Outemu Purple vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Purple and Outemu Silent Ocean are two popular options to consider. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying bump feedback when pressed, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, perfect for those who favor a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Overall, both switches offer a well-rounded sound profile with a mix of high-pitched clarity and deeper tones.
However, where the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Silent Ocean differ is in the combination of housing materials. The Purple features a polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing as well. This split in housing materials means that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches still offer a well-balanced sound profile that combines the unique characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon to enhance the typing experience.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Outemu Purple or the Outemu Silent Ocean, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharp, crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The differences between the two switches lie in the slightly varying combinations of housing materials, with the Purple and Silent Ocean offering a mix of high-pitched clarity and rounder tones. Regardless of which switch you opt for, both the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Silent Ocean provide a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we see some differences. The Purple has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, the Silent Ocean has a much heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Silent Ocean requires a lighter initial touch but a heavier push to bottom out, providing a unique typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Silent Ocean, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the travel distance of 4 mm for both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch provides a comfortable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Purple and Silent Ocean.
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 Purple tactile switch is known for its audible click and tactile bump, which can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a louder keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to minimize sound, offering a quiet typing experience suitable for shared or noise-sensitive environments. While personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch is better for an individual, the Silent Ocean might be the preferred choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump, providing tactile feedback for each keypress. This can help typists feel each keystroke and ensure accuracy while typing. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without a tactile bump, allowing for a consistent and linear typing experience. Those who prefer a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback may lean towards the Silent Ocean switch for a more fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the preferences of the user. Those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with audible feedback may opt for the Purple switch, while those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ocean switch. Regardless of choice, both switches can deliver reliable performance and durability for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light typing experience without a bottom out force, the Outemu Purple switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force for precise key presses, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch would be more appropriate. Additionally, if you prefer a tactile feel with a particular sound profile, the Purple switch may be more appealing to you. However, if you prefer a smooth linear feel without any tactile feedback, the Silent Ocean switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing habits to ensure the best typing experience for you.
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