Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Dustproof Silent Ocean, though less defined in its standout qualities, represents a solid choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience that minimizes disturbance in both gaming and office settings. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire inputs that are perfect for fast-paced gameplay. Additionally, the Vintage Citrus boasts a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel, appealing to users who enjoy tactile feedback during intense sessions. These differences highlight the strengths of each switch: the Silent Ocean offers a serene typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers looking for speed and responsiveness. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit notable contrasts, particularly in their top housing, which contributes significantly to the auditory experience of typing. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This creates a crisper auditory feedback for the user, making it especially appealing to those who favor a more resonant typing experience. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing both the aesthetic and auditory appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is equipped with a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer quality of nylon leads to a duller and rounder auditory response, catering to users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback during typing.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a level of consistency in terms of their underlying sound profile. As nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, both the Dustproof Silent Ocean and Vintage Citrus will provide a deeper, fuller sound when bottoming out. This shared characteristic means that despite the differences in the top housing materials, users can still expect a similar bottom-out experience when typing on either switch. The nylon bottom housing in both switches effectively dampens sound, providing a more soothing and less pronounced auditory response compared to what would result from a switch featuring a harder bottom housing material.
Overall, when considering the performance characteristics of these two switches, it becomes evident how the varying top housing materials impact the overall sound profile. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Dustproof Silent Ocean generates a sharper sound on release but retains the fuller sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus offers a more uniform rounder sound throughout due to its nylon top and bottom housing. For users who appreciate crisp sound profiles with an engaging RGB experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be preferable, while those seeking a rounded, noise-absorbed typing experience may lean towards the Vintage Citrus. Ultimately, despite the differences in sound and aesthetics, both switches provide a satisfying experience tailored to the users' preferences based on their unique materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, requiring a moderately strong push to register a keystroke, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, making it feel a bit more substantial during typing. In terms of bottom-out force, the Silent Ocean also stands at 65 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully depressed, whereas the Vintage Citrus is lighter at 53 grams, offering a softer bottoming sensation. Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is the heavier of the two switches, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger feedback while typing, while the HMX Vintage Citrus, being lighter, is more suitable for those seeking a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. If someone were looking for softer actuation and bottom out results, opting for the Vintage Citrus would be the way to go.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Vintage Citrus is more in line with the modern trend of shorter travel distances, appealing to those seeking quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may offer a more traditional feel with its longer 3.3 mm distance, which can provide a satisfying depth for those who prefer a hearty press when typing. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that feels more responsive and abrupt, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas the Dustproof Silent Ocean caters to those who appreciate a bit more travel in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch’s sound profile remains undefined, leaving us unable to directly assess its auditory qualities. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound, which appeals to gamers who enjoy a more audible and satisfying keystroke when typing or gaming. The difference in sound signifies that users seeking a quieter typing experience may lean toward the Dustproof Silent Ocean, while those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback would prefer the Vintage Citrus.
When evaluating the feel of these two switches, the Dustproof Silent Ocean lacks a specified feel comparison, making it difficult to establish a definitive tactile experience. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is celebrated for its remarkably smooth push feel and exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This low resistance can greatly enhance typing speed and efficiency, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The tactile responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus further complements its design for gamers, whereas the absence of information about the Dustproof Silent Ocean leaves its tactile qualities open to interpretation.
In summary, those considering the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may find it to be a suitable option if they prioritize a quieter experience, while the HMX Vintage Citrus is more tailored for high-speed performance with its rapid actuation and engaging sound. Ultimately, potential buyers should factor in their own preferences for sound and feel, as well as the influence of their keyboard build, to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your personal preferences and use case. If you prefer a heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 65 grams and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch may be the right choice for you. It's ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum, such as shared workspaces, making it a great option for office use or late-night typing. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking an edge in responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus linear switch, with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, will cater to your needs perfectly. Its medium-light 53-gram bottom-out force allows for rapid-fire inputs, while the bright, clacky sound profile and smooth feel enhance the overall gaming experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your primary activities—whether you prioritize a quiet workspace or the ability to execute quick commands during intense gaming sessions.
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