Outemu Ocean vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Ocean and HMX Sunset Gleam present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Outemu Ocean, known for its tactile feedback, offers a more responsive feel with a noticeable bump that can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This tactile nature makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more interactive experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, is best known for its smooth, linear action and a delightful sound profile, characterized by a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, thanks in part to HMX's exceptional factory lubrication. This makes the Sunset Gleam ideal for gamers and those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke experience. While both switches have their unique strengths, choosing between tactile and linear involves a personal preference in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and HMX Sunset Gleam switch housings share a fundamental material composition that directly influences their acoustic profile. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a notably sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the keys are pressed and released. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes significantly to this clarity and resonance, making it an ideal material for switches designed to enhance RGB lighting aesthetics. Since both the Outemu Ocean and HMX Sunset Gleam feature these clear polycarbonate tops, users can expect a similar visual appeal and auditory experience, especially when it comes to illuminating the switches with vibrant backlighting.
In contrast to their top housings, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which introduces a distinct characteristic to their sound profiles. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a warmer and more rounded auditory experience during typing. This convergence in materials means that while the top housing emphasizes clarity, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the impact of bottom-out sound and feel is richer, creating a harmonious balance in sound quality across both models.
Given that both the Outemu Ocean and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize the same housing materials in their respective configurations, users can anticipate consistency in performance and sound characteristics. The interplay of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches means that while slight variations in feel may occur due to differing designs or tolerances, the foundational qualities of sound and aesthetics remain closely aligned. Ultimately, this shared material approach allows users to enjoy a cohesive experience whether they choose the Outemu Ocean or HMX Sunset Gleam, making either option a sound choice for enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded tactile and auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom-out forces. The Ocean switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sunset Gleam is lighter at 42 grams, making the Sunset Gleam more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Unfortunately, the bottom-out force for the Ocean switch is unavailable, so we cannot directly compare it to the Sunset Gleam's bottom-out force of 48 grams. However, it is clear that those who opt for the Outemu Ocean may appreciate the more substantial feel of its heavier actuation force, potentially finding it more satisfying in terms of tactile feedback. In contrast, the lighter Sunset Gleam will cater to users who favor a light touch and may prefer a keyboard that allows for quicker keystrokes without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Ocean switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures 3.5 mm. This means that the Ocean switch offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more traditional and satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate the sensation of depth when pressing a key. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Ocean switch favoring a more substantial feel, while the Sunset Gleam provides a snappier pressing action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 is quite unique, as there is no specific characteristic associated with its acoustics defined in the description. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is celebrated for its well-balanced auditory experience, characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack sound. The excellent factory lube used by HMX further contributes to a smooth operation, enhancing the auditory profile of each keystroke, making it a more appealing choice for users looking for an enjoyable sound experience. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Sunset Gleam offers a more pronounced auditory signature.
In terms of feel, again, the Outemu Ocean has no explicitly described tactile sensation, making it challenging to evaluate its performance in this regard. However, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is acknowledged for its smooth linear action, which provides a satisfying keystroke experience without the bump typically found in tactile switches. This linear feel can lead to quicker actuation and less finger fatigue, making it a preferred option for gamers and typists who enjoy a fluid typing experience. For those who prioritize tactile feedback, the lack of a definitive description for the Ocean switch leaves us with limited insight into its feel as a point of comparison.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers an undefined experience in both sound and feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch presents clear advantages with its enjoyable acoustics and smooth linear action. For enthusiasts seeking auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Sunset Gleam is likely to stand out, whereas the Ocean might leave users yearning for more description and clarity. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on individual preferences, with the understanding that sound and feel can vary widely based on the setup.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a more tactile experience and want the distinct feedback that tactile switches offer without a significant actuation force, the Outemu Ocean could be the right fit for you. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced bump during typing, which can enhance typing accuracy for creative writing or coding tasks. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the HMX Sunset Gleam is your best bet. This switch is perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing, where you might appreciate the quick actuation and responsiveness associated with linear switches. Additionally, its satisfying clack and excellent factory lube contribute to a pleasing auditory experience that many users find appealing. Ultimately, consider your own typing style and the kind of feedback you enjoy most when making your switch selection; both options offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences.
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