Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two well-regarded options emerge— the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Dustproof Brown switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump at the actuation point that many typists appreciate for enhanced accuracy and increased typing enjoyment. This switch’s tactile nature can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer to feel each key press, making it an excellent choice for both typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g takes a different approach with its linear design, known for delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle sound of raindrops. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch caters to light typists who desire a serene and unobtrusive typing environment, ideal for shared spaces or late-night use. While both offer distinct benefits based on typing preferences and environments, 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 Brown Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches highlight diverse approaches to sound and acoustics, reflecting their unique designs and material choices. The Dustproof Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing. This combination produces a distinctive sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance from the stiffer polycarbonate top, which enhances high-pitched sounds, while the softer nylon bottom adds a depth that results in a fuller typing experience. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it diffuses light effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.

Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, creating a different sonic signature. The nylon top results in a warmer, softer typing experience, which absorbs sound and leads to a more rounded auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes crispness and clarity to the sound produced when keys are bottomed out. The result is a unique interplay between the materials that influences both the sound and feel of each keystroke, demonstrating how the arrangement of plastic types can alter the overall experience of the keyboard user.

In summary, while the Dustproof Brown and Silent Sakura - 43g switches use different combinations of housing materials, they ultimately deliver distinct auditory experiences based on their respective properties. The differences in material choice lead to contrasting characteristics in sound profile and tactile feedback. However, there is an underlying similarity: both setups combine the attributes of polycarbonate and nylon. Thus, despite the differences, if one were to integrate the plastic types differently, the final switch could still yield a relatively similar typing experience by balancing the sharpness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, ensuring a diverse range of user preferences is catered to.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Dustproof Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to users who favor a softer, more delicate keystroke. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the lighter choice of the two, while the Dustproof Brown is heavier. Those who prefer long typing sessions might find the lighter Silent Sakura more comfortable, while those seeking a firmer tactile feedback would likely gravitate towards the Dustproof Brown. Therefore, these switches offer different experiences based on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equal distance means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a similar feeling in terms of key travel. Consequently, you can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and overall typing experience, whether using the tactile Dustproof Brown or the linear Silent Sakura switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is relatively quiet, falling into the category of tactile switches that produce a softer sound profile than their clicky counterparts, making it suitable for shared or quieter environments. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch emphasizes a near-silent operation, engineered to replicate the gentle sound of raindrops, providing a whisper-quiet experience during typing. Given that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the keyboard’s build and the choice of keycaps, users can expect an overall quieter environment with the Silent Sakura while still enjoying a muted sound from the Dustproof Brown.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Brown offers a tactile bump that gives the typist satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate a moderate tactile response without distractions. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch, however, is characterized as a linear switch, which means it provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps. This results in a silky, uninterrupted keypress that some typists find enjoyable for fast-paced typing without the noticeable feedback of a tactile switch. If the user prefers an engaging feel, the Dustproof Brown will satisfy this need, but those who favor a smoother action without bumps will feel at home with the Silent Sakura.

In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch offers a moderate sound level and tactile feedback, which may appeal to users who enjoy a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch excels in creating a quiet typing environment paired with smooth keypresses, making it ideal for users seeking a more serene experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a tactile sensation and don’t mind some noise, the Dustproof Brown is suitable; but if silence and smoothness are your priorities, the Silent Sakura will meet your needs effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and your typical environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile feel that provides feedback with each keypress, the Dustproof Brown might be the better option for you. It can be particularly favorable for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience and who might be working in an environment where a bit of noise is acceptable, such as a shared office space or during gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a light touch and a silent operation, the Silent Sakura is tailored for you. Its 43g bottom out force makes for effortless typing, ideal for long typing sessions and quiet environments like libraries or shared workspaces where discretion is key. Additionally, if you enjoy a linear movement without the tactile bump, opting for the Silent Sakura will provide you with a smooth, uninterrupted experience. In short, consider your typing style, the noise level you desire, and the surroundings in which you'll primarily be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more