Outemu Ocean vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Ocean and the Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Ocean switch is renowned for its smooth actuation, offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch stands out for marrying the best of both worlds, combining the deep, resonant thock of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. The U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, creating a luxurious typing experience with a bassy, muted, and crisp sound profile. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Ocean's polycarbonate housing provides a clear and sharp sound, the U4Tx's proprietary blend offers a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the differences in material composition.
In terms of bottom housings, the Outemu Ocean utilizes a nylon material known for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches achieve a rich sound profile through their respective bottom housing materials, showcasing the importance of material composition in sound production.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Gazzew U4Tx, it is evident that they each offer unique sound profiles due to their material compositions. The Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisp and clear sound, while the U4Tx's proprietary blend top housing offers a rich and deep sound profile. Similarly, both switches utilize softer bottom housing materials to create a fuller and deeper sound. Despite their differences, both switches achieve high-quality sound profiles through their carefully chosen housing materials, demonstrating the importance of material selection in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see that the Ocean requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the U4Tx force is unknown. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the U4Tx is 62.5 grams, which is considered medium, while the bottom out force of the Ocean is not specified. This difference in weight means that the U4Tx is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Ocean. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ocean may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel with a stronger push, the U4Tx would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ocean offering a more standard experience and the U4Tx providing a slightly shallower key press. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the U4Tx due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50.
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 switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its bassy and muted sound profile. Typing on the U4Tx switch will produce a deep, rich sound during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range that minimizes noise. The Ocean's sound may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the U4Tx offers a unique and refined auditory experience for those seeking a quieter typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile feedback. Typing on the U4Tx switch will provide a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress, offering a distinct and intense tactile experience. While the feel of the Ocean switch remains unknown, those who prefer a pronounced tactile response may find the U4Tx switch more to their liking.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The U4Tx switch is praised for its bassy, muted sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, providing a luxurious typing experience that caters to both auditory and tactile preferences. While the specific qualities of the Ocean switch remain undefined, those looking for a cleaner, refined sound profile and intense tactile feedback may find the U4Tx switch to be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, and depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Ocean tactile switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, it is important to take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force, then the Ocean may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the U4Tx would be the more suitable choice. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch that combines the best of both worlds in terms of sound and feel, the U4Tx offers a refined sound profile with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a luxurious and enjoyable typing experience.
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