Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof 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 Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, is designed to provide tactile feedback and an audible click that many users find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate the traditional "typewriter-esque" feel and sound in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is characterized by its linear mechanism, which ensures a smooth keystroke without the noise of a click, catering to those who prioritize quiet operation and a gentle touch, especially in office environments or shared spaces. The ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams makes the Silent Sakura an especially appealing option for lighter typists seeking a serene typing atmosphere. Both switches offer unique strengths, whether it's the satisfying feedback of the Dustproof Blue or the whisper-quiet operation of the Silent Sakura. 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
65g
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 Dustproof Blue and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. The Dustproof Blue features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate material contributes a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing clarity during keystrokes and making it ideal for environments where typists prefer a more resonant experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing on the Dustproof Blue yields a deeper, rounder sound, which absorbs more noise due to its softer composition. Together, these materials create a balanced acoustic experience that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon.
In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a nylon top housing combined with a polycarbonate bottom housing, creating a distinctively different auditory experience. The nylon top contributes to a full, rich sound profile that minimizes the sharpness typically found in harder plastics. The bottom housing's polycarbonate construction enhances the clarity of the bottom-out sound when the key is fully pressed down, resulting in a noticeable contrast between the initial keystroke and the release. This combination results in a softer, muffled sound upon key actuation followed by a clearer tonal character, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience that doesn't sacrifice the resonance provided by the polycarbonate.
When comparing both switches, it becomes evident that the combination of materials used directly affects the performance and sound quality. While the Dustproof Blue's top and bottom housings create a distinct blend of sharpness and fullness, the Silent Sakura - 43g's materials result in a more subdued yet defined sound profile. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Dustproof Blue aiming for a vibrant sound experience and the Silent Sakura focusing on a quieter, richer acoustic quality. For users seeking specific auditory traits, it is critical to consider how these varying properties interact, as even small differences in housing materials can significantly alter the typing experience while achieving impressive results in distinct ways.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Blue features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch is lighter, with a notably lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor prolonged typing sessions or lightweight keystrokes. Therefore, for those who appreciate a lighter switch, the Silent Sakura will allow for easier and quicker actuation, while users seeking a heavier, more tactile response might gravitate towards the Dustproof Blue. The differences in both actuation and bottom out forces offer distinct experiences, clearly indicating that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Dustproof Blue is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel and actuation depth when pressing the keys. This similarity in travel distance allows for comparable typing experiences; both switches require the same amount of downward movement for activation. Whether you prefer the audible feedback of the clicky switch or the quiet nature of the linear switch, the consistent travel distance ensures that your keystrokes will feel equally responsive.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof 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 Dustproof Blue switch is known for its distinctive clicky sound profile, characterized by an audible tactile response that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This strong, pronounced clicking noise can be quite pleasing for users who enjoy a classic typewriter-like experience, making it ideal for those who seek auditory engagement while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch offers an incredibly quiet operation, designed to minimize noise to the point that it resembles the gentle sound of raindrops falling. This makes the Silent Sakura an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, such as offices or shared spaces, allowing for focused work without disturbing others.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Dustproof Blue provides a tactile bump that ensures each keypress is clearly defined, offering users a sense of engagement and responsiveness with every keystroke. This tactile feedback is often favored by typists who appreciate a more traditional typing feel and the satisfaction that follows. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has a linear design which results in a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump. This creates a different typing experience, more fluid and effortless, making it suitable for rapid key presses and gaming, as well as for those who prefer not to feel interruptions while typing.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch delivers a tactile and auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts of clicky switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a serene and quiet typing experience with its soft feel and minimalist sound profile. Your choice between these switches will largely depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback; if you lean towards the nostalgic satisfaction of clicky typing, the Dustproof Blue will serve you well, but if you value a quieter, more fluid interaction with your keyboard, then the Silent Sakura is the way to go. Each switch excels in its own realm, allowing users to tailor their typing experience based on individual needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile feedback combined with an audible click, and you’re okay with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Blue is an appealing option, particularly if you plan to use your keyboard in a setting where sound isn’t a major concern, such as a personal gaming station or home office. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and prefer a lighter touch with a 43-gram bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura switch will provide you with a serene and discreet environment, ideal for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions where noise could be disruptive. Weighing these factors will help guide you toward the switch that best enhances your typing experience, whether you prefer the tactile and audible nature of the Dustproof Blues or the smooth, silent feel of the Silent Sakura switches.
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