Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Silent Ocean, a linear switch, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing session without any tactile feedback. This makes it a great choice for those who want to minimize noise, whether in a shared workspace or during late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, known for its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, offers a satisfying bump during each key press, enhancing the overall typing experience while maintaining a balanced sound profile. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy tactile feedback but don’t want an overly pronounced click sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—are you looking for smooth silence or a gentle tactile lift? 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, it becomes evident that their top housings differ significantly in composition and their effect on sound profiles. The Silent Ocean uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is partly due to the stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that dampens sound. The differences in material indeed lead to contrasting auditory experiences during use, with the Silent Ocean likely offering a more vibrant sound while the Weightlessness presents a richer, more subdued tone.
Despite the disparity in their upper housing materials, both the Silent Ocean and Weightlessness use nylon for their bottom housings. This uniformity means that both switches will share a similar tactile experience during typing, as nylon provides a deeper and rounder sound due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. Consequently, when pressed down, users will experience the softer sound quality characteristics inherent to nylon, leading to an overall satisfaction in the bottom-out experience for both switches. Therefore, even though their top housings deliver distinct sound profiles, the similarity in their bottom housing helps mitigate some of the differences in auditory feedback.
Additionally, the interaction between the top and bottom housings leads to a unique sound signature for each switch. The Silent Ocean’s polycarbonate top will play a more critical role in the sound upon key release, giving it that crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom contributes to the key's final bottom-out feel. Conversely, the Weightlessness maintains a more cohesive sound with its nylon sections, which creates a consistently deeper auditory response throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches use nylon for their bottom housing resulting in comparable bottom-out sensations, the contrasting materials used in the top housing create notably different auditory signatures that cater to various user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we find interesting distinctions. The Silent Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Weightlessness, making the Silent Ocean a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, the Weightlessness lacks a defined bottom out force, while the Silent Ocean’s bottom out force is measured at 65 grams, indicating a heavier feel when the key is fully pressed down. This difference in bottom out force reinforces the Silent Ocean as a medium-heavy option and highlights its potential for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, for those who favor a lighter actuation but a heavier bottom out, the Silent Ocean may be the more suitable choice, while the Weightlessness caters to individuals who still desire a tactile feedback experience, albeit without a specified level of resistance when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Silent Ocean, you'll experience a more substantial press, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Weightlessness provides quicker actuation due to its shorter distance, appealing to gamers who value faster response times. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you favor a deeper keystroke, the Silent Ocean is the superior option, while the Weightlessness is ideal for those seeking heightened responsiveness in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Silent Ocean and Gateron Weightlessness switches, the Silent Ocean's acoustic qualities remain unspecified, making it difficult to evaluate its audible characteristics directly. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches are known for their balanced sound profile, which aligns well with their tactile feedback. This balanced sound adds to the overall typing experience, achieving a harmonious blend that enhances the tactile interaction without becoming overly noisy or disruptive.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ocean is not detailed in its characteristics, which leaves some uncertainty for those looking to understand its tactile response. However, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, allowing users to enjoy a comforting bump during key presses without being overly pronounced. This tactile stimulation improves typing accuracy and can make the experience more satisfying for users who prefer feedback while typing.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Ocean may offer an enticing option, the lack of information makes it difficult to form conclusions about its sound and feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness excels with its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for those who value a nuanced typing experience. Ultimately, your selection will depend on what qualities you prioritize, and if you prefer a proven option, the Weightlessness switches are undoubtedly a reliable choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy key feel and are looking for smooth, linear action without the interruption of a tactile bump, the Silent Ocean is a solid choice. It’s an excellent option for quieter setups, especially if you’re in a shared workspace or prefer a more serene gaming experience. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback while typing and enjoy the sensation of a slight bump to guide your keystrokes, the Weightlessness switch would suit you well. It provides a satisfying tactile response without being overly loud, making it a good fit for both casual typing and competitive gaming. In essence, if sound dampening and a smooth keypress are your priorities, the Silent Ocean will serve you well; conversely, if you desire a satisfying tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness is the better option. So, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience.
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