In the vast universe of mechanical keyboards, silent switches have emerged as stars for users who seek efficiency and tranquility. Today, we will delve into and compare a silent linear switch from Kailh, named “Ocean Heart.” This switch not only achieves new heights in sound dampening but also impresses with its feel, materials, design, and cost-effectiveness, contrasting sharply with other popular silent switches on the market.
Switch Parameters and New Mold Insights
The Ocean Heart silent linear switch is designed for those who crave the ultimate silent experience and comfortable touch. Here are its core features:
Honeycomb Light Guide Design
- Enhances the keyboard's light transmission, catering to RGB lighting needs.
- Adds a tech-savvy and futuristic aesthetic.
Material Upgrades
- Top and Bottom Housing: Made from high-quality PC material, offering good toughness and light transmission, ensuring durability and aesthetics.
- Stem: Crafted from highly durable POM material, providing a smooth and stable keystroke.
Spring Craftsmanship
- Utilizes a 20mm silver-plated spring, which enhances flexibility and precision, significantly improving consistency.
Specifications:
- Actuation Force: 40g
- Bottom Out Force: 45g
- Total Travel Distance: 4.0mm
These specifications make the typing experience more stable and comfortable. The combination of the honeycomb light guide and silver-plated spring demonstrates top-tier performance, addressing the multifaceted needs of silent switch enthusiasts.
Innovations and Adjustments in Silent Rings
The design of the silent ring is one of the standout features of the Ocean Heart switch. To tackle the traditional issue of silent switches being "too mushy," Ocean Heart introduces several improvements:
Comprehensive Coverage
- Silent rings cover the collision surfaces between the stem and top/bottom housing, further reducing noise.
Material and Thickness Adjustments
- The material and thickness of the silent rings are adjustable, allowing users to choose a balance between sound dampening and tactile feedback.
Stiffer Silent Ring Material
- Reduces the “mushy” feel, providing better feedback while maintaining excellent sound dampening, resulting in a sound reminiscent of “walking on snow.”
This innovative design not only resolves common issues with silent switches but also offers users more flexibility, greatly enhancing the overall experience.
Aesthetic Design: The Perfect Blend of Transparency and Blue
The Ocean Heart silent switch's aesthetic design is equally captivating:
Fully Transparent Housing
- Made from high-transparency PC material, making the switch glimmering clear.
Light Blue Stem
- Adds a refreshing touch to the switch, complementing the transparent housing like a shimmering water surface.
RGB Lighting Compatibility
- When paired with transparent keycaps, the keyboard showcases stunning visual effects under RGB lighting, combining beauty with a tech-savvy feel.
This design meets the demands of RGB enthusiasts while blending seamlessly with various keyboard themes, making it highly recognizable.
Dual Enjoyment of Feel and Sound
Tactile Experience
Compared to other popular silent switches, the Ocean Heart stands out in terms of feel:
- It avoids the “too soft and powerless” issue found in some silent switches, while not being overly stiff like some linear switches.
- The tactile feedback is just right, ensuring typing accuracy and exceptional comfort, making it ideal for long hours of typing or gaming, reducing fatigue.
Sound Performance
The Ocean Heart also showcases unique advantages in sound:
- The overall sound is gentle, akin to “walking on snow,” and its performance is superior to other Kailh silent switches.
- The sound dampening effect is outstanding without sacrificing tactile feedback, achieving a balance between silence and responsive feel.
Comparison with Other Popular Silent Switches
| Feature/Specification | Ocean Heart Silent Switch | Kailh Silent Switch | Gateron Silent Red Switch | Cherry Silent Red Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 40g | 35g | 45g | 45g |
| Total Travel Distance | 4.0mm | 3.8mm | 4.0mm | 3.7mm |
| Silent Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tactile Feedback | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Lighting Compatibility | Excellent | Good | Average | Average |
| Cost-Effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
From the comparison table, it's evident that the Ocean Heart excels in silent performance, tactile feedback, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in lighting compatibility.
Conclusion
The Ocean Heart silent linear switch stands out as a leader in the realm of silent switches. Its highlights include:
- Honeycomb Light Guide Design: Enhances light transmission and aesthetics.
- Innovative Silent Ring: Reduces mushiness and provides excellent sound dampening.
- High-Quality Materials: A combination of PC and POM ensures durability and smoothness.
- Outstanding Tactile and Sound Performance: Comfortable keystrokes with gentle sounds.
- Exceptional Cost-Effectiveness: A perfect balance of performance and price.
Whether for office work or gaming, the Ocean Heart provides a stable and precise input experience. If you're looking for a highly cost-effective silent switch, the Ocean Heart is undoubtedly a choice worth considering.
Let’s look forward to its remarkable success in the market!
