Outemu Blue vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of switches, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The Outemu Blue switch, known for its tactile feedback and pronounced click, caters to users who crave auditory and physical sensations with each keystroke, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is celebrated for its linear response and feather-light actuation force, providing a smooth and quiet experience that is perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. While the Blue switch satisfies those looking for auditory confirmation of every keypress, the Sakura switches appeal to those who prioritize a seamless and quieter typing feel. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Huano Sakura switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, directly influencing their sound profiles and overall tactile experience. The Outemu Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffer plastic ensures clear resonance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking enhanced auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the translucence of polycarbonate allows light to shine more effectively through the housing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura's top housing is made from POK (polyketone), a material known for its smoothness and remarkable durability. While the POK material’s higher coefficient of friction makes it less crisp than polycarbonate, it offers a distinctively smooth typing experience, contributing to a clackier sound. Ultimately, while both materials serve their purpose effectively, the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Blue is aimed more at clarity and brightness, whereas the POK of the Sakura emphasizes smoothness and robustness.
When delving into the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, linking them in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Nylon is a staple material in switch design, renowned for its softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, thereby creating a warmer auditory experience compared to the sharper sounds produced by stiffer plastics. Since both the Outemu Blue and Huano Sakura utilize this material in their bottom housings, they essentially replicate a similar sound signature and dampened feel when a key is bottomed out. This consistency in the bottom housing allows users to expect a cohesive auditory experience regardless of their choice between the switches.
The interplay between the performance qualities of the top and bottom housings is crucial in shaping the overall typing experience for each switch. Given that the nylon bottom housing dominates the sound and feel when the key is pressed down, both the Outemu Blue and Huano Sakura will exhibit similar characteristics in that aspect. However, the differentiation arises when releasing the key, where the differing materials of the top housings come into play. The Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top will yield a brighter and more resonant sound upon release, while the Sakura's POK top will provide a smoother and softer sound wave. Despite their differences, users can expect a generally consistent typing feel due to the shared nylon bottom housing, creating a complementary balance of sound profiles defined by the individual top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sakura is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons might favor the Sakura switch. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unspecified, making direct comparison in that regard challenging. The Sakura's bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating that it provides a clearer feedback when fully pressed down, which may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel. Overall, the Outemu Blue's heavier actuation force suggests it would provide a more substantial typing experience, while the Huano Sakura offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a satisfying depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the modern trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers. This shorter distance can lead to a more abrupt feel, which may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a longer travel. Therefore, if you prefer a hearty depth, the Outemu Blue is the better choice, while the Huano Sakura will cater to those seeking speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Huano Sakura 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 comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, the sound profiles differ significantly. The Outemu Blue is renowned for its distinct and pronounced clicky feedback, generating a sharp, audible sound with each keystroke that many typists find satisfying and even reminiscent of vintage typewriters. This click sound is often described as loud and crisp, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch features a more subdued acoustic profile, characterized by medium acoustics that provide a softer sound when pressed. While the Sakura's sound is less intrusive, it still offers sufficient feedback for users to be aware of their keystrokes without the pronounced clicking noise, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch provides a tactile bump followed by a definitive actuation point, allowing typists to enjoy a distinct sensation with every keystroke. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and confidence, particularly for those who appreciate a more mechanical feel. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch is known for its feather-light touch, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. This lack of tactile feedback creates a more fluid typing motion, which can minimize finger fatigue during extended use, making it particularly appealing for those who type for long periods or prefer a softer touch.
In summary, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a loud and satisfying click with a tactile feel, catering to those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Alternatively, the Huano Sakura linear switch provides a quieter experience with a light touch that supports long typing sessions comfortably. Both switches cater to different user preferences: the Blue for those who relish in tactile and audible feedback, and the Sakura for users who prioritize smoothness and reduced sound. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue is an excellent option. Its distinct clicky sound can be particularly enjoyable for typing enthusiasts who appreciate the classic retro feel reminiscent of typewriters. However, the noise can be disruptive in shared spaces, so if you plan to use your keyboard in quieter surroundings or for long periods, the Blue may not be ideal. Alternatively, if you seek a smoother and quieter experience for extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch would be a better choice. Its feather-light touch and medium acoustics ensure you can type comfortably without fatigue, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as your typical working environment, to select the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
