Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Akko Rosewood, both of which fall into the category of linear switches. The Silent Ocean is designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a stealthy setup or work in noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deep, satisfying "thock" sound, attributed to a factory-applied layer of lubricant that enhances both the acoustics and smoothness of each keystroke. While the Silent Ocean emphasizes silence and subtlety, the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more tactile auditory sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Akko Rosewood, the most notable difference lies in their top housing. The Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing that creates a deeper, fuller sound. The inherent properties of these materials play a crucial role in the auditory experience of the switches. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer an acute auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the softness of nylon results in a more muted sound, absorbing vibrations and creating a rounder auditory experience, an appealing option for users who enjoy a bass-heavy sound profile.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Ocean and the Rosewood utilize nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a consistent and enriched sound experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller audio signature. The nylon bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the differences in the top materials, both switches deliver a solid and consistent tactile feedback as well as a satisfying bottom-out sound. The impact of the bottom housing material is essential, as it influences the feel and sound produced when a key is fully pressed down, and in this regard, the two switches align closely.

Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the housing materials in the Silent Ocean and Rosewood create a nuanced typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the Silent Ocean produces a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, whereas the nylon top of the Rosewood may lead to a more subdued auditory feedback. However, both switches leverage nylon at the bottom, ensuring that the deeper sound profile remains consistent between them. Therefore, while the overall sound and feel of the switches can vary due to the top housing material, the integration of nylon in the bottom housing assures a unifying quality that users will appreciate, regardless of which switch they choose to use.

Weight

The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the lighter 40 grams of the Rosewood, making the Rosewood easier to press, ideal for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ocean again outpaces the Rosewood, with a bottom out force of 65 grams versus the Rosewood's 50 grams. This distinction means that the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience suited for those who enjoy a firmer feel, while the Rosewood's lighter characteristics may be favored by users seeking comfort during prolonged use. Overall, the Silent Ocean is the heavier option, delivering a medium-heavy typing experience, whereas the Rosewood stands out as the lighter switch.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when actuating either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for typing and gaming experiences. Consequently, regardless of the chosen switch, users can expect uniformity in key travel, resulting in similar performance characteristics across both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has an undetermined sound profile, making it difficult to compare directly with the Akko Rosewood switch, which is renowned for its deep and satisfying thocky sound, a characteristic enhanced by the factory-applied lubricant. The Rosewood's acoustic design is tailored to deliver an enjoyable auditory experience right out of the box, setting it apart from the Silent Ocean, whose sound characteristics remain unspecified. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience of both switches will also heavily depend on the choice of keyboard, board material, and keycap design.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Silent Ocean switch does not have a clearly defined tactile feedback description, whereas the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for offering a smooth and consistent keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a linear switch with no tactile bump. This distinct feel can contribute to a more pleasurable typing experience, particularly for users who favor a straightforward linear action without interruption during key presses. Without explicit details about the feel of the Silent Ocean switch, it's challenging to draw a direct comparison, but both switches may appeal to linear switch enthusiasts seeking a fluid typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its distinct sound profile and pleasing tactile feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks described characteristics to effectively compare. If sound and feel are critical factors for your mechanical keyboard experience, the Rosewood offers a clear advantage. However, without defined qualities for the Silent Ocean, potential users should evaluate their preferences carefully. Ultimately, if you enjoy the sound and feel of the Rosewood, you may find similar satisfaction if the Silent Ocean also aligns with your needs once more information is available.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a switch that requires a bit more force for actuation, the Silent Ocean, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, may provide a more deliberate typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a firm feedback while typing. However, if you are looking for a lighter touch and a more tactile experience, the Rosewood, with its 50 grams bottom out force, will likely suit you better. The Rosewood is also well-known for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by factory-applied lubricant, making it an excellent choice if acoustics are important in your keyboard experience. Meanwhile, although the Silent Ocean's sound profile isn’t highlighted, its linear design should deliver a quieter operation overall, fitting better in environments where noise is a concern. Therefore, if you prioritize a heavier switch with potentially lower noise, go for the Silent Ocean; if you desire a satisfying sound and a lighter feel, the Akko Rosewood would be your best bet.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more