Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Silent Ocean is known for its minimalist design and smooth linear feel, making it a versatile option for various typing tasks. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a unique thocky sound profile and a bouncy typing experience due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Silent Ocean provides a silent and straightforward typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a more tactile and satisfying feel. 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the distinction lies in their bottom housings. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing contrasts with the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, showcasing the impact different housing materials can have on the overall sound profile of a switch. The combination of materials in each switch allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the usage of polycarbonate ensures a sharp and resonant sound profile in both switches, providing a consistent experience in terms of material quality.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean and Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in their bottom housing materials, their shared polycarbonate top housing offers a consistent sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Tourmaline Blue's continued use of polycarbonate for a consistent experience. The unique combination of materials in each switch highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality construction that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Ocean requiring 65 grams and the Tourmaline Blue requiring 67 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Silent Ocean more comfortable for longer periods of typing, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the Tourmaline Blue. Both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, the typing experience with both switches will be similar in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Silent Ocean or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is known for a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various uses. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. This means that the keystrokes are smooth, effortless, and gentle on the fingers, requiring minimal force to activate. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is currently unknown. However, based on the descriptions provided, it seems that the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a more tactile and easy-to-use typing experience.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch stands out for its deep sound profile and bouncy feel, making it an enjoyable option for a wide range of users. The Outemu Silent Ocean switch may offer a more neutral sound and feel, but without specific descriptions, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in these aspects. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for different preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you value a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force, the Tourmaline Blue may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue offers a smooth and comfortable keystroke. On the other hand, if sound and feel are not your top priorities and you prefer a standard bottom out force, the Silent Ocean can be a reliable choice. Ultimately, your personal typing preferences and priorities will guide you to make the best decision between these two switches.
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