Outemu Silent Ocean vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Twilight, both of which are linear switches designed to deliver a smooth typing experience. The Silent Ocean is praised for its quiet operation, making it ideal for users who prefer a stealthy experience in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only enhances the typing feel but also produces a subtly quieter sound while preserving the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. While both options cater to typists and gamers alike, their distinct features may appeal to different preferences in terms of acoustics and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Twilight, notable distinctions arise from their top materials, with the Silent Ocean featuring polycarbonate and the Twilight utilizing nylon. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, effectively emphasizing higher-pitched tones during typing. This rigid nature allows the sound produced by the switch to be clearer, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a crisper feedback experience. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual appeal in scenarios where RGB lighting is a factor, making the Silent Ocean's aesthetic particularly compelling for those who enjoy illuminated keyboards.
In contrast, the Twilight's top housing made from nylon offers a fundamentally different auditory experience. Due to nylon's softer composition, it provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is characterized by its ability to absorb sound rather than amplify it. This attribute results in a typing experience that feels more muted and rounded, appealing to users who may prefer a less intrusive sound while typing. The choice of nylon for the top housing also aligns with traditional keyboard design philosophies, where a softer touch may create a more comfortable and familiar experience for users accustomed to classic switch materials. Thus, while the Silent Ocean promotes clarity and brightness, the Twilight emphasizes warmth and mellowness.
Interestingly, both models share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Silent Ocean and Twilight utilize nylon. This leads to a harmonized sound profile where the bottom housing's effects on sound and feel are similar. With both switches employing nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a deeper, rounder bottom-out sound that retains a level of consistency when typing regardless of the distinct characteristics of the top materials. Consequently, should the top and bottom housings differ, the overall tonal qualities will be integrated, with the polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean enhancing the top-out sound while the nylon in both models ensures a cohesive and satisfying typing experience at the key's end.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This means that users seeking a more effortless typing experience or longer gaming sessions might favor the HMX Twilight for its reduced resistance. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Silent Ocean, with its heavier forces providing a pronounced typing experience. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, their actuation and bottom out forces highlight the choice between comfort and tactile satisfaction.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's evident that the Silent Ocean offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This 0.15 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Silent Ocean's longer travel distance aligns with the more traditional switch design, catering to those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a deeper press. In contrast, the Twilight's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or users seeking a quicker response time, as shorter distances often translate to faster key actuation. Ultimately, whether one prefers the more substantial feedback of the Silent Ocean or the swifter response of the Twilight depends on their personal typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is a more subdued option, designed to minimize noise during typing, which is ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment. It lacks prominent characteristics that are often associated with more tactile or clicky switches, resulting in a smooth and tranquil typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, providing a quieter sound profile while still maintaining the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This means that even with the slight increase in travel distance, users will find that the Twilight offers a satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming noise.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ocean switch is known for its smooth linear action, allowing for a fluid typing experience with little resistance. This makes it a great option for users who prefer effortless keystrokes without any tactile bumps. The HMX Twilight, on the other hand, also presents a linear feel but balances it with its unique travel distance, potentially offering a slightly different sensation as users type. The longer travel might provide a more pronounced bottom-out feel, while still preserving the linear smoothness throughout the key press.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Twilight linear switches present different auditory and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While both offer smooth and linear typing experiences, the Silent Ocean is designed for quietness, while the Twilight manages a balance between a quiet profile and the distinctive clack expected from HMX switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you're seeking a completely silent typing experience or a slightly more pronounced sound with a unique travel feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel and a more subdued sound, the Silent Ocean might be the right choice for you, especially if you are looking for more resistance during your typing experience. This switch could be particularly beneficial for heavy typists or gamers who require precise keystrokes, as the 65-gram bottom-out force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch and longer travel, you may find the HMX Twilight to be more suited for your needs, given its 50-gram bottom-out force and 3.85mm travel distance. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a slightly quieter operation while still enjoying the clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches, making it great for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, assessing your typing habits, the sound profile you prefer, and the tactile feedback you desire will help you make the best choice between these two distinctive switches.
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