Outemu Ocean vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean and TTC Silent Brown both fall under the tactile switch category. The Ocean is known for its smooth, tactile feedback without being too loud, offering a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches are praised for their comfortable typing feel, light-medium resistance, and satisfying tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. While the Ocean is best for those looking for a reliable tactile switch without too much noise, the Silent Brown is ideal for users who prefer a buttery, polished typing experience. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Ocean and the TTC Silent Brown feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Although both switches use the same material for their top housing, they may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as stem and spring design.
On the other hand, the Ocean and Silent Brown differ in their bottom housing material, with the Ocean utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Brown featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Brown may lead to a less resonant and duller sound. While the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant, the top housing also plays a role, particularly in the sound produced when a key is released.
Overall, both the Outemu Ocean and the TTC Silent Brown offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housings of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Ocean provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Brown. Despite these differences, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfactory typing experience, with the Ocean offering a more resonant sound and the Silent Brown providing a slightly duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Silent Brown lighter to type on initially. In terms of bottom out force, the Ocean's force is unknown while the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the TTC Silent Brown may be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired with a stronger push feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch could provide that extra level of feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Ocean provides a slightly deeper keypress experience compared to the Silent Brown, which might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key travel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers or individuals looking for speed and efficiency in their typing experience. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance may influence the overall feel and performance of the switches for different users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for key travel depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 Ocean and the Silent Brown switches offer different experiences. While the sound profile of the Ocean switch is unknown, the Silent Brown switch is praised for its muted sound profile. This means that the Silent Brown switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, providing a more subtle typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ocean and the Silent Brown switches also exhibit distinct qualities. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Ocean switch is not provided. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is described as "buttery," implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it offers a mild typing sensation that is comfortable for most users, with a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Silent Brown switch delivers a pleasant and approachable tactile feel during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Ocean switch's sound and feel qualities remain unknown, the Silent Brown switch stands out for its muted sound profile and buttery, mild, and polished tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Keep in mind that testing out both switches in person may provide the best insight into which one aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Outemu Ocean may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch is a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so make your decision based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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