Outemu Silent Ocean vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ocean is best known for its smooth linear feel, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its innovative use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing, providing a buttery and creamy typing sensation that sets it apart from the competition. While the Silent Ocean offers a straightforward linear typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream entices users with its unique sound profile and creamy texture. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, one key difference is the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean's top housing versus KTT's proprietary blend for the Vanilla Ice Cream. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a resonant sound. On the other hand, KTT's blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer unique sound qualities, the choice between them may come down to personal preference for the type of sound profile desired.
The difference in the bottom housing materials of the Silent Ocean and Vanilla Ice Cream also plays a significant role in their overall sound and feel. The Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. In comparison, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, which is highly durable and offers smooth and clacky switches. This shows that the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, influencing both sound and durability.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch contributes to its overall sound profile and typing experience. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Understanding the unique properties of each housing material, such as polycarbonate, nylon, and POK, can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and durability in mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ocean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams, making the Silent Ocean heavier in this aspect. The Silent Ocean provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. Both switches have their advantages, with the Silent Ocean being better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, and the Vanilla Ice Cream being ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In terms of actuation force, both switches offer similar results with only a slight variation, making them both suitable options depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean switch. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch with a longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a quiet typing experience with no distinct sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a silent environment. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that adds a unique flair to typing sessions. The high-pitched nature of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch sets it apart from the Silent Ocean, providing typists with a crisp and sharp auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have any specific descriptors available. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as offering a buttery and creamy typing experience. This means that typists can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, similar to gliding effortlessly across the keys. The use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing of the switch contributes to its creamy feel, making it a standout choice for tactile enthusiasts.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Silent Ocean provides a silent typing experience with no distinct sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound that adds a unique touch to typing sessions. In terms of feel, the Silent Ocean's tactile experience is unknown, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy sensation that is smooth and effortless. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so it's important for newcomers to consider their desired sound and feel when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch without any standout features in terms of 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 and are seeking a switch with a unique and satisfying typing experience characterized by a creamy and buttery feel, as well as a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the way to go. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to your own individual preferences and typing style.
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