Outemu Lime (V3) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often dictate the typing experience, and two outstanding options to consider are the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch. The Outemu Lime stands out for its lightweight design and subtle tactility, offering a unique blend of feathery typing comfort without overwhelming feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a gentle touch with their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for an incredibly quiet operation, delivering a satisfying yet smooth stroke that feels balanced and responsive. Ideal for typists who appreciate a more fluid keystroke without tactile bumps, the Silent Sakura embodies a serene typing experience akin to rain tapping gently on a window. Both switches have their distinct advantages, depending on whether you prefer the mild feedback of a tactile switch or the smoothness of a linear one; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, it is clear that they share a commonality in their top housing material. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, a material known for its ability to elicit a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This shared characteristic leads to a similar auditory experience when typing, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and dulled sound that many typists find pleasant. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound signature when using either switch, particularly in the way the top housing influences the sound profile during key releases.
However, the differences in bottom housing materials present a contrasting effect on the overall typing experience between the two switches. The Outemu Lime features a nylon bottom housing, which reinforces the softer sound profile established by its top counterpart. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction is significant, as polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when the key bottoms out, differing from the rounded impact of nylon. Consequently, while users may enjoy a similar sound when releasing the key, the bottom-out experience will feel markedly different between the two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon top and bottom housings in the Outemu Lime creates a cohesive sound profile characterized by plushness, while the mix of nylon top and polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Sakura - 53g produces a more pronounced contrast in sound. The dual-material approach allows the Silent Sakura to achieve a balance between the warmth of nylon and the clarity of polycarbonate, making it distinct in terms of auditory feedback and tactile sensation. Therefore, while both switches share similar properties in their top housing, their varied bottom housings lead to contrasting outcomes in overall sound and feel, enriching the user's experience and preference in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, compared to the Silent Sakura's 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Lime's bottom out force stands at 45 grams, which is also lower than the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches require a similar effort to actuate (with the Lime being lighter), the HMX Silent Sakura provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to users who favor a heavier, more defined tactile experience. Thus, those who prioritize a lighter, faster keystroke may gravitate toward the Outemu Lime, while those seeking a firmer typing feedback might prefer the HMX Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, the differences are notable. The Outemu Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Lime the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who might appreciate a more substantial feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Thus, if responsiveness is your priority, the Outemu Lime is the better choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura is suitable for those who favor a more pronounced typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50.
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 presents a neutral and muted profile. This means it emits a milder sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, making it less intrusive in shared environments. Its design minimizes the typical clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards while providing a balanced auditory feedback suitable for both novices and seasoned typists alike. The quieter sound makes the Lime ideal for office settings or quiet rooms where noise can be an issue. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is specifically engineered for whisper-quiet performance, evoking the serene sound of gentle raindrops. This suggests that while the Lime offers a softer experience, the Silent Sakura is designed for even less auditory disruption, although specific sound details of the Sakura weren't mentioned.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime excels with its mild, feathery characteristics, offering a typing experience that is both gentle and polished. The lightweight actuation reduces finger fatigue, allowing for lengthy typing sessions without discomfort, making it suitable for gaming or work. The subtle tactility adds just enough feedback to remind the user when a key has been actuated, maintaining a refined and smooth action. Conversely, there is no detailed feel profile provided for the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch. However, its balanced 53g bottom-out force suggests it is lighter than many traditional linear switches, likely providing a similarly smooth typing experience, although the specific tactile sensations remain unspecified.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch cater to users seeking a lightweight and quiet typing experience, though with slightly different auditory characteristics. If sound is a priority, the Silent Sakura offers an exceptionally muted experience, while the Lime balances between a mild auditory profile and tactile feedback. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue and provide a smooth feel for extended typing sessions, making them excellent options for those who value comfort and discreet operation in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preference for typing experience and environment. If you desire a lightweight switch that delivers a mild tactile bump with a muted sound profile, the Lime is an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a feathery touch and prolonged typing comfort—ideal for extended gaming sessions or work tasks where you may be typing for hours. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more substantial feel with a whisper-quiet operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g is perfect, providing a balanced 53g force that feels satisfying without being overly taxing on your fingers. This switch is particularly suitable for shared spaces or quiet environments, where minimizing noise is paramount. Therefore, consider your typing style, environment, and whether you prioritize tactility or silence when making your decision.
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