Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the differences between the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g become quite evident. The Outemu Dustproof Blue, a clicky switch, is designed to provide tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the satisfying sound and sensation of typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a linear design that promises a whisper-quiet experience, ideal for users who prefer a smoother, more subdued typing action without the distractions of noise—perfect for quiet environments. While the Dustproof Blue excites with its pronounced feedback, the Silent Sakura gently caters to those who seek a balance between pressure and softness in each press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, notable differences stand out in their construction that directly influence both sound and feel. The Dustproof Blue features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity, especially beneficial for RGB lighting setups due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer characteristics that yield deeper and fuller sound. The nylon absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, those who prefer a clear and resonant response may gravitate towards the Dustproof Blue, while those seeking a warm and muted sound may favor the Silent Sakura.

The bottom housings of these switches are also constructed from contrasting materials, further emphasizing their distinct sound profiles. The Dustproof Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound, aligning with the properties typical of nylon to absorb sound waves and soften the auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the sharper, crisper output characteristic of this harder plastic. This creates a more resonant sound, especially notable during bottoming out. The difference in bottom housing materials signifies that the overall sound experience will diverge; the Dustproof Blue will create a more pronounced thock (a rich sound) on bottoming out, while the Silent Sakura will elicit a clearer and more defined sound profile.

Overall, the combination of differing top and bottom housing materials in the Dustproof Blue and Silent Sakura leads to an intriguing exploration of sound profiles and tactile feedback. The contrast in materials results in varied sound characteristics where the Dustproof Blue may resonate with a brightness, whereas the Silent Sakura embodies a warmth. If similar results were to be sought, one could combine the top of one switch with the bottom of another, but that may alter the intended sound signature. Ultimately, users looking for specific audio experiences will have defined preferences based on these housing material differences, shaping the tactile and auditory experience significantly.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Dustproof Blue has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that the Silent Sakura requires less force to register a keystroke and also bottoms out more easily, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel and a more deliberate typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Consequently, if you seek a lighter feel, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while the Dustproof Blue is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same key travel, resulting in a similar feel and responsiveness during use. Since both switches offer identical travel distance, they will provide comparable results in terms of key activation and tactile feedback, making them equally suited for those who prefer a travel distance of 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, they diverge significantly. The Dustproof Blue is known for its pronounced clicky feedback, which produces a sharp and satisfying sound with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy audible confirmation while typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a more subdued auditory experience, often compared to the gentle patter of raindrops, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience that is ideal for quiet environments or shared workspaces.

Regarding tactile feel, the Dustproof Blue offers a distinct click sensation, providing clear feedback that allows typists to feel the actuation point, making it favored among users who appreciate a tactile response. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a smooth linear action without any tactile bump or audible click, offering a light yet satisfying keystroke that glides seamlessly without interruption, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch with quieter operation.

In summary, if you're drawn to an engaging auditory experience and tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch would be an excellent choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch suits those who prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience. Each switch addresses different user preferences, providing unique benefits depending on the environment and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing conditions. If you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch, with its medium-heavy actuation and satisfying click, may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is perfect for environments where sound is not a concern, such as a home office or a creative workspace where you want that classic mechanical feel. However, if you often find yourself typing in shared spaces or prefer a quieter setup, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed to provide a smooth, silent keystroke without sacrificing responsiveness. With its medium-light force and whisper-quiet operation, it's well-suited for prolonged typing sessions and environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as libraries or open offices. Ultimately, choosing the right switch depends on balancing your need for feedback and sound against your typing style and typical surroundings.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more