Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch, and the Durock T1, a tactile switch, stand out as popular options. The Silent Ocean is recognized for its silent operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the T1 is praised for its comfortable typing experience, with a noticeable bump and a soothing rain-like sound. The Silent Ocean falls into the category of quiet switches, while the T1 is characterized by its stepped, low-pitched, neutral, accented, and polished attributes. Both switches have their unique strengths, appealing 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
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
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock T1 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing light show. In terms of sound quality, both switches offer similar results thanks to the shared material used in their top housings.
In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the T1's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Durock T1 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the difference in bottom housing material - nylon for the Silent Ocean and also nylon for the T1 - may lead to varying levels of sound depth and richness. Experimenting with both switches may be the best way to determine which option aligns more closely with your preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Silent Ocean requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Durock T1 does not specify its actuation force but requires 67 grams to bottom out. In this case, the Silent Ocean is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force.
For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be the better choice due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Durock T1 with its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Silent Ocean or the T1, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of key travel distance. This similarity between the two switches allows for consistency in typing feel across different keyboards, making the decision between the two switches less about travel distance and more about other factors such as actuation force and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 switch is known for its lack of noise, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a calming rain-like noise while typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have a specific tactile description provided. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This means that the T1 switch has a two-stage tactile feel, providing a moderate amount of tactility that is smooth and refined for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet typing experience with a linear switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a low-pitched sound and a comfortable typing feel that is both stepped and polished, the Durock T1 switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch would be the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and lack of tactile feedback, it is a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium bump and a comfortable feel, the Durock T1 tactile switch would be the better choice. Its low-pitched sound profile and accented tactile bump make it a popular option for those who appreciate a bit more feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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