Outemu Blue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between the Outemu Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g highlight distinct preferences among typists. The Outemu Blue, renowned for its clicky feedback, provides an auditory and tactile experience that many users find satisfying, especially those who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for those who crave a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, featuring an ultra-light bottom out force of 43g that caters well to light typists. While the clicky nature of the Blue may be ideal for gamers or fast typists looking for a reassurance from each press, the Silent Sakura falls beautifully into the hands of professionals or writers who prefer a softer touch without the noise that can disrupt a calm environment. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present an interesting comparison when it comes to their housing materials, as each utilizes different plastics for their top and bottom components. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality not only contributes to a clear and resonant sound but also enhances RGB lighting visually, making it an attractive option for gamers and typists who appreciate illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g uses a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is less piercing and more subdued. This discrepancy in sound characteristics highlights an essential difference between the two switches, reflecting the diverse preferences of users regarding audio feedback and tactile experience.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, the roles reverse, with the Outemu Blue featuring a nylon bottom and the Silent Sakura - 43g a polycarbonate bottom. The nylon bottom of the Outemu Blue maintains the softer and more absorbent qualities of the material, allowing for a deeper and rounder sound during keystrokes. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura - 43g promotes that crisp and clear sound profile, echoing the characteristics of its top housing. This duality in materials showcases how each switch can produce a wide range of audio feedback and tactile sensations, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences or specific typing needs.
Ultimately, despite their differing housing materials, both switches are capable of achieving satisfactory acoustic results, albeit in contrasting styles. Users who are drawn to the Outemu Blue may appreciate its clear responsiveness and bright sound with the polycarbonate top, while those who choose the Silent Sakura - 43g might prefer the deeper, muted tones generated by its nylon top. In both cases, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials can create a well-rounded auditory experience. When users strike a key, the bottom housing predominantly influences the sound and feel upon bottoming out; the top housing comes into play during release, demonstrating that the combined effects of both materials contribute to a unique typing experience tailored to the user's individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to various typing preferences. The Outemu Blue requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams, making it feel more substantial for those who prefer a firmer push while typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which can provide a more comfortable experience for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is listed as unavailable, meaning we cannot directly compare it to the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 43 grams. Therefore, while the Blue is generally heavier in terms of actuation force, its overall pressing experience cannot be fully assessed without the bottom out metric. For users who value longer typing sessions, the lighter Silent Sakura may be more appealing, whereas those seeking a robust feel might lean towards the Outemu Blue.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom of the switch. As a result, you can anticipate similar tactile feedback and keypress depth when utilizing either switch, making them comparable in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 clicky switch is characterized by its distinct audible click sound, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find rewarding. This sound is often described as a definitive "click," which enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a noticeable auditory cue with each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a much quieter operation, designed to deliver a gentle and subdued sound profile akin to soft raindrops tapping on a window, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. The stark difference in sound between these two switches caters to different preferences, where the Blue caters to enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced sounds, while the Silent Sakura satisfies those seeking discretion.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is typically appreciated for its tactile response, which provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving typists a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. This tactile feedback can help improve typing speed and accuracy for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a linear feel that is smooth and consistent throughout the keypress without any tactile bump or click, resulting in a fluid typing sensation. This makes the Silent Sakura well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch and a seamless keypress, which can be less fatiguing during extended typing sessions.
In summary, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch delivers an exhilarating auditory and tactile experience ideal for those who appreciate pronounced feedback, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for quietness and smoothness, appealing to users who prioritize serenity in their typing environment. Both switches serve different typing styles and preferences, allowing you to choose based on whether you value sound and tactile feedback or a whisper-quiet performance with a smooth keystroke experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile feedback and a noticeable click sound while typing, the Outemu Blue is an excellent choice, providing an auditory and physical sensation that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you thrive on that satisfying sound. However, if you prefer a quieter option and find that excessive noise is distracting to yourself or those around you, the Silent Sakura - 43g is ideal. With its light 43g bottom out force and whisper-quiet operation, you can enjoy a peaceful typing experience that retains the fluidity of linear switches. In environments like shared office spaces, libraries, or during late-night gaming sessions, the Silent Sakura switches will enable you to type without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard—prioritize sound and tactility with the Outemu Blue or embrace tranquility and smoothness with the Silent Sakura.
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