Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the TTC Yunhai offer intriguing yet distinct options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is designed with a focus on durability and noise reduction, catering to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience while minimizing dust intrusion, making it an ideal choice for shared workspaces or simply a distraction-free environment. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai boasts an exceptionally light actuation force, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that is perfect for those who value speed and a responsive feel in their keystrokes. While both switches represent excellent choices for linear switch fans, the differences in sound profile and actuation force can significantly impact your overall satisfaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the TTC Yunhai, a clear distinction can be observed between their top housings. The Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends the switch a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer properties that help project a more defined audio quality. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience. Therefore, while both switches use nylon in their bottom housings, the difference in top housing materials contributes to their overall sound profiles, where the Silent Ocean is more suited for users who prefer a crisper sound, and the Yunhai caters to those looking for a warmer typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the TTC Yunhai share the same nylon material. This creates a unified experience when pressing down on the switches as both help to absorb sound, leading to the desirable deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon. The bottom housing plays a critical role in how the switch feels at the bottom-out point and affects overall noise levels during typing. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect similarly satisfying feedback from this segment, regardless of the architectural differences presented by their top housings.
Overall, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the TTC Yunhai vary in their top housing materials, leading to different sound profiles during use, they share the advantage of a nylon bottom housing which creates a cohesive typing experience. Users who appreciate the clarity of polycarbonate in the upper portion may prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean for its brightness during release, while those who value the richer sound associated with nylon will find the Yunhai appealing. Both switches, with their distinct top housings and uniform bottom housing, showcase how material choice directly influences both auditory and tactile experiences in mechanical keyboard switches, offering users varied preferences while still delivering a satisfying feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. 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 TTC Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. The differences in bottom out forces further highlight this contrast, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean requiring a heavier press to bottom out compared to the Yunhai. Consequently, typists and gamers who favor a lighter switch for longer sessions or quicker response times will likely gravitate towards the Yunhai, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel in each keystroke may prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the former measuring 3.3 mm and the latter 3.6 mm. This makes the Dustproof Silent Ocean the shorter of the two options, appealing to gamers and users who favor quicker response times due to its more compact design. In contrast, the Yunhai, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press, offering a gentler, more tactile experience. While both switches are designed for linear action, the slight difference in travel distance (0.3 mm) indicates that users seeking heightened responsiveness might lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean, whereas those valuing a more pronounced key press might opt for the Yunhai.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 does not have a well-defined acoustic characteristic, making it difficult to assess its auditory performance. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch boasts a unique typing experience with a deep, rounded sound profile that enhances the overall feedback during typing sessions. This auditory quality can be appealing to typists who appreciate a richer sound, although it should be noted that sound perception can vary significantly based on additional factors like the keyboard case and keycap material used.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch lacks specific descriptions of its tactile response, leaving its physical sensation during typing relatively unknown. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is recognized for its incredibly light actuation force, providing a gentle and effortless typing feel. This quality can be particularly beneficial for users who favor a softer touch and a more relaxed typing experience, making it suitable for long sessions of use without fatigue.
In conclusion, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch clearly stands out with its distinct sound and light, soft feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous in terms of its attributes. For those seeking a gentle typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Yunhai may be the superior choice. However, if you're after a more utilitarian and potentially quieter switch, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could yield similar outcomes when combined with appropriate dampening strategies, though the exact performance remains uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch should mainly depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel and appreciate the benefits of a more substantial bottom-out force, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be your best bet, particularly if you work in a noisier environment where sound might not be a concern. This switch is likely to provide a satisfying tactile feedback that some users find enhances their typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and effortless keystrokes, the TTC Yunhai would be more suitable. Its lighter actuation force and unique sound profile make it ideal for those who engage in extensive typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, if you require a quieter operation, the Yunhai offers a more subdued acoustic experience. Ultimately, aligning the switch characteristics with your typing style and usage scenario will ensure you make a satisfying choice for your mechanical keyboard.