Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Outemu Red Panda mechanical keyboard switches, the main difference lies in their tactile feedback. The Silent Ocean is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke experience with no tactile bump. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, offering a light to medium amount of tactile feedback with a unique bottom-out sound and a distinct top-out sound. The Silent Ocean may be preferred for those who prefer a straightforward typing experience without any distractions, while the Red Panda is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Outemu Red Panda, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red Panda also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
While both the Silent Ocean and the Red Panda share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their distinction lies in the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound. The split between top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities of each material are felt differently when using the switches – the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel comes from the bottom housing, while the sound upon releasing a key is influenced by the top housing material.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Outemu Red Panda feature polycarbonate top housings that lend to a sharp and resonant sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with both switches utilizing nylon for a fuller and softer typing experience. Despite the different bottom housings, the overall feel and sound of each switch may be similar due to the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing on the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is clear that the Silent Ocean requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Ocean is heavier at 65 grams, while the Red Panda is lighter at 60 grams. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to these differences in force requirements. The Silent Ocean's heavier bottom out force may offer a more substantial typing feel, while the Red Panda's lighter actuation force could allow for faster typing and less finger fatigue over extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Silent Ocean offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Red Panda provides a shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 good option for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique thocky sound profile, giving it a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch's tactile qualities are not specified, so it's difficult to directly compare it to the Outemu Red Panda switch. The Red Panda, however, is noted for its mild tactility, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. This makes the Red Panda a versatile option that can appeal to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is ideal for those looking for a quiet typing experience, while the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a unique thocky sound profile and mild tactility that can suit a variety of preferences. Both switches have their strengths, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide reliable performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother keystroke with no tactile feedback and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Ocean may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium tactility, along with a bassier bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your individual typing experience and the sound and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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