Outemu Silent Ocean vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ocean is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai is also a linear switch but stands out for its bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel. The Xinhai boasts a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing aesthetic. In terms of sound profile, both switches will likely deliver similar results due to their use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, the Silent Ocean and the Xinhai differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the former using nylon and the latter using polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The split between the two housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the key release sound.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a different auditory experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with each housing material contributing to different aspects of the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in weight. The Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Xinhai is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Silent Ocean's 4 mm. The Xinhai offers a more shallow feel, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a slightly deeper press, which may be more satisfying for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, with the Xinhai being the shorter option and the Silent Ocean being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for in a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 linear switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, making it challenging to compare directly to the HMX Xinhai linear switch. However, the Xinhai switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This indicates that the Xinhai switch may offer a more distinctive and audible typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean switch.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch also lacks a specific descriptor, making it difficult to determine its tactile qualities. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as both "bouncy" and "creamy." The bouncy sensation provides a spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The creamy feel offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide across the keys with ease. This suggests that the Xinhai switch may offer a more dynamic and tactile typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean switch.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics described, it is evident that the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a more defined and unique typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch. With the Xinhai switch providing a clacky sound profile and a combination of bouncy and creamy tactile feedback, users can expect a more engaging and lively typing experience overall. While the Silent Ocean switch may still provide a satisfactory typing experience, the Xinhai switch stands out for its distinct combination of sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sensation and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing feel, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
