Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch, to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch, some key differences become apparent. The Silent Ocean is best known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for individuals looking for a tactile switch that also provides a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The T1 offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile 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
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar benefits due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provide a contrasting experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material for the bottom housing gives each switch a unique sound signature when typing. While both switches may share the same top housing material, the use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) creates a dynamic typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of clear, sharp sounds from the polycarbonate top and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a rounder sound profile, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to varying preferences. Regardless of the slight differences in housing materials, users can expect satisfying results from both switches due to their well-balanced construction.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch differ slightly. The Outemu Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Silent T1 slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Outemu Silent Ocean could make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, whereas the heavier bottom out force of the Silent T1 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the force specifications of the two switches will provide users with distinct feelings and choices based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. However, the tactile feedback and smoothness of the keystrokes may vary between the two switches due to their different designs. The Silent Ocean is known for its linear feel, while the Silent T1 offers a tactile bump. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, the experience of typing on them may differ based on personal preference for linear or tactile switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 remains unknown in terms of specific descriptors. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that it offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have any specific descriptors available. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is characterized as offering a stepped, accented, and polished feel. A stepped switch provides a two-stage tactile feedback, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience. Additionally, the accented nature of the switch means that it strikes a balance between noticeable tactility without being overwhelming. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined keypress, reducing friction and creating a sleek typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch may differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer qualities that cater to a specific user preference. The Silent Ocean may provide a unique typing experience that is yet to be fully described, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) combines tactile feedback with a quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and other factors such as typing style and typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with the same bottom out force and want a combination of tactile feedback and silence, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a linear or tactile feel in your typing experience and how important noise reduction is to you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider testing them out to see which one suits you best.
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