Outemu Lime vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Outemu Lime switch stands out as a tactile option, celebrated for its lightweight design and subtle tactility that caters to users seeking a smooth typing experience with just enough feedback. Its muted characteristics make it an excellent choice for those who desire a quieter keyboard, ideal for shared workspaces. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch represents a linear alternative, designed for effortless, feather-light key presses and moderate acoustics, making it perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. While the Lime switch appeals to tactile enthusiasts needing a delicate balance of feedback and silence, the Sakura's linear nature serves those who prioritize a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke. 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
35g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Huano Sakura, a few key differences and similarities emerge. The Lime utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Sakura features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which, while still maintaining some acoustic qualities, is designed to offer superior durability and smoothness. The POK material boasts a lower coefficient of friction compared to nylon, leading to a different tactile response during key presses, and it is significantly more resistant to wear and shock, which could influence the long-term performance of the switches.
Despite their differing top housing materials, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, contributing similarly to the overall sound profile when a key is pressed down. Since they share the same nylon composition for the bottom housing, both switches provide that characteristic deeper sound when bottomed out. This similarity in bottom housing can lead to comparable experiences in terms of the auditory feedback generated by the switches, ensuring that the deep, rounded sound characteristic of nylon is prevalent in both models. Therefore, even though the top housings differ in composition, the shared nylon bottom housing can provide a unified auditory experience at the keyboard's end.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials present an intriguing study in how variations can affect the overall keyboard experience. The Huano Sakura's POK top lends a smoother action and potentially a more clacky sound when releasing keys, while the Outemu Lime's all-nylon construction leans toward a softer, more muted sound profile. This combination of materials suggests that while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with similarities in the bottom-out sound due to the nylon base, the nuances in the acoustics and tactile feel will ultimately be shaped by the interaction of the distinct top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both switches display identical actuation and bottom out forces. Each switch requires an actuation force of 35 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing them both as light switches. This similarity means users will experience the same responsiveness and required pressure when typing or gaming, making either option suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel. Opting for either the Lime or the Sakura will yield a comfortable typing experience, especially ideal for long sessions at work or during extended gaming marathons, as both switches offer an easy keystroke without the fatigue associated with heavier alternatives.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Lime, you will experience a shorter travel distance, which can contribute to faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quick key presses. In contrast, the Sakura's longer travel distance may provide a more pronounced sensation when pressing the key, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Lime is the better option; however, if you favor a deeper key press, the Huano Sakura would be the preferable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 Lime tactile switch is characterized by its neutrality and muted acoustics. It produces a sound profile that is moderate, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This neutral sound combined with its muted nature allows for a softer and quieter typing experience, minimizing any noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In stark contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch lacks precise sound qualities in the provided information, which might mean it has a more traditional linear sound or other unknown characteristics, but does not specifically detail its acoustic profile. Therefore, while the Lime offers a clear description of its sound signature, the Sakura leaves us in ambiguity.
In terms of feel, the Lime excels with descriptors like mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. It provides a lightweight and gentle typing experience, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. The light actuation force makes it comfortable for a range of activities, from gaming to typing in an office. The polished nature ensures a smooth keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Huano Sakura linear switch does not have specific feel qualities provided, giving us little to compare directly. However, linear switches are typically known for their smoothness, so we could infer it may similarly offer a pleasant typing experience, albeit without the tactile feedback that the Lime provides.
In summary, the Outemu Lime tactile switch stands out for its muted sound and delightful feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet yet tactile typing experience. Its lightweight nature combined with a polished finish makes it ideal for extended sessions. On the other hand, without defined qualities for the Huano Sakura linear switch in terms of sound and feel, it remains somewhat of an unknown, though it likely provides a different experience due to its linear nature. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that balances a quiet sound with a tactile touch, the Lime is the clear choice, whereas the Sakura may cater to those who prefer a smoother and potentially quieter linear feel, depending on its unknown qualities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will dictate the best option for you. If you appreciate a tactile feel but desire a lighter and quieter experience, the Lime switch is the ideal choice. It's perfect for users who want a gentle tactile feedback without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Additionally, if you find yourself typing for long periods, the feathery lightness of the Lime significantly reduces finger strain, allowing for greater comfort throughout your day. On the other hand, if you prefer the smooth, uninterrupted keypress characteristic of linear switches, the Sakura is a solid option. With its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, the Sakura provides a quick response that is perfect for both gaming and extended typing without the distraction of a tactile bump or significant noise. In essence, if your priority is tactile feedback and noise reduction, the Lime is your go-to, whereas if you lean towards a smoother, linear experience, the Sakura is the way to go.
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