Outemu Ocean vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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, known for its tactile feedback, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, known for its linear feel. The Ocean switch offers a satisfying tactile bump when pressed, making it ideal for typists who appreciate the feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without the audible click, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Silent Ocean switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound when typing.
Although both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the split in their housing materials creates a noticeable contrast in sound and feel. The Ocean's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The impact of each housing material is felt differently when typing on these switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Ocean and Outemu Silent Ocean switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Ocean's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a more rounded sound profile, while the Silent Ocean's all-polycarbonate construction delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches showcase the versatility of different housing materials in creating unique typing experiences, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Outemu Ocean switch requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Ocean has an unknown value while the Outemu Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In terms of weight, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean would be the better choice, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Outemu Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same amount of travel distance as the key is pressed from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the tactile switch will provide a tactile bump sensation during the key press, while the linear switch will provide a smooth and consistent feel. So while their travel distances are equal, the typing experience will differ based on the switch type.
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 Silent Ocean.
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 subtle click sound, providing a satisfying feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to minimize noise, offering a quiet typing experience ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Both switches may produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is praised for its tactile bump, providing a pronounced bump in the keystroke that is satisfying for those who prefer tactile feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump, allowing for a consistent feel with every key press. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel.
Overall, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Ocean switch provides a tactile experience with a subtle click sound, the Silent Ocean switch offers a quiet and linear typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches provide reliable performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Ocean tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is important to take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force or a more tactile typing experience, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force or a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch might be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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