Outemu Cold Plum vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choices can significantly impact your typing experience and overall enjoyment. The Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch renowned for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offers a unique typing experience characterized by smooth keystrokes and a satisfying auditory feedback that appeals to enthusiasts looking for something distinct. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, also a linear switch, prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation, akin to gentle raindrops, making it an ideal option for typists who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing the delightful feel of a satisfying keystroke. While the Cold Plum might attract those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and robust build, the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking a serene typing experience with a balanced 53g bottom out force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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 Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches share a similar material for their top housings, both using nylon, which is a classic switch housing material associated with producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a notably duller and rounder auditory experience. This commonality offers users a consistent typing feel when engaging with either switch, likely yielding comparable acoustic results upon keypresses. In essence, the nylon top housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying and muted sound that users might find enjoyable when typing or gaming.
In contrast to the top housing, the bottom housings of the Cold Plum and Silent Sakura - 53g switches diverge significantly in their materials. The Cold Plum features a nylon bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing to maintain a unified sound profile—deep and rounded, ideal for those who appreciate a softer auditory feedback during keystrokes. The Silent Sakura - 53g, however, utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This material’s inherent stiffness leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating a distinct auditory experience. Users looking for a clearer and more resonant sound may lean towards the Silent Sakura - 53g, as the polycarbonate allows for a brighter "bottom-out" sound, changing the overall acoustic dynamics of the switch.
When considering the overall typing experience of the Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the interplay between their housing materials plays a crucial role. While they share nylon for the top housing, providing both switches with similar sound profiles during key release, the differing bottom housings create unique experiences at the bottom-out stage. The Cold Plum will emphasize a more muted feel and sound due to its nylon bottom, whereas the Silent Sakura will provide a crisper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate bottom. Ultimately, users will find that although the top housings provide a similar auditory foundation, the bottom housing material enhances the overall acoustical and tactile differentiation between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise that cater to distinct user preferences. The Cold Plum switch features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Cold Plum switch requires a stronger push, which may provide a more substantial typing feel favored by users who enjoy a heavy switch for tactile feedback. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance, allowing for prolonged typing sessions and comfort, particularly for work or extended gaming use. Thus, the Outemu Cold Plum is heavier overall while the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter option, providing users with distinct tactile experiences based on their force preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch reveals a notable difference that caters to varying user preferences. The Outemu Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option, ideal for those who seek quicker response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a deeper key press that might feel more substantial and satisfying for users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Consequently, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Cold Plum is the better choice, while the Silent Sakura offers a more classic feel with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile that provides a rich and satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This aspect contributes to an immersive typing experience, making it appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced sound as they type. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed to offer a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes it ideal for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern, allowing typists to type without disturbing others. While both switches cater to different sound preferences, the acoustics can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum's smooth keystroke grants a pleasant sensation that many enthusiasts tend to appreciate, enhancing the overall typing experience. The switch’s smoothness allows for fluidity while typing, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a tactile yet linear response. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a well-balanced 53g bottom-out force that provides a satisfying yet light keystroke, catering to typists who prefer less resistance while typing. Both switches offer a distinct feel, with the Cold Plum leaning towards a more pronounced tactile experience and the Silent Sakura focusing on a soft and gentle touch.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a solid, thocky sound paired with a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you value a quieter experience with a light keystroke, the Silent Sakura will meet your needs. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but either choice promises to deliver a fulfilling typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and seek a more tactile feedback combined with a unique thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for enthusiasts who appreciate the audible and physical satisfaction that comes with each keystroke, making it ideal for both typing and gaming sessions where feedback is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing environment and lighter keystrokes that still provide a satisfying feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g might be the better option. These switches excel in settings requiring minimal sound disruption, like an office or shared workspace, where the gentle keystrokes won’t disturb those around you. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your typing style, desired sound level, and the environments in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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