Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of various options, and two notable contenders in the linear category are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The Silent Ocean is designed for smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a distraction-free typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte stands out for its super smooth feel, enhanced by the latest molds from Huano. While it offers a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious note—not too quiet and not overly resonant—it's perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. Both switches provide unique advantages, whether it’s the Silent Ocean's emphasis on tranquility or the Strawberry Latte’s refined auditory character. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Ocean and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Silent Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, resulting in clearer resonance. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also contributing to sound quality, is noted for its durability and smoothness rather than for producing distinctly higher-pitched sounds. While both materials allow for a pleasing auditory experience, the Silent Ocean is specifically tailored for users seeking bright and pronounced feedback, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
Both switches, however, share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality establishes a baseline for sound profile across both models. The nylon bottom housing in the Silent Ocean and Strawberry Latte plays a crucial role in sound absorption, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Because nylon exhibits a softer material composition, it effectively dampens sound, providing a more muted feel when the switch bottoms out. The presence of nylon in both switches means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a comparably pleasant sound profile characterized by the signature deep thump that nylon imparts.
Ultimately, the differences in sound and feel between the Silent Ocean and Strawberry Latte will be most pronounced when interacting with the top housing. When a user presses a key, the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound predominantly stem from the nylon bottom, fostering that deep and round tonal quality that both switches share. On the release, however, the variances in sound will become apparent; the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top will resonate distinctly sharper compared to the smoother, more muted approach of the Strawberry Latte’s POK top. Thus, while the overall experience may share similarities due to the nylon base, the switches are designed to offer unique auditory and tactile profiles driven by their respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, reflecting a medium-heavy feel that can enhance typing satisfaction for those who prefer a stronger resistance. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a softer touch. This significant difference indicates that the Silent Ocean will likely result in a more substantial, tactile typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte is ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, for those who prefer lighter switches for longer usage, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, while the Silent Ocean will appeal to those who appreciate a bit more heft in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Ocean switch provides a more traditional feel, catering to those who appreciate a deeper key press that can enhance typing comfort. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switch, with its shorter travel distance, is designed for quicker responses, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency in their key presses. Overall, if you prefer the more substantial depth of the Silent Ocean, you may enjoy the tactile experience it offers, whereas those who favor the snappier feel of shorter travel distances will likely gravitate toward the Strawberry Latte.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a defined sound profile, which suggests its acoustic characteristics could be influenced heavily by the keyboard it is used in, such as the material of the board and the keycaps. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch boasts a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, providing users with a well-rounded auditory experience. This variance means that while both switches can produce satisfying sounds, the Strawberry Latte may offer a more predictable auditory accompaniment, whereas the Silent Ocean could yield a less consistent sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ocean switch lacks specific descriptors, leaving its tactile feedback and smoothness open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth operation, a result of utilizing the latest available molds from Huano. This smooth characteristic makes the Strawberry Latte appealing for typists and gamers alike, as it allows for fluid keystrokes with minimal resistance. While we cannot ascertain the specific feel of the Silent Ocean, if it is similar to other linear switches, users might expect a generally smooth action, though not necessarily at the level of the Strawberry Latte.
In summary, the Outemu Silent Ocean and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present distinct attributes when it comes to sound and feel. The Silent Ocean leaves much to be discovered regarding its auditory profile and tactile response, while the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound and a notably smooth keystroke. For newcomers, opting for the Strawberry Latte could provide a more reliable and enjoyable typing experience, particularly if smoothness is a priority. If users do choose the Silent Ocean, they may achieve similar smoothness depending on their keyboard and setup, but they should remain mindful of the unpredictable sound aspect.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and tactile feedback. If you tend to prefer a sturdier, more substantial feel while typing and don’t mind the slight noise that might accompany a medium-heavy actuating switch, the Silent Ocean could be the right fit for you. This switch would be ideal for scenarios where you are engaged in writing or gaming sessions that demand precision and a bit more resistance, allowing for a more controlled keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter actuation force that provides a super smooth feel with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte would likely be your go-to option. It’s particularly well-suited for those long typing sessions or for users who appreciate a swift response without the extra effort of heavier switches. In essence, choose the Silent Ocean for a robust typing experience that requires firmer key presses, and opt for the Strawberry Latte if you desire a lighter, smoother touch that excels in comfort and responsiveness.
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