Outemu Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stand out as two distinct linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Outemu Black switch is celebrated for its straightforward linear feel, providing smooth key presses without any tactile feedback, making it a great choice for gamers who crave rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has been meticulously engineered to deliver a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, this switch is ideal for typists who prefer a lighter keystroke without sacrificing the satisfying feel of each press. While both switches offer the linearity that many enthusiasts appreciate, they serve different needs — one focusing on gaming performance while the other emphasizes quiet typing. 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 - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, we observe a fundamental divergence in their compositions. The Outemu Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer resonance that enhances sound clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as it brilliantly showcases the light effects. In stark contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, known for its superior sound absorption qualities. The result is a deeper and more rounded sound profile which is perceived as more muted compared to the crispness of the polycarbonate. Thus, users may find the auditory experience distinctly different when engaging with each switch.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a different but equally intriguing scenario. The Outemu Black boasts a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the fuller and deeper sound experience characteristic of nylon materials. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound and provides a rounder auditory experience, enhancing the bottom-out feel when pressing the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that echoes the sharper sound profile of its counterpart’s top housing. This means that the bottom-out sound emitted from the Sakura switch will be crisper and more resonant, providing a contrasting auditory experience to that of the Outemu Black on this axis.

Ultimately, while each switch consists of differing materials in their top and bottom housings, users may still find consistent tactile and auditory experiences when engaging with each type. The polycarbonate and nylon materials' distinct properties create varied sound profiles, where the Outemu Black might deliver a more bright and crisp texture, bolstered by its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g could offer a rounder auditory richness courtesy of its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom. Consequently, the final sound and tactile feedback experienced remains product of both housing materials, underscoring how each individual switch distinctly contributes to the overall interaction while still leveraging specific properties from their chosen materials to create a unique experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Black features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial push and tactile feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gameplay. Thus, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the lighter option while the Outemu Black is the heavier choice. This variance in weight can greatly influence user experience, with lighter switches promoting longer use without fatigue, while heavier switches provide a more pronounced typing sensation.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when pressed, users will experience an identical amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile response, resulting in a consistent feel when typing or gaming. Since both switches have the same measurement, users can expect similar performance and engagement during use, regardless of their preference for one brand over the other.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Black linear switch is characterized by its subdued sound profile, making it a relatively quiet option among mechanical switches. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed specifically for a whisper-quiet typing experience, with a sound that resembles gentle raindrops. While both switches aim for a quieter operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g excels in providing an even softer acoustic experience, perfect for those who seek discretion while typing. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Black is known for its straightforward, linear action, though specific descriptors of its tactile feedback are not provided. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced 53g bottom-out force, allowing for a light and satisfying keystroke. This can enhance the typing experience by providing a sense of control and comfort during extended use. While they both focus on delivering a linear experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g's lighter actuation force might cater better to typists who favor a softer touch.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Black and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are desirable options for different users within the linear switch category. While the Black provides a quiet operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g goes further with its exceptionally soft sound, making it ideal for quieter environments. In terms of feel, the Black offers a typical linear experience, whereas the Sakura switch enhances the overall typing comfort with its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes quietness and comfort, the Silent Sakura - 53g would likely be the better choice, but both can deliver satisfying typing experiences under the right conditions.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and your intended use case. If you tend to favor a more robust typing feel and don’t mind the heavier actuation, the Outemu Black, with its stiff 82g bottom-out force, will likely provide you with a firm and controlled tactile experience. This switch can be particularly appealing for gamers who are looking for precision and feedback during fast-paced gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you desire a quieter experience without sacrificing comfort, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to offer a softer, more fluid keystroke with its balanced 53g actuation force. This makes it an excellent choice for those who type extensively in shared or quiet environments, where noise can be a distraction. Additionally, the Silent Sakura switches give a satisfying feel that can enhance your overall typing experience while remaining discreet. Therefore, your selection should mirror your typing style, environment, and whether you prioritize a heavier, more tactile switch or a quiet, effortless typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more