Outemu Dustproof Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer distinct advantages suited to varying typing preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Black, a linear switch, typically appeals to gamers and heavy typists seeking a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, though it lacks standout features commonly highlighted in reviews. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those prioritizing a quieter typing experience, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that caters to lighter typists or anyone working in shared spaces. Its soft, gentle feedback evokes the calm sound of rain, making it an excellent choice for creating a serene typing environment. While each switch brings unique benefits to the table, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both utilize distinct housing materials that create varied auditory experiences during typing. The Dustproof Black features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucence also facilitates RGB lighting, making it an appealing option for visually dynamic setups. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is equipped with a nylon top housing that absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials underscores how the tactile and auditory experiences can significantly diverge even within similar types of switches.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences continue, further influencing each switch's overall performance. The Dustproof Black employs a nylon bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, produces a softer and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which elevates the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. This means that each switch's bottom housing contributes uniquely to typing performance; the Dustproof Black will yield a sound that is less defined and more muted compared to the more vibrant bottom-out sound from the Silent Sakura - 43g.

Ultimately, if both switches were to implement the same materials in different configurations, many users would still end up with similar results depending on the context of use. The character of these switches is shaped not only by the materials in each housing but also by how those materials interact with the actuation forces and act as a composite audio profile during use. The Dustproof Black will provide a consistent performance characterized by its clear top and soft bottom, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g will deliver a contrast between its sharper top and fuller bottom. Such contrasts and combinations allow typists to choose switches based on personal preference, where symmetry in material can yield different auditory and tactile experiences based on housing orientation.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch with its actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 80 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch, which has a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 43 grams, the differences in weight are quite pronounced. The Dustproof Black is heavier overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience, as the increased resistance can provide a more tactile feedback during use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g, being the lighter option, allows for easier typing and longer usage without fatigue, making it ideal for extended work or gaming sessions where lighter keystrokes are beneficial. While the actuation force and bottom out force for the Dustproof Black are much higher than those of the Silent Sakura, the forces are not the same, indicating distinct touch experiences between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: those looking for a softer touch should gravitate towards the HMX Silent Sakura, while those seeking a firmer feel might prefer the Outemu Dustproof Black.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, if you choose either of these switches for your keyboard, you can expect similar results in terms of the key feel and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for various typing and gaming scenarios.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has not been explicitly characterized in terms of sound, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch stands out for its exceptionally quiet operation, delivering a typing experience akin to gentle raindrops. This whisper-quiet quality makes the Silent Sakura particularly suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or quiet home offices. However, since the sound of any switch can be influenced by several factors, including the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, it's difficult to gauge how the Dustproof Black would compare without more specific information.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Black are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile feedback or actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura switch features an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, which can appeal to light typists or those who prefer a smoother typing experience. This lower resistance allows for rapid key presses and less finger fatigue, enhancing the overall typing experience, especially during lengthy sessions.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Black lacks detailed subjective qualities in both sound and feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch impresses with its ultra-quiet operation and light actuation force, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing a serene typing environment and requiring minimal resistance. If noise and tactile feel are crucial factors in your keyboard experience, the Silent Sakura will likely provide the most satisfying results, while the potential qualities of the Dustproof Black remain a mystery.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you tend to lean towards a heavier key feel and enjoy the tactile nature of firm switches, then the Dustproof Black, which requires a bottom-out force of 80 grams, may be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly suitable for those who often type intensely and prefer a more solid key engagement, though it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have a specific reputation for any particular feature. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura switch is designed to accommodate your needs with its 43-gram bottom-out force. These switches excel in environments where noise reduction is crucial, making them excellent for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Furthermore, the Silent Sakura's renowned whisper-quiet operation will ensure that your typing sounds more like gentle raindrops, perfect for a peaceful atmosphere. In the end, your choice should reflect not only your typing style but also your workspace dynamics, ensuring the best experience for your individual needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more