Outemu Ocean vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, switch choice can significantly affect your typing experience. The Outemu Ocean, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a distinct bump during actuation, providing tactile feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate for its reassuring feel. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer to feel their keystrokes and might benefit from improved typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth operation and a subdued 'thocky' sound profile that is favored by users who enjoy a quieter and uninterrupted keypress experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie's medium-weight design, constructed from all-POM materials, not only offers durability but also an unparalleled smoothness that many will find appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the Ocean or the effortless glide of the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches showcase a contrast in their top housing materials, with the Ocean utilizing polycarbonate and the Sea Salt Smoothie featuring POM. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean is designed to accentuate a sharper and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for users seeking clarity in their typing experience. Its properties allow for a more resonant sound, especially beneficial in setups featuring RGB lighting, as this material tends to be translucent and showcases lighting effects seamlessly. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a distinct auditory experience that caters to users who prefer a softer and more subdued keypress sound.
While the top housings differ, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon for the Ocean and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Nylon, known for its classic usage in switch housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound signature that absorbs sound waves due to its softer composition. This creates a rounder sound profile, harmonizing well with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie also offers a unique sound, which, while similarly deep and muted, provides a distinct tonal quality that differentiates it from nylon. Together, the contrasting materials in the bottom housings of each switch add depth to their overall acoustic responses, where each type enriches the experience in its own way.
When pressed, the effects of both the top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, albeit in different ways. For the Outemu Ocean, you can expect a typing experience that marries the clarity of polycarbonate with the fullness of nylon—resulting in a crisp sound when actuating and a rounded sound on bottom-out. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will deliver a softer auditory experience, with the POM materials lending a unique sound profile that emphasizes those deeper tones throughout the entire keypress. Both switches, while using different materials, can yield satisfying experiences based on user preferences—whether one prefers the resonance of the Ocean or the muted tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ocean switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing a key, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more comfortable. However, the lack of specified bottom out forces for both switches limits our ability to draw further comparisons in this regard. Overall, the Ocean switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those seeking a smoother and lighter experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Outemu Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is consistent with traditional switch designs and provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, which may appeal to gamers and those who favor quicker response times due to its more immediate actuation. Consequently, for those seeking a more pronounced feedback with depth, the Outemu Ocean is the better choice, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may suit those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Thus, the Ocean is the longer switch, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie is shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile attributed to it, leaving its acoustic character somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is celebrated for its "thocky" sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that stands out during typing. The sound produced by these switches can be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's distinctive sound signature is a noticeable feature that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more resonant acoustic.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the Outemu Ocean switch lacks detailed descriptions, making it difficult to assess how it might feel during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is recognized for exceptional smoothness, indicating that it offers a notably fluid typing experience. This smoothness is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a linear switch but still seek a certain level of responsiveness. Without the tactile feedback information for the Ocean, it's challenging to make direct comparisons, but the Sea Salt Smoothie certainly promises a more seamless operation.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Ocean switch remains an enigma in terms of both sound and feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky acoustic profile and smooth actuation. Users seeking a definitive auditory experience and a fluid typing sensation might find the Sea Salt Smoothie to be the superior choice. Without more information on the Ocean switch, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison; however, the existing details suggest that if you prioritize sound and smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the clear path forward.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your personal typing style and sound preference. If you appreciate a tactile feedback with a distinct bump for better typing precision and enjoy a sound profile that resonates well with your touch, the Outemu Ocean could be a great choice for you. This switch suits individuals who prefer a more engaged typing experience, making it ideal for typing enthusiasts or programmers who want to feel each key press. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter, more subdued sound while typing, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better option. Known for its 'thocky' sound profile, it delivers a satisfying auditory response without being overly intrusive, making it perfect for those who work in shared environments or seek a smoother keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and the overall typing feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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