Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g presents a fascinating contrast in both feel and sound. The Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its distinct tactile feedback and pronounced acoustic profile, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy auditory confirmation with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who thrive on the satisfying *click* and prefer a more engaging typing experience, often found appealing for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is a linear switch designed for those seeking a quiet, smooth operation. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it offers a light and satisfying keystroke without the audible clatter, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that personal comfort and typing experience are prioritized. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The housing materials used in the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches provide a fascinating basis for comparison, particularly regarding their sound profiles and user experience. Both switches employ nylon for their top housing, which is a time-honored choice in switch design. The use of nylon inherently contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This characteristic is especially beneficial for users who appreciate a sound that is not only muted but also rounded. As both the Blue Jade and Silent Sakura share this nylon top housing, the auditory experience during typing should feel similarly satisfying, ensuring that both switches deliver comparable acoustic performance when the keys are pressed down.
However, the difference becomes clear when considering the bottom housing materials: while the Blue Jade uses nylon for both the top and bottom, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction introduces a notable variation in sound dynamics between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Jade maintains the deeper sound profile that its top housing provides, leading to a more cohesive auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura gives it a sharper, crisper sound that resonates more clearly. This alteration enhances the overall acoustic experience, especially during the bottom-out sound, making it more pronounced than that of the Blue Jade.
In terms of aesthetics and overall design, the differences in bottom housing materials also present unique attributes. The transparency of the polycarbonate used in the Silent Sakura allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visual dimension that enhances the switch’s overall appeal. Conversely, the Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing lacks this translucency, which can result in a less vibrant lighting effect when paired with RGB setups. Therefore, while both switches possess the same nylon top housing leading to a consistently pleasant sound profile, their bottom housing materials significantly affect the output sounds and visual presentation. Users looking for a bold lighting display or a more resonant sound experience must weigh these differences when choosing between the two options.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. As a result, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the HMX Silent Sakura more comfortable to use. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger tactile feel and a more substantial typing experience might favor the Outemu Blue Jade despite its heavier forces. This comparison indicates that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Blue Jade is the heavier one, catering to different user preferences based on their typing and gaming habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience an identical distance, resulting in similar tactile feedback. Whether you prefer the clicky sensation of the Blue Jade or the smoothness of the Silent Sakura, the 4 mm travel ensures that both switches will provide the same depth of keystroke. Since they are equal in this regard, you can expect consistent performance when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, 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
The Outemu Blue Jade switch is characterized by its distinct auditory profile, offering a pronounced click sound that will satisfy users looking for an assertive auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clickiness aids in confirming key presses, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more traditional typing sound. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed for a nearly silent operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This whisper-quiet nature is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared spaces. The sound produced by the Silent Sakura is much more subdued, allowing for a more focused typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch tends to deliver a tactile and engaging experience, with a noticeable actuation point that provides a sense of interaction with the switch. This tactile feedback is often preferred by typists who like to feel the response of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, resulting in an uninterrupted typing experience. This can be favorable for those who prioritize speed and a fluid typing motion over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a distinctive and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch may be your best bet, offering satisfaction through its audible click and feedback. However, if your preference leans towards a quieter operation and smooth typing without distractions, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch provides a whisper-quiet solution with a light keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in sound and feel, as each serves a unique purpose in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile feedback and a pronounced click sound that offers a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue Jade, with its 65-gram bottom out force, would be suitable for you. It's ideal for users who appreciate the auditory and tactile rewards of typing and don’t mind a bit of noise, making it perfect for home office setups where you might be the only one around. On the other hand, if you seek a quiet typing experience without sacrificing keystroke satisfaction, the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is the way to go. Its medium-light 53-gram bottom out force ensures a smoother and quieter operation, making it a fantastic choice for shared workspaces or environments where noise can be distracting. In summary, your decision should reflect your priorities—whether you prefer the audible feedback and heavier feel of the Blue Jade or the subtlety and ease of the Silent Sakura.
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