Outemu Ocean vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) stand out as popular choices for tactile enthusiasts. The Ocean is best known for its unique features, categorized as []. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is perfect for those who desire both tactile feedback and a silenced typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Offering a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, the Silent T1 is categorized as ['stepped', 'accented', 'muted', 'polished']. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they differ when it comes to their bottom housings.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Outemu Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by providing that deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches allows for a different tactile feel and sound experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housings.
Overall, while both the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similar polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housings. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches enhances the sound and typing experience by absorbing more sound and providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of these different housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience with varying levels of tactile feedback and sound qualities.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is clear that the Ocean is lighter in terms of actuation force at 55 grams, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a heavier actuation force, with an unspecified value. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ocean does not have a specified value, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. The actuation force is crucial for determining the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may favor a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Outemu Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches. There is no difference in the travel distance between the two switches, making them equally suitable for providing a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 switch does not have a specific descriptor available, but it typically falls within the category of standard clicky switches. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is known for producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent T1 switch will offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Ocean switch. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have a specific descriptor available, but it is generally known for providing a tactile feedback during typing. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This suggests that the Silent T1 switch offers a tactile typing experience with distinct stages in the keystroke, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent T1 switch results in smooth and refined key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ocean switch provides a standard clicky typing experience, while the Silent T1 switch offers a quieter and softer sound output. When it comes to feel, the Ocean switch offers tactile feedback without specific descriptors, while the Silent T1 switch provides a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference in sound and feel, and both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Ocean may be the choice for you. However, if you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, combined with a tactile and silent typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. Additionally, if you are in a noise-sensitive environment and prefer a muted sound profile, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and requirements for your typing experience.
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