Outemu Red vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, also a linear switch. The Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch offers a quieter typing experience, perfect for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued typing sound. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Both the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches feature polycarbonate top housing, giving them a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Red uses nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound with a duller and rounder tone.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the Outemu Red provides a different tactile experience with its nylon bottom housing compared to the Silent Ocean. The nylon in the Red switch offers a softer feel and sound absorption, leading to a more rounded bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound but with a duller tone overall. This variation in the bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
When considering the overall performance and sound characteristics of the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, it is important to recognize how the different housing materials impact the typing experience. The Red's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique blend of sharp, clear sound with a deeper and fuller typing feel. Meanwhile, the Silent Ocean offers a similar crisp sound with its polycarbonate top housing but with a slightly different typing experience due to the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch differ slightly in weight. The Red switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Silent Ocean slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, giving it a medium-heavy feel compared to the medium feel of the Red switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Red switch, as its lower bottom out force allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force, with both switches offering a similar typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they provide the same amount of key travel for users. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Red or the Outemu Silent Ocean, you can expect to experience a consistent and familiar typing experience in terms of key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable distance for pressing down on keys, allowing for smooth and seamless keystrokes. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches contributes to their overall performance and feel when typing or gaming.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to further reduce noise with its dampened keystrokes, allowing for even quieter typing sessions. Depending on the individual's preference for sound, the Silent Ocean may be more appealing for those seeking a highly muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a linear switch. Similarly, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers the same smooth keystrokes but with an added cushioned feel due to its dampening mechanism. This slight difference in feel may appeal to users who prioritize a softer typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness and consistency. The main differentiating factor between the two switches lies in their sound properties, with the Silent Ocean being the quieter option due to its dampening mechanism. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more standard typing experience, the Outemu Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and want a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to individual preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Make sure to test out both switches if possible before making your final decision.
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