Outemu Ocean vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch, it is important to consider the key characteristics of each. The Ocean switch is best known for its unique design and feel, categorized as tactile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a smooth typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature, and is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. While the Ocean may offer a tactile typing experience, the Piano provides a smooth and linear feel. Ultimately, choosing the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing preferences and needs. Let's dive 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Piano differ significantly in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance. In contrast, the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, resulting in a uniquely deep and satisfying sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ocean features a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller tone. Similarly, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, contributing to the switch's deep and satisfying sound profile. While the exact details of this blend are not known, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality through their choice of bottom housing material.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two switches, impacting both the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Piano, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean is unknown. This means that the Ocean switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Piano switch may be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. In terms of actuation force, the results may be similar if both switches have the same force, but the difference in bottom out force would still be a factor to consider for users looking for a specific typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar feeling of travel distance. Both switches will provide a consistent and satisfying tactile or linear response, depending on which one you prefer. Whether you choose the Ocean switch or the Piano switch, you can expect a smooth typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them both great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu 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 Ocean tactile switch is known for its unique characteristic which is not specified in the given information. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is renowned for its deep and creamy sound profile, described as "bassy" with a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Ocean having its own mysterious sound signature and the Piano providing a rich and soothing sound during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Ocean switch has a tactile response that is not specified in the provided information. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is lauded for its frictionless and silky feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid travel for each key press. Users can enjoy a tactile-free experience with the Durock Piano, while the specific tactile feedback of the Outemu Ocean remains undisclosed.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean and Durock Piano switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ocean provides an undisclosed sound profile and tactile response, while the Piano delivers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky feel. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, each with its own distinct characteristics. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the mysterious aura of the Ocean or the smooth and rich typing experience of the Piano to enhance their overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless feel, the Durock Piano linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique sound signature and potentially no bottom out force, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you're looking for.
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