Outemu Ocean vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Ocean and the KTT Semi Mute present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Ocean, classified as a tactile switch, offers a satisfying bump on actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide feedback for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute, aptly named despite its completely silent operation, is a linear switch designed for those who seek a quiet and seamless typing experience—perfect for late-night work or gaming sessions without disturbing others. The Semi Mute features advanced dampening technology and a buttery feel, making it ideal for users valuing a noise-free environment. While both switches have their unique advantages, the Outemu Ocean caters to tactile feedback enthusiasts, whereas the KTT Semi Mute appeals to silent operation advocates. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Ocean Tactile

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Ocean and the KTT Semi Mute switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, with both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice contributes to the switches' sound profiles, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate is characterized by its stiffness, allowing for a more resonant sound that enhances clarity. Both switches also benefit from the visual advantages of polycarbonate, as its translucency makes it exceptionally accommodating for RGB lighting, ensuring that any RGB effects are brilliantly showcased. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory experience when it comes to the sound produced by the top housing.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models. The Outemu Ocean employs nylon for its bottom housing, a traditional material recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material effectively absorbs sound, producing a rounder auditory quality. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute sticks with polycarbonate for its bottom housing, imparting a sound signature more akin to that of its top housing—sharp and clear. This difference in bottom housing material significantly affects the overall typing experience, particularly in the bottom-out sound and feel, making each switch suitable for different preferences based on how users prioritize sound depth versus clarity.

Ultimately, the interplay between the switch materials in both the Outemu Ocean and KTT Semi Mute shapes their unique characteristics. While the shared polycarbonate top housing results in similar sound profiles when key releases occur, the distinct nylon bottom of the Ocean introduces a contrasting warmth and depth that the all-polycarbonate Semi Mute cannot replicate. As a result, each switch may appeal to different users: those favoring richness in sound might gravitate towards the Outemu Ocean, while others seeking a crisp and clear typing experience might prefer the KTT Semi Mute. This variance allows enthusiasts to select switches that best align with their preferences for auditory feedback while typing.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal significant differences that cater to various user preferences. The Outemu Ocean switch requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 55 grams, while the KTT Semi Mute has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making the Semi Mute more suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. However, the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is currently unavailable, while the KTT Semi Mute has a defined bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a firmer feel at the end of the keystroke. This means that while the Semi Mute is lighter in terms of actuation force, it does have a heavier overall feel when bottoming out. Users who seek a lighter switch may favor the Semi Mute for its easier actuation, while those who enjoy a more significant push feel might lean towards the Ocean, despite its unknown bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they have identical actuation depths when pressed. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress responses from both switches, which can lead to a comparable typing experience. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users who choose either switch will not notice a difference in the depth of key travel, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent feel when typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Ocean switch remains largely undefined, which may leave users with a sense of uncertainty regarding its acoustic profile. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch excels at creating a noise-free typing experience. Described as muted, these switches produce a softer sound that minimizes the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is paramount. Additionally, the semi-muted quality contributes to a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of typing situations, whether at home or in an office setting.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Ocean is also not well characterized, leading to potential ambiguity about the tactile experience it provides. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute switch is celebrated for its buttery feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. This seamless action is combined with a mild characteristic, making the switches gentle on the fingers and accessible to a broad audience, appealing to both new and experienced typists. The smoothness ensures that users can type effortlessly, striking a balance between comfort and functionality.

Overall, the Outemu Ocean switch offers an undefined experience in both sound and feel, leaving room for personal interpretation and preference. In stark contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a well-rounded and desirable experience with its muted sound and buttery, mild tactile feedback. For those seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience, the KTT Semi Mute stands out as the clear choice, while the Outemu Ocean's qualities remain elusive and may require further exploration to fully appreciate. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you prioritize defined attributes or prefer the opportunity to discover the nuances of a less-characterized switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and find yourself in environments where noise might be disruptive—especially during late-night typing sessions—the KTT Semi Mute is your best bet. With its medium actuation force and advanced dampening technology, it provides a comfortable, muted typing feel while ensuring your keystrokes remain discreet. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile feedback experience and don’t mind a bit of sound, the Outemu Ocean switch could be the way to go, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile actuation, even though details about its feel and sound may remain less documented. Ultimately, think about your working environment and how much you value sound and tactile feedback; this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more