Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. Both of these linear switches provide a smooth typing experience, making them highly suitable for users who prefer a quieter and more subdued action. The Outemu Silent Ocean is appreciated for its unique characteristics, although specific advantages are less emphasized. Conversely, the WS POM+ is celebrated for its all-POM construction, which delivers an unparalleled typing experience characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. This combination makes it appealing for typists and gamers alike who value both auditory feedback and tactile comfort. Ultimately, while both switches cater to the linear-switch enthusiast community, the subtle differences in construction and sound profile may sway your decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, we see notable differences in the type of materials used for the top housing. The Silent Ocean utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for greater clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS POM+ opts for POM (Polyoxymethylene) as its top housing material. While POM also produces a unique sound, it tends to be deeper and more muted compared to polycarbonate. This distinction means that, while both switches provide satisfying acoustic feedback, the Silent Ocean is likely to produce a crisper sound than its Wuque counterpart.
Turning to the bottom housing, we see that the Silent Ocean features nylon, a classic material renowned for its softer characteristics. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively and resulting in a duller, more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the WS POM+ maintains the use of POM in its bottom housing as well. The POM housing in this case delivers a similarly deep and muted sound, albeit without the same level of sound absorption offered by nylon. Therefore, while both switches feature different materials in their top housings, the bottom housing of the WS POM+ aligns closely with the deeper sound profile associated with nylon in the Silent Ocean, albeit with slight variations.
In essence, the contrasting materials of the top and bottom housings in these two switches yield distinct sound characteristics. The Silent Ocean harnesses polycarbonate for a clearer, brighter sound, while the WS POM+ uses POM for a more subdued tone in the top housing, but retains that muted quality using POM on the bottom as well. As a result, any user looking for a differentiated sound experience will find that activating the Silent Ocean's key gives a more pronounced auditory feedback upon release, whereas the WS POM+ offers a more mellow sound upon both pressing and releasing the key. Thus, individuals can expect unique yet comparably satisfying results from each switch based on their preferences for sound dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we see some notable differences in their bottom out forces despite having the same actuation force. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive for triggering keystrokes, which is beneficial for users who enjoy lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Ocean has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, compared to the lighter bottom out force of 55 grams found in the WS POM+. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to register a keypress, the Silent Ocean will feel more substantial upon bottoming out, which can provide a more pronounced and tactile experience. For those who prefer a heavier feel, the Silent Ocean may be the ideal choice, whereas the WS POM+ offers a lighter response that could be more comfortable for long periods of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Silent Ocean boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the WS POM+ has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter. This difference in travel distances can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Those who prefer a more pronounced depth and a gradual feel when pressing the keys might opt for the Silent Ocean, while gamers and those seeking quicker response times might gravitate toward the WS POM+. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the longer travel of the Silent Ocean offering a more substantial keypress experience compared to the shorter, snappier feel of the WS POM+.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there is a notable distinction. The Silent Ocean is not specifically known for its sound qualities, which leaves its auditory character somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. This auditory feature tends to create a more pleasant acoustic experience while typing, especially when paired with appropriately chosen keycaps and a keyboard that enhances its qualities. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience will vary based on individual keyboard setups.
Regarding the feel, the characteristics of the Silent Ocean switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw any comparisons in terms of tactile feedback. However, the WS POM+ switch is noted for its buttery-smooth keystroke, which contributes to an overall satisfying typing experience. This buttery smoothness is particularly appealing for users who prioritize fluidity during typing sessions, and it can enhance productivity or comfort for extended usage.
In conclusion, while the WS POM+ offers a distinct advantage with its well-defined sound and smooth feel, the Silent Ocean's characteristics remain less defined, leaving some questions unanswered. For users who prioritize sound and tactile feedback, the WS POM+ clearly stands out. However, if the Silent Ocean's subjective qualities align more closely with a user's preferences, they may find that the results are still enjoyable, albeit with less clarity on what that experience entails.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a more substantial feel, the Silent Ocean, with its 65 grams of actuation force, would be suitable for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force may provide a satisfying resistance that some users find comforting, particularly if you do a lot of typing or gaming where firm feedback is key. On the other hand, if you're seeking a lighter, seamless keystroke and a more unique auditory experience, the WS POM+ with its 55 grams of actuation force may be the better choice. It offers a delightful "thock" sound that enhances the typing experience and is perfect if you're looking for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits; consider your desired sound profile, feedback sensation, and if you favor a tactile push or a featherlight touch on your keyboard for those long typing sessions.
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