Outemu Ocean vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Ocean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Ocean is best known for its unique features, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility. The Ocean falls under an unspecified category, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is categorized as 'Bouncy'. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a comfortable typing experience with an appealing tactility. On the other hand, the Ocean's distinguishing characteristics make it stand out in its own right. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Ocean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches designed for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ocean uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and resonant sound profile associated with this material.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Outemu Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a more muffled and rounder sound when typing compared to the crisper sound produced by the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split in housing materials allows each switch to have unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials will be more pronounced, affecting the overall typing experience and sound output.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a crucial role in determining its sound profile and overall feel. While the Outemu Ocean and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct typing experiences. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute significantly to the overall user experience and sound output of these switches.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ocean lacks information while the Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier. The Ocean is better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing, providing a more substantial feel, whereas the Shadow is lighter and ideal for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, but for those looking for a similar feel, opting for the lighter actuation force would provide a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a consistent feel and response when typing or gaming. With both switches offering the same travel distance, you can rely on achieving similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback. This similarity makes it easier for users to transition between different keyboards equipped with either the Outemu Ocean or Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches without experiencing a noticeable difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ocean switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow Single Spring switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, which adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke. Depending on the rest of your setup, such as your keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches can vary.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Ocean switch has yet to establish a distinct reputation for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for providing a bouncy sensation when typing. This bouncy feedback gives the keys a lively feel, offering users a satisfying rebound effect after each press. The Ocean switch may offer a different tactile experience that could cater to those looking for a softer or more subtle typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ocean switch is described as quiet and its specific tactile feedback is unknown, the Shadow Single Spring switch is praised for its deep sound profile and bouncy tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with unknown tactile characteristics, the Ocean switch may be the way to go. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a deep sound and bouncy tactile feedback, the Shadow Single Spring switch may be more appealing to you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a more approachable level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring may be the better choice for you. Its deep and thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy feel, can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None and are looking for a different typing experience, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch might be worth trying out. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
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