Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to an individual's typing preferences and the desired sound profile. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch stands out as a reliable option for those who prioritize a smooth, consistent keystroke experience without extra noise, making it an ideal choice for professionals or anyone working in quiet environments. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch provides an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which enriches the typing experience with a subtle yet noticeable clack, capturing that satisfying auditory feedback that enthusiasts often seek while still maintaining a slightly quieter operation. While both switches are linear and cater to users looking for smooth key presses, they diverge in their sound characteristics and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Twilight present distinct approaches to their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall feel during typing. The Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its stiffer composition, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This rigidity allows the switch to resonate more clearly, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate the pronounced tones associated with polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic aspect, especially when RGB lighting is involved, creating a visually striking effect that complements the sound quality.
In stark contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing that diverges from the properties of polycarbonate. Nylon, known for its softer texture, contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and yielding a rounder auditory experience. This material choice caters to users who prefer a muted, yet satisfying sound during typing. The differences in top housing materials mean that these two switches will offer contrasting auditory experiences; the Dustproof Silent Ocean excels in clarity, while the Twilight leans towards warmth and fullness in sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which provides a consistent sonic signature across both models in this regard. In both cases, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, leading to that characteristic duller and rounder sound profile common to nylon materials. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches will deliver a deep sound when bottoming out, which is a crucial aspect of typing dynamics. Overall, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the Dustproof Silent Ocean and a nylon top housing in the HMX Twilight allows for varied typing experiences, while their similar bottom housings ensure a consistent depth in sound across both models.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for varying typing preferences. The 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 HMX Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight is easier to press and offers less resistance at the bottom than the Dustproof Silent Ocean, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier Dustproof Silent Ocean switch. Therefore, while both switches can cater to different user preferences, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is the heavier option, and the HMX Twilight is the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there's a clear distinction between the two. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Twilight has a travel distance of 3.85 mm, which is longer. For gamers or those who favor responsiveness in their key presses, the shorter travel distance of the Ocean switch may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation and feedback. In contrast, the Twilight switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth and tactile feel for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Thus, if you value speed, the Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper and more robust keystroke, the HMX Twilight is worth considering.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch delivers a notably quiet experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a whisper-soft typing environment. This switch excels in applications where noise reduction is essential, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a sound profile that slightly attenuates noise while retaining the characteristic clacky essence of HMX switches. This subtle balance allows users to enjoy the auditory feedback associated with mechanical switches without the same level of disruption typically associated with louder options.
Regarding feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a smooth and seamless experience, devoid of any tactile bumps, making it appealing to users who dislike any disruptions during key presses. The linear nature of this switch promotes a fluid typing motion, which is ideal for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while also providing a smooth feel, distinguishes itself with a slightly longer travel distance. This extended travel can contribute to a more deliberate actuation, allowing typists to sense the completion of a key press more distinctly. Both switches provide a linear feel, but the experience may vary subtly based on individual preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to users seeking smooth operation but take different approaches in sound and feel. The Dustproof Silent Ocean emphasizes quietness and a seamless typing experience, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight showcases a balance of audible feedback with its clacky characteristics while maintaining an extended travel distance that may appeal to those seeking a more definitive key press. Ultimately, both options can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on your specific preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately boils down to your pressing needs in typing experience and sound preference. If you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and value durability against dust and particles, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be the right fit for you. Its design focuses on long-lasting performance, making it ideal for environments where dust accumulation is a concern, as well as for typists who appreciate a more tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and enjoy a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85mm for smoother keystrokes, then the HMX Twilight is likely your best bet. It stands out with its extended travel distance that provides a quieter operation while still preserving a satisfying feel during typing. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a heavier, snappier typing response with added dust resistance or a lighter, quieter experience with enhanced stroke features.
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