Outemu Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g brings forth distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump at the actuation point that provides feedback during typing, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a more traditional feel and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch designed for individuals who desire a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, accompanied by an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that enables effortless typing. This switch is particularly valued by light typists who thrive in quieter environments, where each keystroke resembles the subtle sound of raindrops. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Outemu Brown appeals to those who benefit from tactile feedback, while the Silent Sakura caters to those seeking silence and smoothness in their typing. 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
53g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who employ RGB lighting, as it allows the colors to diffuse beautifully across the switch, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, leading to a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches offer a compelling sound profile, they cater to different preferences in terms of audio sharpness and warmth.
The bottom housings of the two switches provide a contrasting dynamic, with the Outemu Brown employing a nylon composition while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features polycarbonate. The choice of nylon for the Brown's bottom housing resonates with the same principles applied to the top; it continues to foster a rich and rounded sound experience. This alignment with the top housing's tone leads to a cohesive acoustic characteristic that is harmonious but may lack some crispness. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a sharper sound, asserting a clarity that resonates through the switch when bottoming out. As the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound when the key is pressed down, this switch composition transforms the typing experience to be more lively and pronounced.
Comparatively, both switches possess qualities that make them unique while also having overlapping attributes that yield a distinct typing experience. Specifically, the enclosures can enhance different aspects of sound and feel, creating a more multidimensional effect. The Outemu Brown, with its mixture of polycarbonate and nylon, can cater to those who enjoy a balanced typing experience with both depth and clarity, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g combines the welcoming warmth of nylon with a sharper finish from the polycarbonate. Ultimately, users seeking a lively sound profile could find satisfaction in switches featuring a similar approach to material usage, as the contrasting elements can produce multiple layers of auditory feedback regardless of the individual switch characteristics, thus achieving similar enjoyable results in sound and performance.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel. The Outemu Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may find rewarding, especially for longer-duration tasks or intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a gentler touch and extended typing without fatigue. Therefore, the Outemu Brown is the heavier option, while the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter choice, suggesting that each switch appeals to different user preferences based on their typing styles and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users will experience similar results in terms of keypress depth. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed, typists and gamers alike can expect a consistent feel and actuation, making either switch a suitable choice depending on personal preference. Given that their travel distances are equal, the tactile feedback of the Brown switch versus the smoothness of the Silent Sakura switch may ultimately influence a user's decision more than the travel distance itself.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch tends to produce a noticeable audible click, giving typists a clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is engineered for a quiet typing experience, characterized by its silent operation that resembles the soft sound of raindrops. While the Browns can introduce a bit of noise into a workspace, the Silent Sakura switches aim to minimize that disturbance, making them more suitable for office environments or shared spaces. However, it's essential to note that the final sound profile can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, switch plate, and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a distinctive tactile bump that provides users with a satisfying resistance at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a linear action that results in a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. This design allows for a lighter touch and a seamless transition between key presses, catering to users who prefer a gliding sensation and rapid key travel. The differences in feel cater to different typing preferences, with the Browns being more tactile and the Silent Sakura providing a pure linear experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. The Browns offer a more pronounced auditory feedback and tactile sensation, making them suitable for those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches excel in providing a quiet and smooth keystroke, appealing to users looking for a serene typing environment. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing style and the acoustic preferences of your workspace.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and usage environment. If you appreciate a moderate feedback with tactile bumps that can enhance your typing accuracy and do not mind a bit more resistance, the Outemu Brown is a solid option. This switch, though heavier at 65 grams, provides a satisfying tactile response that can be beneficial for typists who enjoy the feeling of feedback with each keystroke, making it particularly suitable for both typing and gaming where precision is key. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience, particularly in shared or peaceful environments, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be the better choice. With its light 43-gram bottom-out force, this switch allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal sound, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle touch and wish to avoid disturbing others around them. Overall, consider your priorities—be it tactile feedback and heavier keypresses with the Brown, or a silent, lightweight experience with the Silent Sakura—when making your decision.
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