Outemu Ocean vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The Ocean is known for its unique design and characteristics, while the Splash Brothers are praised for their fast and smooth typing experience. The Ocean offers tactile feedback that is satisfying for those who enjoy a slight bump when typing, whereas the Splash Brothers provide a responsive and quick reaction due to their linear nature. The Ocean is categorized as a tactile switch, while the Splash Brothers fall under neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your typing preferences before making a decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Ocean and the Jwick Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that are intended to be used with RGB lighting. The similarity in the top housing material between the two switches means that users can expect comparable sound profiles and visual effects when using either of these switches.
In contrast, the Ocean and the Splash Brothers have different materials for their bottom housing. The Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Splash Brothers also feature a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound depth and tactile feedback.
The division of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches impacts the overall typing experience for users. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will define the typing experience during key press, while the polycarbonate top housing will contribute to the sound profile when releasing the key. Overall, both the Outemu Ocean and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Outemu Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Jwick Splash Brothers does not provide information on its actuation force. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, whereas the Outemu Ocean does not specify its bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Jwick Splash Brothers is lighter with a 48g bottom out force, while the Outemu Ocean's weight is unknown.
When considering weight, it is important to note that lighter switches may be preferable for longer typing or gaming sessions, as they require less force to actuate. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the Outemu Ocean and Jwick Splash Brothers will 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 Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean. The Ocean's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the shorter 3.5mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers is preferred by gamers for faster response times. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Ocean offering a more substantial key press and the Splash Brothers providing a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer different experiences. The Ocean switch is known for its sound signature being neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch provides a creamy sound signature, which may be more appealing to those seeking a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Ocean switch's description is unknown, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is praised for its mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished characteristics. The mild nature of the Splash Brothers switch offers a gentle typing experience, while its snappy response and bouncy feedback provide a lively and responsive feel. Additionally, its subtle resistance and polished finish contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience. Without information on the specific feel of the Ocean switch, it can be inferred that the Splash Brothers switch offers a more dynamic and tactile experience.
Overall, when considering the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it's important to note that they offer different sound and feel qualities. The Ocean switch may provide a neutral sound profile, while the Splash Brothers switch offers a creamy sound experience. In terms of feel, while information on the Ocean switch is lacking, the Splash Brothers switch boasts characteristics such as mildness, snappiness, bounciness, subtlety, and polish. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the assurance that both will deliver a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers may be the right choice for you. The linear "speed" switches offer a unique typing feel and a gentle typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for a particular feature, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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