Outemu Ocean vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on the tactile experience or the smoothness of key presses, making the Outemu Ocean and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) compelling contenders. The Outemu Ocean, celebrated among those who appreciate tactile feedback, offers a designated feel that can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its carefully crafted PA12 top housing and POM stem, presents a linear option that prioritizes a smooth and silent typing experience, perfect for gamers and typists who prefer unbroken key presses. While the Ocean appeals to users seeking a physical cue with every keystroke, the Xinhai (Heavy) promises an elegant, responsive performance with its crisp, higher-pitched resonance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Outemu Ocean Tactile

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), noteworthy contrasts arise from the choice of materials in their top housings. The Outemu Ocean's top housing utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and clarity. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making the typing experience distinctly crisp. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through, which is particularly attractive for gamers or those who enjoy a colorful keyboard setup. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This difference leads to auditory characteristics that are quite distinct, where the Ocean’s typing noise tends toward clarity and brightness, while the Xinhai leans towards a rounder, more muted sound.

However, both switches share similar properties in their bottom housing, which is also made of nylon in both models. As these bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switches, they ensure a harmonious similarity in response despite the differences in top materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both models contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, with this acoustic property emphasizing a deeper sound during the actuation of the key. This unity in bottom housing materials facilitates a common typing experience across the two models, especially regarding sound dampening and the tactile feedback users experience when bottoming out the keys.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and similar bottom housing materials results in a unique sound experience for each switch. While the Outemu Ocean showcases a sharper sound with a visually appealing RGB implementation through polycarbonate, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more subdued auditory profile that many typists may prefer for a calming typing experience. By recognizing how the distinct qualities of the top materials interact with the similarities in bottom housings, users can choose between the two switches based on their preferences for auditory characteristics, aesthetics, and tactile feedback during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it's notable that both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting that users will experience a similar initial push to register a keystroke. This uniformity in actuation force means that those who appreciate a lighter typing experience will find both switches suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the comparison diverges significantly when considering the bottom out force; the Ocean switch's bottom out force is unspecified, while the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a measurable bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates that the Xinhai switch provides a more substantial tactile response upon full depression, likely appealing to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. As a result, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Xinhai is the heavier option overall due to its defined bottom out force, contrasting with the Outemu Ocean's lighter appeal that remains less defined in this aspect.

Travel distance

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.6 mm highlights the Ocean switch's more traditional and deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it well-suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios. While both switches offer unique benefits, the Ocean is the longer option, favoring a more pronounced tactile experience, while the Xinhai offers a snappier actuation for those who appreciate speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have specific characteristics highlighted, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat of an unknown. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is noted for its softer acoustics, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing, which contributes to a more subtle sound profile. Additionally, the POM stem produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, resulting in a refined auditory experience. The sound produced by either switch will also vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used, but the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a clearer distinction with its described qualities.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Ocean switch lacks specific details to define its tactile sensation, which makes it difficult to compare directly in this area. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a characteristic tactile experience that emphasizes a heavier switch action, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying sensation with each keystroke.

Overall, while the Outemu Ocean lacks prominent subjective qualities to compare, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch stands out with its sophisticated sound profile and robust, heavier feel. Those seeking a refined auditory experience and a solid typing feel might gravitate towards the Xinhai, while the Ocean's qualities remain ambiguous, making it harder to gauge its performance in comparison. Users looking for clarity in both sound and feel may find the Xinhai (Heavy) better suited to their preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the key is to consider your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without the burden of a heavier actuation force, the Outemu Ocean could be your go-to choice. It's ideal for casual typing and gaming where a softer feel is preferable, allowing you to type more quickly and comfortably without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust and precise typing experience with a noticeable bottom-out force, then the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is likely to suit your needs better. Its heavier actuation can provide a sense of control, making it well-suited for those who type or game aggressively, and the unique housing materials produce a satisfying sound profile that complements its tactile response. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you operate on a keyboard and what you find most enjoyable in your day-to-day usage.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more