Outemu Ocean vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, you will find yourself faced with a decision between two different tactile experiences. The Ocean is known for its unique qualities, while the Duck offers a more subtle tactility. The Ocean switch is categorized as 'Intense', while the Duck switch falls under the categories of 'neutral', 'mild', 'buttery', and 'polished'. If you prefer a switch with a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile, the Duck switches may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a different tactile experience, the Outemu Ocean might be more up your alley. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Duck, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness that enhances resonance. Additionally, the clear and translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall keyboard aesthetics. The similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect comparable sound qualities and performance from both the Ocean and the Duck switches.
However, where the two switches diverge is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Outemu Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and clearer sound profile similar to its top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials indicates that the typing experience and sound characteristics may vary between the two switches, with the Ocean offering a more muffled and rounder sound compared to the Duck's crisper and more resonant sound.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Ocean and Duck switches results in a unique typing experience for each. The split qualities between the bottom and top housing contribute to distinct sound profiles when typing and releasing keys. While the Ocean emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, the Duck showcases a sharper and crisper sound profile driven by its polycarbonate housing materials. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users choose a keyboard switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Duck has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unavailable. The difference in weight between the two switches may impact typing performance and user preference. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ocean for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Duck for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The tactile feedback and typing experience may vary between the two switches due to other factors such as actuation force and bump characteristics. However, in terms of travel distance, the Ocean and Duck switches offer a similar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
The Outemu 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 Ocean switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it is difficult to draw a direct comparison to the SP-Star Duck switch, which is described as having a neutral sound profile. However, both switches are likely to produce a relatively moderate sound level, suitable for various environments.
On the aspect of feel, the Outemu Ocean switch does not have a specific descriptor available, making it challenging to directly compare with the SP-Star Duck switch, which is described as offering a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. The Duck switch promises a gentle tactile feedback and smooth key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing sensation that is appealing to most users.
In conclusion, while specific information about the Outemu Ocean switch's sound and feel characteristics is unavailable, the SP-Star Duck switch is praised for its subtle tactile typing experience, clean and crispy sound profile, and approachable feel with qualities residing in a safe, middle-ground zone. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a moderate sound level and a gentle typing experience, both the Outemu Ocean and SP-Star Duck switches are likely to offer similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a more unique typing experience, the Ocean may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths, so choose the one that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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