Outemu Blue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Outemu Blue switch is a classic clicky switch, often sought after by typists who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click that accompany each keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate the mechanical sound and feel of a traditional keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a quieter operation, appealing to users who seek a serene typing environment. These linear switches provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without the distracting noise of a click, making them perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may depend on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Clicky

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Blue switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the differences in their housing materials create distinct sound profiles that influence the overall typing experience. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which cultivates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics with a luminous quality. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. As a result, while the Outemu Blue may resonate with a more pronounced click, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a more subdued auditory experience that caters to users preferring quieter keystrokes.

Examining the bottom housings further illustrates the contrasting acoustic characteristics. The Outemu Blue's bottom housing is made from nylon, which complements the softer sound profile initiated by its top counterpart. This bottom housing aids in absorbing sound and contributes to a rounder, fuller output, especially during bottom-out actions. Conversely, the Silent Sakura occupies the opposing acoustic realm with its polycarbonate bottom housing, which resonates a clear and crisp sound. This combination creates an interesting dynamic where the muted top sound of the Silent Sakura becomes vibrant at the bottom, while the Outemu Blue maintains a more consistent auditory profile across both layers.

Ultimately, while the contrast in materials generates differing sound experiences, users can expect some similarities in performance. Both switches provide a unique feel at the keystroke's bottoming out, shaped predominantly by the bottom housing. Users seeking a balanced auditory experience may find satisfaction in the differing characteristics while still appreciating that both the Outemu Blue and Silent Sakura - 53g can deliver efficient tactile feedback. In essence, by understanding the contributions of each housing material, typists can choose their preferred switches with confidence, ensuring they achieve a satisfactory typing experience regardless of material differences.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences emerge in both their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Outemu Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This disparity means that the HMX Silent Sakura is generally easier to press, making it suitable for extended typing sessions where minimal finger fatigue is desired. However, the Outemu Blue's heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. In terms of bottom out force, the HMX Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating it provides a firmer conclusion when a key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it compares in that regard. Overall, gamers or typists who prefer a lighter touch should gravitate toward the Silent Sakura, while those who appreciate a heavier, more tactile typing experience may favor the Outemu Blue.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress responsiveness when using these switches. The similarity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, regardless of the switch type, whether it's the clicky nature of the Outemu Blue or the smoother feel of the Silent Sakura.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Blue switch is characterized by its pronounced clicky sound, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy an engaging, audible typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to be notably quiet, delivering a whisper-soft sound profile reminiscent of gentle rain. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience, especially in shared or quiet environments. While the Blue offers an unmistakable click, the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking to minimize noise, with each keystroke barely being heard, creating a serene atmosphere during use.

When it comes to feel, the Blue switch offers a tactile bump that contributes to its clicky response, allowing typists to feel the activation point as they type. This tactile feedback can enhance typing speed for some users, providing a more interactive experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch provides a smooth linear feel that allows for uninterrupted key travel without any tactile bumps. The light 53g bottom-out force strikes a balance between comfortable typing and enough resistance to prevent accidental key presses, making it a great choice for those who prefer a seamless and effortless keystroke without any distractions.

In summary, the Outemu Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. While the Blue excels in delivering an audible and tactile feedback often favored by typists who enjoy a pronounced click, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet, linear feel that ensures a smooth typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately boils down to personal preference—whether one prioritizes sound and tactile feedback or a serene and seamless typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your choice should hinge on your specific typing needs and environment. If you thrive on auditory feedback and love the satisfying click of a mechanical switch, the Outemu Blue is ideal for you, especially in a personal or gaming setup where the sound adds to the experience. The tactile response can enhance your typing rhythm, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. However, if you often work in quieter settings or share your space with others, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch would be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force offers a smooth, silent typing experience that reduces noise while still providing a gratifying feel. This makes the Silent Sakura perfect for office settings, late-night typing, or any scenario where a quieter operation is appreciated. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether that’s the excitement of a clicky type or the serenity of silent strokes.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

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HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more