Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch, to the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, also a linear switch, it is important to note their unique features. The Silent Ocean is best known for None, while the Zero Degree 0° is recognized for Gateron's innovative design that revolutionizes silent typing with its self-padding and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Both switches belong to the category of linear switches, but the Zero Degree 0° stands out for its emphasis on silent typing. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° may be the switch for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on subtle design variations.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material of the Silent Ocean switch is nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile that differs from the top housing's characteristics. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, variations in design and construction may lead to subtle differences in feel and sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Outemu Silent Ocean and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the stiffness of polycarbonate and the softness of nylon contribute to distinct sound qualities. These differences may result in a slightly varying typing experience between the two switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique blend of materials to enhance the overall typing experience for users seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch reveals some differences in their characteristics. While both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch has an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine its overall weight. The Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch may offer a lighter typing experience since its bottom out force is unknown. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ocean has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Zero Degree's 3.6 mm. The Silent Ocean offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Zero Degree provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for those seeking faster response times and a more sensitive keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Silent Ocean offering a longer travel distance for a more traditional typing feel and the Zero Degree providing a slightly shorter distance for a quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those looking for a keyboard that won't disturb others nearby. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is praised for its revolutionary design that absorbs sound and reduces noise, providing a quieter typing experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, offering a comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. Both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, but the Zero Degree 0° may offer a slightly softer and more elastic feel compared to the Silent Ocean.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer their own unique benefits in terms of sound and feel. If you're looking for a quiet typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be the way to go, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a smooth and stable typing feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a quiet typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique self-padding design, unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch could be the perfect choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what factors are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
