Outemu Silent Ocean vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches with different characteristics emerge. The Silent Ocean is best known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smoothness, offering a unique typing sensation. While the Silent Ocean is categorized as quiet, the Swift is categorized as clacky, easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Swift both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Silent Ocean uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon. While the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, the Swift's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Silent Ocean and the Swift feature nylon housings. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness, which helps absorb sound. This results in a more muted and round sound compared to harder plastics. However, while the bottom housing may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound profile as the top housing, it still contributes to the overall feel and sound of the switch. In this case, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone.
In summary, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Swift each bring unique characteristics to the switches' sound profiles. While the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Swift's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by a muted and round sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it can be seen that the Silent Ocean requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Ocean is heavier at 65 grams while the Swift is lighter at 50 grams. This means that the Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Swift offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. For those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, the Swift would be the better option due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. In contrast, the Silent Ocean would be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Ocean being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Swift switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is recognized for its unique clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Swift's full nylon housings contribute to a deeper sound compared to traditional HMX switches. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard casing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch provides a sensation that is currently undisclosed, while the HMX Swift switch is known for its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy qualities. The Swift's light actuation force of 42g offers a responsive and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The feathery and bouncy attributes of the Swift switch contribute to a comfortable and lively typing feel, making it suitable for various activities including gaming and typing tasks.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Swift switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ocean excels in providing a quiet typing experience, while the Swift stands out with its clacky sound profile and light actuation force. While the Silent Ocean's feel remains undisclosed, the Swift's combination of easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy qualities offers a diverse and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, in deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean might be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a deep and silky smooth typing feel, the Swift switch would be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky sound profile and easy-to-press keys, the Swift switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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