Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Jade is celebrated for its tactile feedback and pronounced click, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the satisfying auditory and tactile response of each keystroke, which can enhance the typing experience and boost accuracy. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who prefer a quieter operation, providing a smooth, linear action that minimizes noise without sacrificing performance. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch is particularly well-suited for light typists who seek a serene typing environment free from distractions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether you favor the engaging feedback of a clicky switch or the subdued elegance 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-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 Blue Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. The use of nylon significantly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is enhanced by nylon's relatively softer composition. This softness allows the material to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic quality during typing. As a result, users of both switches can expect a certain consistency in auditory experience when striking the keys, as each switch's top housing style delivers a similar sound response based on this shared material.
However, the contrasting materials used in the bottom housing of the two switches highlight key differences in their overall sound and tactile feedback. The Blue Jade employs nylon for its bottom housing, which again contributes to a deep sound profile that complements the characteristics of the top housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, clearer sound profile that differs from the softer tones produced by the nylon. Therefore, while both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences due to their nylon top housings, the material variance in the bottom housing results in distinctly different sounds and feels during key presses.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches dictates their overall auditory and tactile profiles. The nylon top housing in both the Blue Jade and Silent Sakura - 43g ensures a consistent deep sound when pressing the keys. However, the difference in bottom housing materials leads to a unique feel and response, shaping the overall experience for users. Those seeking a more rounded auditory experience may prefer the Blue Jade, while individuals looking for sharper sounds may find the Silent Sakura - 43g more appealing. Thus, despite the similar characteristics of their top housings, the different bottom housings provide a versatile range of sound and feedback, catering to various preferences among users.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Blue Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, while the Blue Jade is the heavier switch, the Silent Sakura allows for easier keystrokes, which could reduce finger fatigue over extended use. Thus, if you're in search of a lighter switch for comfort or a heavier one for a more pronounced typing feel, these two options cater distinctly to those varying needs.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressed, they will both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable keystroke feedback and actuation depth when using either switch. As a result, if you're looking for a consistent typing experience, you can achieve similar results with both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
The Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
The Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its distinctively clicky sound profile, characterized by a pronounced and satisfying audible click on actuation, providing auditory feedback that many typists find engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a much quieter experience, producing a soft sound reminiscent of raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The contrasting sound profiles between the two means that typists looking for an expressive and alerting feedback would likely prefer the Blue Jade, while those who prioritize discretion and a peaceful workspace would lean towards the Silent Sakura.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade offers a tactile sensation coupled with its clicky auditory feedback, typically providing a more substantial and crisp experience upon pressing the keys. This tactile response can enhance typing speed and accuracy for users who thrive on a more interactive feedback mechanism. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a linear switch design, which means it lacks the tactile bump found in the Blue Jade. This results in a smoother key press from top to bottom without the interruption of a tactile click, catering to users who appreciate a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience.
In summary, the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two very distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Jade is perfect for those who enjoy an audible and tactile feedback loop while typing, whereas the Silent Sakura is tailored for those seeking a serene and smooth typing environment without disruptive noise. Depending on your preferences, each switch will cater to different needs, allowing you to select the one that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with audible feedback and don't mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Blue Jade is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams is great for typists who prefer a more assertive keystroke, making it ideal for both typing and gaming when you want to feel each key engage. On the other hand, if you often type in shared spaces or prefer a quieter experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is an excellent choice. With its ultra-light 43-gram force, it allows for rapid typing with minimal finger fatigue, making it well-suited for long typing sessions. This switch delivers a smooth, silent experience, perfect for environments where noise can be disruptive. Ultimately, consider how much sound and feedback you want versus the kind of lightness you need in your typing experience. Your choice will significantly affect how you enjoy your time at the keyboard.
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