Outemu Ocean vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Ocean and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch, known for its smooth actuation and satisfying bump feedback, making it ideal for typists and gamers who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is a linear switch, loved for its resonant and clacky typing experience, along with a silky smooth feel thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. While the Ocean provides a tactile typing experience, the Strawberry Wine delivers a linear typing experience with a unique touch. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) with its POM top housing offers a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While the Ocean's top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more understated aesthetic with its POM material.
Both the Ocean and the Strawberry Wine (V2) use nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience for users who appreciate a more subdued sound when typing on both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Ocean and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. While the Ocean offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a more unique and muted sound with its POM top housing. However, both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is sure to satisfy users looking for a quieter typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Ocean requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ocean's force is unknown while the Strawberry Wine requires 50 grams. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Ocean may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer, while the Strawberry Wine's lighter actuation force may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ocean offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the Ocean for its slightly longer travel distance, as it can give a more satisfying keypress feel. On the other hand, those looking for quicker response times may opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 does not have a specific reputation or characteristic. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, which provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, along with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The sound produced by both switches will ultimately be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard used and keycaps chosen, but the Strawberry Wine switch is likely to offer a more distinct and vibrant sound compared to the Ocean.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a defined quality in this regard. However, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience. The factory lubrication on these switches ensures that each keystroke feels incredibly smooth and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This feature makes the Strawberry Wine switch a popular choice among those who value a comfortable and seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ocean switch does not have specific traits in these aspects, the Strawberry Wine switch stands out for its clacky and resonant sound, as well as its silky smooth typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths, so choosing between them will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. If you prefer a more vibrant sound and smooth feel, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switch would be the ideal choice, while the Outemu Ocean switch may provide a more neutral and versatile option for those who desire a standard typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Ocean tactile switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with a unique characteristic such as the Ocean's undefined bottom out force and are looking for a smooth and silky typing experience, then the Outemu Ocean tactile switch might be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors matter most to you when choosing between them.