Outemu Ocean vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two noteworthy options are the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Twilight. The Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch, ideal for typists who appreciate the satisfying feedback of a bump with each keystroke, enhancing both typing accuracy and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, a linear switch, offers an extended 3.85mm travel distance, resulting in a smooth and quieter typing experience while retaining the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches—appealing for those who enjoy a seamless keystroke when gaming or typing. Each switch has its unique advantages: the Outemu Ocean brings tactile feedback for precise interactions, while the HMX Twilight delivers a more fluid experience, perfect for rapid key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Ocean Tactile

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Twilight, the differences in sound profiles and material properties are notable, particularly in their top housings. The Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it especially suitable for users who prioritize clarity and vibrancy in their typing experience, especially in RGB lighting setups. Conversely, the Twilight's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic switch material that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile. This inherent quality of nylon contributes to a typing experience that is both rounded and warm, underscoring the contrasting tonal characteristics these two keyboards offer.

However, when we turn our attention to the bottom housings of both switches, we encounter a point of similarity. Both the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Twilight feature nylon for their bottom housings, a choice that directly influences the sound profile during keypresses. This parallel in material means that their bottom-out sound and feel will be quite comparable, given that both switches leverage nylon's softer attributes. This creates a unified experience in the direct action of pressing a key, where the qualities of nylon lead to a subdued sound and a plush feel, regardless of the differing attributes found in their top housings.

Ultimately, the combined performance of the switches hinges on the interplay between their distinct top and bottom materials. With the Ocean's polycarbonate top providing a bright and clear auditory experience, paired with the nylon bottom that delivers warmth and depth, users can enjoy a diverse range of sound that is both engaging and pleasant. The Twilight, on the other hand, offers a fully nylon experience in its top housing, resulting in a consistently deep and rounded sound throughout the keypress. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may choose one over the other, but it is evident that both designs deliver satisfying auditory results through their respective housing configurations.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ocean switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Twilight switch requires a lighter actuation force of only 42 grams, making the Ocean switch the heavier option. In terms of bottom out forces, the Twilight switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is unavailable. This potentially means that the Twilight provides a more predictable feedback when pressed to the bottom, while the Ocean's performance in this aspect remains uncertain. Overall, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, especially during extended usage like long work sessions or gaming marathons, the HMX Twilight would be the preferable choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a heavier, more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Outemu Ocean switch, despite the unknown bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Ocean provides a traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Twilight switch's travel distance is designed for quicker responsiveness, aligning with the preferences of gamers who seek faster actuation. If you're looking for a switch with greater depth, the Outemu Ocean is the better choice, whereas the HMX Twilight offers a more rapid response due to its shorter travel distance. Overall, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize the feeling of depth or the need for speed in your typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has an undefined sound profile, which suggests its acoustic qualities are either subdued or not particularly highlighted in discussions about its characteristics. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter typing experience. While the Twilight maintains the clacky characteristics typical to HMX switches, the overall sound profile is expected to be more subdued compared to louder tactile or clicky alternatives. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary depending on factors like the type of keyboard, board material, and keycap choice, so results can differ based on individual setups.

In terms of feel, specifics for the Ocean switch are not provided, leaving its tactile feedback and overall sensation ambiguous. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch is characterized by its smoother action without tactile bumps, allowing for a fluid typing experience. This linear design typically appeals to users who prefer a consistent keystroke without the interruption of tactile feedback. As such, the Twilight is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where rapid key presses are essential, while the Ocean's tactile qualities remain unclear.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Ocean switch lacks a detailed description of its sound and feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch is recognized for its longer travel distance and quieter operation, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences. If you favor a smooth, linear experience and quieter sounds, the Twilight will serve you well. However, if tactile feedback is what you're after, you'll need to explore more specific qualities of the Ocean, which may provide different experiences altogether.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a tactile feel that provides feedback without too much resistance, the Outemu Ocean switch could be a great choice, especially if you appreciate a light touch in your keystrokes. This switch is ideal for typing where you want to feel a bump without the additional noise typically associated with a tactile switch. On the other hand, if you find yourself leaning towards a smooth, linear experience with a rewarding travel distance, the HMX Twilight linear switch will likely suit you better. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force and extended 3.85mm travel distance are designed for a quieter experience while delivering that satisfying 'clacky' sound when bottoming out, making it perfect for gaming or typing for long periods. Ultimately, consider how you interact with your keyboard—whether you prefer the feedback of a tactile switch or the smoothness of a linear. Your choice should align with how you type and what sounds you enjoy, ensuring the best overall experience for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more