Outemu Ocean vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean and TTC Yunhai offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Outemu Ocean, classified as a tactile switch, provides feedback through a noticeable bump during key presses, which many typists appreciate for enhanced accuracy and a more engaging feel. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is a linear switch known for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and a gentle actuation force, making it ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience without the tactile interruption. While the Ocean caters to users who thrive on feedback and precision, the Yunhai shines for typists seeking a serene and effortless experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Ocean and the TTC Yunhai exhibit marked differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience and overall feel of the switches. The Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer plastic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates crisply when a key is pressed. Notably, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when complemented by RGB lighting. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which is softer, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a rounder, more muted auditory experience that diverges sharply from the sharper tones of the Ocean's polycarbonate. The pronounced differences in sound, attributable to the distinct materials, create varied typing experiences for users.
Both the Outemu Ocean and the TTC Yunhai feature nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to a similar auditory experience in terms of the deeper, fuller sound profile that nylon is known for. This shared feature ensures that both switches produce a bottom-out sound characterized by a round and subdued quality, which enhances the typing experience by minimizing sharp noises. As a classic material for switch construction, nylon’s ability to absorb sound makes it a preferred choice for bottom housings, providing a consistent, comfortable feel when pressing down on the keys. Thus, while the materials contribute differently to the overall sound when the keys are released, the nylon bottom of both switches creates a unified experience regarding their fundamental typing acoustics.
The overall dynamics of the typist’s experience can be affected by the combination of materials used in both switches. For the Outemu Ocean, the hard polycarbonate top housing pairs with the soft nylon bottom housing to create a unique auditory contrast—lively sounds upon key release balanced by muted tones upon pressing down. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai, sustaining the full nylon construction, delivers a more consistent, albeit duller auditory profile throughout both the pressing and releasing actions of the keys. In essence, while both switches leverage nylon for their bottom housings, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct auditory characteristics that cater to varying preferences among users. The Resulting experiences showcase how much the choice of materials in switch construction can impact both sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ocean switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier and likely offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it more suitable for those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Yunhai's bottom out force is quantified at 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Ocean switch remains unspecified. This discrepancy means that while users of both switches will experience different actuation forces, we cannot directly compare bottoming out characteristics. Ultimately, if you favor a heavier typing experience that provides more feedback, the Ocean switch would be the better choice; whereas if you lean towards a lighter touch, the Yunhai would be more appropriate.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the preferences of users: those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming might gravitate towards the Outemu Ocean's 4 mm distance, as it provides that hearty depth. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who seek quicker actuation. Ultimately, the variation in travel distance between these two switches underscores the distinct typing experiences they offer, with the Outemu Ocean being the longer option and the TTC Yunhai the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile widely recognized, making its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch possesses a deep, rounded sound profile, which many users find pleasing and cozy. This acoustic quality enhances the overall typing experience, especially for those who value an environment where typing sounds are more subdued yet satisfying. It's also essential to consider that the sound produced by any switch can vary greatly depending on the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps used, meaning both switches’ sound outputs should be evaluated in the context of an entire setup.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Outemu Ocean's characteristics are less defined, leaving its tactile feedback unnoted. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is known for its incredibly light actuation force, providing an effortless typing experience. This means typists who choose the Yunhai will enjoy a smooth, linear action that requires minimal pressure, making it ideal for long typing sessions. The lightweight nature of the Yunhai can contribute to faster typing speeds and a less fatiguing experience, especially for those used to heavier switches.
In conclusion, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's qualities remain unclear, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch stands out due to its pleasing sound profile and light actuation force, creating a smooth typing experience. For those considering these switches, choosing the Yunhai promises a delightful auditory and tactile experience, while the Outemu Ocean may require further exploration to fully understand its characteristics. Therefore, potential users may find themselves leaning towards the Yunhai for its well-defined benefits.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a tactile experience that gives you feedback along with a distinctive sound profile—ideal for those who enjoy a certain "click" or "bump" while typing—then the Outemu Ocean would be a fitting choice. However, since details about its sound and feel are currently unavailable, it's crucial to test them yourself if you get the chance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth and silent typing experience, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is likely your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides a light and effortless touch, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, where speed and fluidity are paramount. In summary, if you lean towards tactile feedback with a unique sound, go for the Ocean; but if you prefer light linear switches that prioritize smoothness and silence, the Yunhai will serve you well. Ultimately, the choice will reflect your individual typing style and preferences, so consider what feels best for you.
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