Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The Silent Ocean is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch but stands out for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance. The Smoothie Silvers are praised for their thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those looking for a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, which may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience. Despite these differences, both materials offer a clear and resonant sound profile, making them both excellent choices for users who prioritize sound quality in their keyboards.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Ocean's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. This adds a rounder and more dull sound to the overall typing experience, creating a satisfying feel for users. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with its unique characteristics. Although the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, they both offer a pleasant and pleasing sound that can elevate any typing session.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct advantages in terms of housing materials. While the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound profile, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean and the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver both contribute to a fuller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that can cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Outemu Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Smoothie Silver is unknown. In terms of weight, the Outemu Silent Ocean is considered medium-heavy, while the weight of the Gateron Smoothie Silver is unclear. Actuation force is crucial for determining the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force measures how much force is required to press all the way down. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent Ocean, as it has a lower bottom out force, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron Smoothie Silver, assuming it has a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Ocean may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer a different experience due to their travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Silent Ocean switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its distinctive thocky sound, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard casing and keycap material used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Ocean offers a smooth linear typing experience with a light actuation force, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel due to its all-POM construction, offering a consistent and frictionless typing experience. The short travel distance of the Smoothie Silver switch also contributes to a swift actuation, which may be preferred by users looking for quick responsiveness.
Overall, the Silent Ocean and Smoothie Silver switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet and light typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing feel with a distinctive sound profile, the Smoothie Silver switch could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as well as the specific keyboard setup you are using.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a unique feature (fill in the blank with information about Silent Ocean), then the Silent Ocean may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a feather-light touch, lightning-fast actuation, and unparalleled smoothness (fill in the blank with information about Smoothie Silver), then the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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