Outemu Ocean vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Red, a linear switch. The Ocean switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes due to its linear design. While the Ocean switch offers a tactile typing experience that some users prefer for enhanced accuracy and feedback, the Red switch provides a smoother typing experience that is ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. 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
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and Outemu Red switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean and Outemu Red switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Red also features a nylon bottom housing that creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the polycarbonate top housing of both the Outemu Ocean and Outemu Red switches provides similar sound characteristics. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material. This consistency in sound quality is ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience. However, where the switches diverge is in the overall sound profile due to the different bottom housing materials. The Ocean's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Red's nylon bottom housing produces a duller and rounder sound.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is felt differently in the Outemu Ocean and Outemu Red switches. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Ocean, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while in the Red, it creates a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that the Red switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Ocean switch. The Outemu Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Red only requires 46 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Ocean switch does not have a specified measurement, while the Red switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that typing on the Ocean switch may feel slightly heavier and require more force to register a keypress compared to the Red switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Outemu Red switch would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Outemu Ocean switch, even though the exact bottom out force is unknown. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Ocean or the smoother linear feel of the Red, you can rely on the fact that the travel distance will remain constant between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Ocean and Red.
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 Ocean tactile switch is known for its slightly quieter and more cushioned typing sound compared to the Outemu Red linear switch, which has a crisper and more pronounced sound with each keystroke. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch provides a satisfying tactile bump feedback when typing, giving users a more tactile and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing a consistent and linear typing feel. Both switches have their own unique feel, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is preferred for those looking for a quieter typing sound and a more tactile typing experience, while the Outemu Red linear switch is ideal for users who prefer a crisper sound and a smooth, linear typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but both switches will provide a reliable and consistent performance for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, feel, sound, and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a lighter touch and no bottom out force, the Ocean tactile switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a linear feel, the Red linear switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Additionally, take into account the type of sound and feedback you prefer in a switch, as this can also impact your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, so make your decision based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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