Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out for their unique features. The Silent Ocean is best known for its smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a silent environment. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is loved for its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for situations where noise level is a concern. While both switches offer a silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean focuses on providing a quiet keypress, while the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a soft and comfortable feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, we can see some key differences. The Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with the polycarbonate creating a clearer and resonant tone, while the INK blend delivers a satisfyingly clacky sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Silent Ocean incorporates a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the switch. Both bottom housings play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the nylon providing a more muted and rounded sound compared to the INK blend's clacky tone.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the impact each material has on the switch's sound profile is evident. The top housing material influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Silent Ocean emphasizing a clear and resonant tone, and the Silent Ink Black providing a satisfyingly clacky sound experience.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Silent Ocean is 65 grams, slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent Ocean for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. Users can expect to have a consistent feel and feedback from both switches when typing or gaming. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, there is no shorter or longer option between the two. Despite being different brands, the Outemu and Gateron switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 producing minimal noise, but specific descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is renowned for its muted sound profile. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it ideal for environments where noise needs to be kept at a minimum. However, remember that the sound of a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself but is also influenced by other variables such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided. On the contrary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as offering a silky typing experience with a polished finish. This translates to an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The cushion-like bottom-out feel of the Silent Ink Black adds to the overall comfort of typing on this switch.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Silent Ocean excels in producing minimal noise during typing, the Silent Ink Black stands out for its silky smooth feel and cushioned bottom-out experience. Depending on whether your priority lies in a quieter typing experience or a buttery smooth feel, either of these switches could suit your needs. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so trying out different options may be beneficial to find the perfect match.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch without a specific standout feature, the Silent Ocean may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams and are seeking a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound level.
Mentioned in this article
