Outemu Ocean vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Ocean is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying click and tactile bump with each key press, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron is a linear switch that revolutionizes silent typing with its innovative design, delivering unparalleled smoothness and stability without the tactile bump. While the Ocean is best known for its tactile feedback, the Zero Degree 0° stands out for its silent typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for switches that want to showcase their lighting effects. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Ocean utilizing nylon and the Zero Degree 0° also using nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a variation in the typing experience between the two switches, with the Ocean likely offering a rounder sound while the Zero Degree 0° may provide a more resonant typing feel. Despite this discrepancy, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their use of different housing materials.
Ultimately, the split between the top and bottom housings of a switch means that each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience. When typing on the Ocean, users can expect to feel and hear the impact of the nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out a key. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the Gateron Zero Degree 0°'s combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing will provide a distinct typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the actuation force of the Ocean is heavier at 55 grams compared to the Zero Degree's 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement. The difference in actuation force means that the Ocean will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Zero Degree. This could result in a more tactile typing experience with the Ocean, while the Zero Degree may provide a lighter and potentially smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in regards to weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Ocean being on the longer side and the Zero Degree on the shorter side. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Zero Degree switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
When comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the sound profile of the Ocean switch remains unknown, while the Zero Degree 0° switch is famous for its innovative design that absorbs sound and reduces noise, providing a quieter typing experience. Moving on to feel, the tactile feedback of the Ocean switch is undefined, while the Zero Degree 0° switch is renowned for its smoothness, stability, and soft, elastic feel that enhances typing comfort. Overall, while the specific characteristics of the Outemu Ocean switch may vary, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a smooth and stable feel, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch may provide similar results to meet your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique tactile typing experience with no bottom out force and are looking for a switch best known for certain characteristics, the Outemu Ocean may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and stable typing experience with reduced noise levels, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch with its innovative design may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences, so make sure to consider all factors before making your selection.
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