Outemu Silent Ocean vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, there are a few key differences to consider. The Silent Ocean is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and silent operation. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is also linear but offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile that is perfect for long typing sessions. While the Silent Ocean may be preferred for its silent operation, the Yanyu switch stands out for its unique material blend and sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the SP-Star Yanyu, it becomes evident that they both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant, bright sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the Yanyu's blend offers a unique look and feel.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches differ significantly. The Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. Despite their differences, both bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Silent Ocean and Yanyu switches offer distinct characteristics, they both contribute to the overall experience of typing on these switches. The unique qualities of each housing material combine to create a sound profile that is sure to appeal to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a brighter, more pleasant tone, both switches offer options that cater to a variety of tastes in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel. In contrast, the Yanyu's actuation force is not specified, but it has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yanyu switch, as it requires less force to bottom out. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch appeals to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When it comes to pressing down on the keys, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Silent Ocean or the Yanyu, you can expect a consistent key press feel with the same travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a specific key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is known for its lack of distinct sound characteristics. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a more unique experience with a crisp sound profile that can be described as neutral or thocky, depending on the user's preference. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is not only influenced by the switch itself but also by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have any specific descriptors regarding its feel. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a variety of descriptors such as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience, with reduced finger fatigue and a smooth key travel for extended use.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may provide a more subtle and generic typing experience in terms of sound and feel, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more tailored and unique typing experience with a crisp sound profile and comfortable feel. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch with a neutral sound profile, the Silent Ocean may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the specific use case for your mechanical keyboard.
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