Outemu Silent Ocean vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a smooth typing experience with reduced noise levels, making them ideal for office environments or shared living spaces. The Silent Ocean switch is known for its unique features, while the Silent Red switch is praised for its consistent feel and comfortable bottom-out sensation. The Silent Ocean switch falls under a category of None, while the Silent Red switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean and TTC Silent Red switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. The similarity in top housing material between these two switches suggests that users can expect comparable sound profiles when typing on keyboards equipped with either switch.
On the other hand, the Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that feature this material. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the slight differences in material composition may result in a noticeable variation in sound and feel when using the switches. Users who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile may find the Silent Ocean more appealing due to its nylon bottom housing.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Silent Ocean and TTC Silent Red allows for a more nuanced and varied typing experience, catering to the preferences of different users based on the qualities each material brings to the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users can expect a similar required force to trigger a keystroke on either switch. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, while the TTC Silent Red requires 63.5 grams. This makes the Outemu Silent Ocean slightly heavier when it comes to pressing all the way down on the key. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red may be the better option due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Outemu Silent Ocean to be more suited to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent Red being on the shallower end, the slight difference in distance may affect the typing experience for some users. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 doesn't have a specific reputation for noise level, so it may be assumed to produce a standard mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, which reduces the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Red a great option for environments where noise levels need to be minimized, such as in an office or shared living space. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks a defined description of its typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is praised for its buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is noted for its mild and polished qualities, offering a comfortable and refined typing sensation. The padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Red switch adds an extra layer of comfort to the typing experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gentler and more enjoyable typing feel.
Overall, if you are in search of a quiet switch with a smooth and consistent typing experience, both the Outemu Silent Ocean and TTC Silent Red switches can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch may be preferred for its specifically muted sound profile and buttery feel, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force for a more substantial feel, the Silent Ocean may be the better choice for you. However, if you're looking for a switch that provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces or office settings, the TTC Silent Red switch with its padded bottom-out feel and muted sound profile is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and intended usage.
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