Outemu Ocean vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Type S, a linear switch. The Outemu Ocean is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when the key is actuated, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S stands out for its smooth and linear keystrokes, offering a consistent feel without any tactile bump, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. While both switches have their own unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Type S, it is evident that both switches feature nylon as the material for the bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is known for absorbing more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This implies that both switches will likely produce a similar sound experience when pressed, with a duller and rounder sound emanating from the bottom housing. However, the differences lie in the top housing material used for each switch.
The Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to nylon. This results in a more resonant and clear sound profile, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrast between the polycarbonate and nylon top housing materials leads to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch like the Outemu Ocean or the Gateron Type S contribute to a unique typing experience by combining the absorptive qualities of nylon with the resonant qualities of polycarbonate. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials offer enthusiasts a choice between a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Ocean or a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Type S.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch both have the same actuation force of 55 grams, providing users with a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure required to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Ocean switch has an unknown force, while the Gateron Type S switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Gateron Type S switch would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Outemu Ocean switch offers a lighter typing experience due to the unknown bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch can provide similar results due to their equal actuation forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing pressure and typing duration.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a similar key press sensation when using either switch. The Ocean tactile switch offers a tactile bump while the Type S linear switch provides a smooth keystroke. Despite their differences in feel, the travel distance remains consistent between the two switches. This makes them equally suitable for typing or gaming purposes, as users can expect a familiar key press experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70.
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 and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer different experiences. The Ocean's sound profile is currently unknown, while the Type S is known for its neutral and subdued sound characteristics. The Type S provides a pleasing balance between a moderate actuation force requirement and a dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, specifics about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch are not provided in the information provided. However, based on general knowledge of tactile and linear switches, the Ocean is likely to offer a tactile bump with a distinct actuation point, while the Type S provides a smooth and consistent linear keystroke. These differences in feel cater to different typing preferences, with tactile switches offering more feedback and linear switches providing a smoother typing experience.
Considering the available information, while the sound qualities of the Outemu Ocean and Gateron Type S switches differ, they both offer unique benefits to users. The Ocean may provide a tactile typing experience with an as-yet unspecified sound profile, while the Type S delivers a neutral and subdued acoustic experience with a weightier keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Experimenting with different switches on the same keyboard and keycap setup may provide similar results, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a weightier keystroke and a neutral yet deeper sound profile, the Gateron Type S with its 65g bottom-out force might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with a specific feel and sound signature, the Outemu Ocean might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so consider what matters most to you when choosing between them.
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