Outemu Silent Ocean vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches both offer unique features to consider. The Silent Ocean is best known for its sleek and quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience without the distraction of loud key presses. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches are favored for their bouncy feel and clean, clacky sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. While the Silent Ocean provides a low-pitched and neutral feel, the Polaris Gray offers a mild and thocky sensation with a polished finish. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Silent Ocean opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than polycarbonate. In contrast, the Polaris Gray maintains a consistent polycarbonate construction throughout its housing.
Despite their different bottom housing materials, both the Silent Ocean and the Polaris Gray provide unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile, emphasizing a softer typing feel. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and resonant sound profile, ensuring a clear and crisp typing experience. These differences in bottom housing materials showcase how the composition of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing sensation for users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Gray comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Silent Ocean emphasizing a deeper sound profile and softer feel, while the Polaris Gray focuses on a sharper and more resonant typing experience. Whether one prefers the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean or the consistent polycarbonate construction of the Polaris Gray, each switch provides a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Silent Ocean is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier for longer typing sessions, while the Polaris Gray is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force is preferred for your typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent and similar travel distance. As a result, the typing experience and overall feel of the switches will be comparable in terms of travel distance. In conclusion, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing users with a consistent typing feel regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is known for its quiet and muted typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is praised for its low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying and clean typing experience with a bass-heavy tone. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Silent Ocean offering a quieter typing experience while the Polaris Gray provides a more pronounced and satisfying sound when pressed.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch's characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and smooth key press with reduced friction and a refined finish. This makes the Polaris Gray switch a comfortable option for extended typing sessions, appealing to users looking for a middle-ground typing experience that is both approachable and sleek.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Ocean and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ocean excels in providing a quiet typing experience, while the Polaris Gray stands out for its satisfying and clean sound profile and polished feel. Depending on whether you prioritize a muted typing experience or a more pronounced sound and refined feel, both switches offer unique advantages that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Outemu Silent Ocean if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, as it clocks in at 65 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's 67 grams. Additionally, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be a better choice as it is known for its silence. On the other hand, opt for the SP-Star Polaris Gray if you enjoy a bouncy typing feel and a clean, clacky sound profile. The Polaris Gray also offers a unique low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound experience, along with a mild and polished typing feel for a smooth and refined keypress. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force will guide you in selecting the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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