Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ocean is a linear switch with a reputation for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is also a linear switch but is best known for its clacky and resonant notes, combined with a silky smooth feel thanks to the impeccable factory lube job. While the Silent Ocean may appeal to those who prioritize a noise-free environment, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is perfect for individuals looking for a more tactile and satisfying 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we see that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of switches creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. However, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing is likely to provide a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffness, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) may offer a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Despite the difference in sound profiles, both switches are likely to be visually appealing with the translucent properties of polycarbonate and POM.
On the other hand, both the Silent Ocean and the Strawberry Wine (V2) feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that typing on these switches will offer a similar tactile experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Silent Ocean and the Strawberry Wine (V2) highlights the importance of material selection in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical switches. While the Silent Ocean leans towards a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Similarly, both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound experience with their nylon bottom housing, showcasing the impact of housing material on the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound or a deeper tone, both switches offer a range of sound profiles to cater to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch are both 45 grams, meaning they will feel quite similar in terms of initial key press resistance. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Ocean is heavier at 65 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Silent Ocean switch more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more ideal for users who prefer a lighter key press for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, whether it be for extended typing periods or a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Silent Ocean offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Strawberry Wine provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers tend to lean towards shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Strawberry Wine a popular choice in that regard. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 its silent operation, lacking any distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with clacky, resonant, and high-pitched notes. The Strawberry Wine switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and bright sound that is immersive and clean. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch doesn't have a specific descriptor for its feel. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for providing a silky smooth typing experience. With an impeccable factory lube job, each keystroke on the Strawberry Wine switch feels exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can enhance the overall typing feel and make typing a pleasurable and effortless task.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is clear that the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ocean provides a silent operation with an unknown feel, the Strawberry Wine switch delivers a distinct clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, selecting either switch can result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are not particularly concerned about sound or feel, the Silent Ocean may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a clacky, resonant sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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