Outemu Ocean vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Quinn mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are tactile switches, some key differences become apparent. The Ocean switch is best known for its smooth feel, while the Quinn switch stands out for its unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile generated by specially designed nylon housings. The Ocean switch offers a satisfying feedback, while the Quinn switch is described as snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer the more precise and clean tactile bump of the Ocean switch or the immersive sound experience of the Quinn switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Quinn, there is a clear difference in terms of the top housing. The Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. In contrast, the Quinn features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials are effective in enhancing the sound profile of the switch, the polycarbonate in the Ocean produces a more resonant and clear sound, while the nylon in the Quinn creates a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ocean and the Quinn utilize nylon for this component. This means that when typing on switches from either of these keyboards, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the softer nature of nylon. The bottom housing plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, emphasizing the importance of the material used in this component. While both the Ocean and the Quinn share the nylon bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may differ slightly based on other factors such as keycap design and switch design.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Quinn can have a noticeable impact on the sound profile and typing experience. The Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those looking for a more high-pitched sound profile, while the Quinn's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings, contributing to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch with an actuation force of 59 grams. Both switches do not have information available regarding their bottom out force, which may affect how heavy or light the typing experience feels overall. The Ocean switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Quinn switch may cater to those who enjoy a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience and user preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean. The Ocean's 4 mm travel distance is more on the traditional side, offering a deeper feel when pressed. On the other hand, the Quinn's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a deeper, more substantial key press or a quicker, shorter one for optimal responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not widely recognized for any specific sound characteristic, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its deep, resonant, and bassy sound profile. The Quinn switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, rich sound thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. On the other hand, the Ocean switch may provide a more neutral or standard typing sound experience. The sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors for its tactile feel, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. The Quinn switch provides a lively and responsive typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, making it a versatile option for tactile switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Ocean switch may be more straightforward or less nuanced in comparison.
Overall, while the Outemu Ocean and Gateron Quinn tactile switches may offer different sound and tactile experiences, both switches are designed to provide a tactile typing sensation. The Ocean switch may be a more standard or neutral option for those looking for a straightforward tactile switch experience, while the Quinn switch offers a unique combination of tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Ocean tactile switch or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Ocean switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, lively tactile bump along with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Ocean and Gateron Quinn switches comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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