Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch, to the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ocean is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches stand out for their crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, providing a more engaging and immersive typing feel. While the Silent Ocean is perfect for minimalists looking for a straightforward typing experience, the Quinn switches offer a more lively and dynamic typing experience. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Quinn, one noticeable difference is the top housing material. The Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean is more likely to be translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in sound between the two switches may be more pronounced in the bottom housing material, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing material ensures that both the Outemu Silent Ocean and Gateron Quinn offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean and Gateron Quinn ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it can be seen that the Silent Ocean is lighter in both aspects. The Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, but the Quinn requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottoming out. This difference in weight may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, as the Silent Ocean allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Quinn's heavier force may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. The 0.6 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Quinn may appeal to those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 linear switch is known for being silent and lacking a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of deep, resonant sound with a crisp and light switch-like tactility. The Quinn switch has a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, adding character and depth to the typing experience. The sound produced by the Quinn switch is rich and immersive, creating a satisfying auditory experience for users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ocean switch's tactile qualities are not specified. However, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These qualities indicate that the Quinn switch offers a responsive, smooth, and tactile typing experience with a lively rebound and prominent tactility. Users can expect a seamless and effortless typing sensation with the Quinn switch, as it provides a buttery and creamy keystroke feel. The tactile feedback of the Quinn switch enhances the typing experience, making it enjoyable and satisfying for users.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ocean switch is known for its silence and unspecified tactile characteristics, the Quinn switch stands out with its deep, resonant sound profile and a combination of snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy tactile attributes. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the quiet and subtle typing experience of the Silent Ocean switch or the rich and tactile typing experience of the Quinn switch. Each switch provides a unique and satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique tactile typing feel with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Quinn switches offer a crisp and immersive tactile bump that adds character to your typing. Consider your priorities in sound and feel when deciding between these two switches to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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