Outemu Silent Ocean vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Silent Ocean, noted for its smooth linear feel, caters to users who favor a quieter typing experience—ideal for both gaming and office environments where noise can be a concern. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a heavier actuation force, crafted with a unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustics and offers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with a more pronounced sound signature. While both switches fall under the linear category and eliminate tactile bumps and clicks, they serve diverging purposes in terms of auditory feedback and typing pressure. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches showcase distinct characteristics that significantly impact their auditory profiles. The Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it a favorable option for those who favor a vibrant sound when typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon’s softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and leads to a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while the Silent Ocean may provide a more pronounced sound that can accentuate RGB lighting effects, the Xinhai (Heavy) creates a more subdued and mellow typing experience.

Interestingly, both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, suggesting that they will provide similar results in terms of typing feel and sound when the key is fully pressed down. Nylon’s properties help create a deeper auditory experience, regardless of the tops' differing compositions. In this case, both switches will feel similar on bottoming out, contributing to a consistent experience that emphasizes the richness of sound associated with nylon. While the top housing material characteristics affect the sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing will ensure that the overall typing experience remains coherent across both models during the press.

Ultimately, the different top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Silent Ocean and nylon for the Xinhai (Heavy)—create contrasting auditory experiences. When releasing a key, the polycarbonate's resonant qualities bring out a brighter sound, while the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) ensures a more muted and rounded auditory profile. However, in terms of bottoming out, both switches will deliver a similar auditory signature due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Therefore, users can expect a richer sound experience upon pressing down, but a varied experience during key release, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in defining the unique characteristics of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Ocean features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger 55 grams to register a keystroke. This difference means that the Silent Ocean may be more suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions, offering reduced fatigue during long hours of use. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ocean measures at 65 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Xinhai's 62.5 grams. This indicates that while the Silent Ocean is heavier at the point of bottoming out, the Xinhai offers a relatively lighter overall feel despite its higher actuation force. Therefore, users leaning toward a more substantial typing experience with heavier key presses might gravitate towards the Xinhai switch, while those who prioritize ease of keystroke activation for prolonged use may favor the Silent Ocean.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a distinct difference that may influence user preference. The Silent Ocean switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the traditional standard and offers a more pronounced actuation depth. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience, particularly popular among gamers looking for quicker response times. While both switches serve their respective audiences well, the Silent Ocean’s longer travel distance might appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and hearty key feel, while the Xinhai (Heavy) may suit individuals seeking a faster, more abrupt key activation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether one favors a deeper actuation or a quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, it tends to be known for its quiet operation which is ideal for environments where minimal noise is preferred. This switch creates a soft and muted auditory experience, making it suitable for both office and home use without being disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch boasts a more complex sound signature, featuring a crisp, higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem. The unique PA12 top housing enhances the overall acoustics, offering a relatively softer sound compared to more traditional linear switches. While both switches cater to different needs, the Silent Ocean will provide a more subdued typing experience, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a richer and more vibrant sound.

In terms of feel, the Silent Ocean's linear characteristics suggest a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, allowing for rapid and uninterrupted keystrokes. This makes it a solid choice for users who value a seamless typing experience, particularly in typing-intensive tasks. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a weightier actuation, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback that can help with typing accuracy and control. The combination of the heavier actuation force in the Xinhai switch and its unique materials may contribute to a distinct sensation that can cater to users seeking a bit more resistance during key presses.

In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches cater to different priorities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ocean offers a quieter experience, prioritizing discretion, while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a crisper sound and a more pronounced feel for those who enjoy a heavier switch. Depending on your preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, though they do offer differing auditory and tactile characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a slightly heavier bottom-out force and desire a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean, with its medium-heavy actuation at 65 grams, would be a fitting choice, especially if you're in shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. Its design is likely to provide a smooth linear feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions without overwhelming sound. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch that combines a medium actuation force with a refined acoustic profile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is an excellent option. With its 62.5 grams bottom-out force, this switch delivers a balanced tactile experience and is particularly suited for users who enjoy crisp sounds and a touch of sophistication in their typing feedback. In essence, if you prioritize a silent environment, go for the Silent Ocean; however, if you prefer a striking resonance and a touch of elegance, the Xinhai (Heavy) will suit you well.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

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HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more