profile and smooth operation, the Dustproof Silent Ocean's exact features remain ambiguous, holding potential similar experiences depending on specific usage scenarios. Ultimately, both switches can offer satisfactory performance, but the HMX SU may have a slight edge in comfort and auditory feedback based on the available information.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and specific needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel when typing and value a quieter experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be the right choice for you. This switch offers a bottom-out force of 65 grams, which can provide satisfying feedback and reduced accidental key presses, ideal for both typing and gaming in environments where noise can be an issue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter performance with a more pronounced, yet still subdued sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams could be a better fit. Its full PA12 housing and T5 stem deliver a unique feel that many users appreciate, especially for extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. Ultimately, assessing whether you prioritize a heavier typing experience with the Dustproof Silent Ocean or a lighter, more nuanced feel with the HMX SU will guide you toward the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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