Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Ocean

Overview

When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they fall into the tactile switch category but offer different typing experiences. The Light Tactile from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and smoother typing experience compared to other tactile switches on the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have a specific standout characteristic, making it more of a neutral option. While the Light Tactile is categorized as ['Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'], the Ocean does not fall into any specific category. Depending on your personal preference for typing feel, you may prefer the softer tactility of the Light Tactile or the neutral nature of the Outemu Ocean switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. Both switches provide a similar experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing.

While the top housing materials of the Light Tactile and Ocean are similar, their bottom housing materials differ. The Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Comparatively, the Ocean also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, allowing for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.

The split between top and bottom housings in switches allows for a unique typing experience, with each housing material contributing different qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Ocean offer a satisfying typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound and nylon bottom housing for a deeper, fuller sound profile.

Weight

The Durock Light Tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile switch requires a heavier force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Ocean switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch may be the better option, as the actuation force is lower. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Ocean switch may be more suitable due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Ocean tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, offering users a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Light Tactile or the Ocean, you can expect to feel the same amount of travel when pressing down on a key. In this case, both switches are equal in terms of travel distance, providing consistency for users looking for a specific typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Light Tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It is a popular choice for those seeking a softer tactile feel compared to sharper tactile switches on the market. The sound produced by the Light Tactile switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch is known for providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, little information is available about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which makes it difficult to directly compare to the Durock Light Tactile switch. However, based on the qualities of the Light Tactile switch, users can expect a similar level of gentleness in tactility and a neutral sound profile with the Outemu Ocean switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Ocean tactile switches, consider your preference for tactility and bottom out force. If you prefer a gentler tactility and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force information available and are open to exploring different tactile options, the Outemu Ocean switch may be worth considering. Ultimately, your typing experience and personal preferences should guide your decision in selecting the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more