Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Piano both fall under the category of linear switches. The Silent Ocean switch is best known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a smooth and satisfying typing feel with a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Silent Ocean is more focused on providing a noiseless typing experience, the Durock Piano is lauded for its bassy, frictionless, and silky characteristics. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Piano, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which provides a deep and satisfying sound. While the materials differ, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, ideal for those seeking a bright and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the POM blend in the Piano offers a deeper and more satisfying sound, appealing to users who prefer a fuller and richer typing feel.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder, duller sound. Similarly, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of the POM blend are undisclosed, it offers a similar deep and rich sound experience as the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, enhancing the typing experience for users looking for a more subdued and mellow sound.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Piano ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer unique and distinct characteristics based on their housing materials. While the Silent Ocean focuses on a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Piano provides a deep and satisfying sound with its proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing. Whether you prefer a brighter and crisper typing experience or a deeper and more satisfying sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a premium typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force of the Silent Ocean is 45 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Ocean requiring 65 grams and the Piano needing 63.5 grams. The Silent Ocean is on the lighter side in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Piano offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The consistent 4mm travel distance in both switches ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Overall, both switches offer a similar tactile feel and performance in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu Silent 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its deep and rich bassy sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard you use and the keycaps attached.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, with a gliding push feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. However, details on the typing feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch are not provided. The combination of a frictionless and silky feel in the Durock Piano switch ensures minimal resistance and effortless key presses.
Considering the information available, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its pleasant typing experience with a bassy sound profile, frictionless feel, and silky smoothness. While the specifics of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch are not detailed here, it is likely that similar results in typing feel and sound can be achieved with proper customization of your keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it may come down to personal preference and experimenting with different switches to find the perfect fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider the force required for bottoming out. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Durock Piano with 63.5 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Ocean with 65 grams could be a better fit. Additionally, if you prioritize a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano may be the way to go. However, if you value a silent typing experience and are looking for a medium-heavy switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean could be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of force requirements and desired typing feel and sound.
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