Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g each offer distinct features that appeal to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Brown is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that can enhance typing accuracy and offer satisfying feedback for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switches are designed for a whisper-quiet experience, making them ideal for quiet environments or late-night typing sessions, with a balanced 53g bottom-out force that delivers a light yet satisfying keystroke. While the tactile nature of the Dustproof Brown caters to those who appreciate responsive feedback, the Silent Sakura’s focus on noise reduction appeals to users looking for stealth in their keystrokes. 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 Brown Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, it is clear that each switch utilizes different materials for their respective top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound characteristics. The Outemu Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and higher-pitched sound profile. This material creates a sharper and crisper typing experience, enhancing the overall resonance of the keypress. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and less resonant auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches may provide satisfying typing experiences, the Outemu Dustproof Brown leans towards a brighter sound quality, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a fuller and softer sound.

At the bottom housing level, the Outemu Dustproof Brown utilizes nylon, which complements its top housing's properties by introducing deeper sound characteristics to the switch overall. This softer material's absorbent nature results in a duller bottom-out sound, which, paired with the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top, creates a more nuanced auditory experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing that contrasts with its nylon top. This combination yields a clearer and more defined bottoming sound. While the nylon top softens the sound, the polycarbonate bottom sharpens it, making the feedback crisp and resonant. Therefore, the differences in material choices at the housing levels interplay to create distinct auditory experiences with each switch.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials significantly impact the overall typing experience, yet those differences can yield similarly satisfying results based on user preference. The Outemu Dustproof Brown, with its contrasting combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, allows for divergent sound qualities with a certain delineation between the sounds produced on key press and key release. The HMX Silent Sakura, utilizing opposite materials, achieves a balance between softness and clarity. If users are seeking a specific tactile or auditory feedback, they can choose between the brighter sounds of polycarbonate and the muted tones of nylon. In both instances, users will benefit from the cumulative effects of the materials employed, as the interaction between the top and bottom housing elements plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound signature of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we can observe some interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing down to trigger a keystroke, making them equally suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out forces vary significantly: the Dustproof Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Outemu Dustproof Brown provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's lighter bottom out force may be more comfortable for users who favor a softer touch and less finger fatigue during prolonged use. Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is the heavier switch, while the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter option.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience similar key press sensations when using either switch. This equal travel distance allows for comparable typing experiences, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a consistent keystroke depth. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a uniform feel in terms of how far they need to press down before registering a keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks a defining characteristic, which may suggest that it produces a balanced, average sound profile typical of tactile switches. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has been engineered to create an exceptionally quiet typing experience, likened to the soft sound of raindrops against a window. This whisper-quiet trait makes the Silent Sakura ideal for environments where noise can be a distraction, while the Dustproof Brown may be more versatile depending on the mounting and keycap choices used.

Regarding feel, the Dustproof Brown switch’s tactile quality provides a noticeable bump that helps typists register key presses with a satisfying feedback, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is characterized by its linear feel, which delivers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted typing and fluid key presses. This difference in tactile feedback means that users will have distinct experiences based on which switch they choose, with the Dustproof Brown appealing to those who enjoy a tactile response and the Silent Sakura catered to fans of linear switches.

In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches offer a tactile typing experience that is arguably more traditional, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g excels in providing a serene and smooth experience with its whisper quiet operation. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference—whether one prefers the tactile engagement of the Dustproof Browns or the fluid silence of the Silent Sakura. Users can expect different auditory and physical sensations while typing, thus the ideal switch choice hinges on what qualities matter most in their typing or gaming experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a medium-heavy tactile feedback that can provide you with a satisfying tactile experience while typing, you may find the Dustproof Brown suits your needs well, especially if you are in an environment where sound levels are not a crucial concern. However, if you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Silent Sakura switch is perfect for you, as it offers a lighter touch and operates almost silently, making it ideal for shared spaces or late-night work sessions. Additionally, with its design tailored for a gentle yet responsive typing experience, the Silent Sakura will keep your typing fluid. Ultimately, consider what feels most comfortable for you—whether it’s the tactile feedback of the Dustproof Brown or the whisper-quiet operation of the Silent Sakura—to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more