Outemu Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing needs. The Outemu Black, a linear switch, is well-suited for users who prefer a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click, making it ideal for gaming and typing at high speeds. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g takes a quieter approach, engineered for a whisper-quiet experience that mimics the soothing sound of raindrops. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura is perfect for light typists who value a serene and undisturbed work environment. While both switches provide a linear feel, their intended user experience diverges significantly, leading to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Black Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and typist experiences. The Outemu Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer plastic composition. This construction results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. The polycarbonate's translucency also makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy RGB lighting, allowing for vivid illumination through the housing. Contrastingly, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being softer, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile upon keystrokes, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. This difference in materials suggests that the Outemu Black may appeal to individuals seeking an articulate sound, while those preferring a smooth, muted acoustics might gravitate towards the HMX Silent Sakura.

Examining the bottom housings, the Outemu Black uses nylon once again, aligning with the classic characteristics of this material to deliver a deeper sound experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes to its crisper sound profile, enhancing the higher-pitched tones produced. The contrasting materials in the bottom housing affect the overall sound and feel during typing. While the Outemu Black's nylon base supports the deeper acoustic qualities felt at the bottom-out of the keystroke, the HMX Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and less muted bottom-out sensation. Consequently, each switch presents a different auditory landscape, influenced by the respective materials of both the top and bottom housings.

Ultimately, the interplay of housing materials in these two switches creates unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. With the Outemu Black combining polycarbonate and nylon, users can expect a pronounced and resonating sound during key releases complemented by a deep and rich bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's configuration of nylon and polycarbonate introduces a balance of muted and crisp sounds, ideal for users who appreciate both aesthetics and auditory nuances. Despite their material contrasts, one might achieve satisfactory performance and sound results by understanding how each housing significantly influences what a typist feels and hears, aiding in the selection of a switch that best matches personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varying preferences. The Outemu Black features a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing feel, which can be particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the Outemu Black is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, resulting in varying typing experiences based on personal preference.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance from the top to the bottom of each switch is identical. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel in terms of keypress depth, resulting in similar typing experiences when using either switch. Therefore, both switches provide the same level of responsiveness and feedback, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent and linear typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Black linear switch is known for being relatively quiet but does not possess defining acoustic qualities that are noteworthy, often blending into the ambient noise of typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is specifically engineered to offer an exceptionally muted auditory profile, providing a typing experience that resembles the soft, soothing sound of gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura a superb choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment, while the Black may suit those who do not mind some background noise during typing.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black switch is characterized by its smooth linear action without any tactile bump, making it great for users who favor a consistent keypress from top to bottom. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura – 43g provides a similarly smooth linear experience but, with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, caters especially well to light typists or those who may fatigue quickly from heavier switches. Both switches offer a linear feel, ensuring that typists can expect a consistent keypress without any interruptions.

Overall, while both the Outemu Black and the HMX Silent Sakura switches share a linear design that leads to smooth typing, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and actuation force. The Black is a solid choice for anyone who does not require sound dampening, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for those who want a quieter operation without compromising on feel. Users will generally find their typing experience satisfying with either switch, depending on their specific needs and typing style preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier switch that provides a more substantial tactile experience and offers some resistance, the Outemu Black, with its 82-gram bottom-out force, might be the right choice for you. This heavier feel can enhance your typing precision, particularly beneficial for those who engage in a lot of gaming or require deliberate keystrokes. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches would be ideal. Their 43-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing while minimizing any sound, making them perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise could be a concern. In essence, by matching your switch choice to your typing style—whether you lean towards heavier, more controlled keystrokes or a lighter, more serene experience—you can create the most enjoyable and effective typing environment for yourself.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more