Outemu Silent Ocean vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Pine both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ocean is a linear switch with a reputation for its silence, making it an ideal choice for those who want a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is also a linear switch but stands out for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and low-pitched sound profile. While the Silent Ocean may appeal to those seeking a noiseless typing experience, the Pine is favored by users who enjoy a more substantial and smooth feel while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Pine, it is evident 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, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan on incorporating RGB lighting. However, the Silent Ocean differs in that it uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The Outemu Silent Ocean, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT Pine, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, provides a sharper and crisper sound. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings enables users to experience different sensations when pressing down on the switch versus when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of the materials used in both the top and bottom housing of mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Pine use polycarbonate for their top housing, the distinction lies in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience can help individuals choose a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the Silent Ocean has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams, making it slightly more substantial in terms of typing feel. The Pine, on the other hand, offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by users looking for a less strenuous typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Silent Ocean is heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing a more robust typing experience, whereas the Pine offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience with both switches will result in a consistent feel and feedback. Overall, the travel distance of these switches may vary depending on personal preference, but the Silent Ocean and Pine switches offer the same amount of key travel for a smooth typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Pine linear switches offer different auditory experiences. The Silent Ocean is best known for producing a quiet typing environment due to its silent nature, making it suitable for those who prefer a subtle typing sound. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches are described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying typing sound, reminiscent of bass tones. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired acoustic experience during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Pine linear switches also offer distinct tactile experiences. While the Silent Ocean's tactile feel is not explicitly mentioned, the KTT Pine switches are praised for their buttery and creamy typing sensations. These descriptors suggest a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with minimal friction and a uniform typing sensation. If smooth and effortless typing is a priority for you, the KTT Pine switches may be the preferred choice due to their factory-lubed finish and overall design aimed at providing a comfortable typing experience.
Considering the available information on the Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Pine linear switches, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ocean excels in providing a quiet typing environment, while the KTT Pine switches offer a more pronounced and satisfying typing sound. Similarly, the KTT Pine switches are designed to deliver a smooth and buttery typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and ease of typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is essential to consider factors such as personal typing style, preferred sound profile, and desired level of tactile feedback when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a quieter typing experience, and a switch that is not specifically known for any unique feature, the Silent Ocean may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, and a buttery, creamy typing feel, the KTT Pine switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preferences and what characteristics you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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