Outemu Dustproof Green vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards are lauded for their tactile feedback and customizable switches, and two popular options are the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Huano Sakura. The Outemu Dustproof Green, with its clicky design, is often favored by typists who enjoy an audible confirmation with each keystroke, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, a linear switch, offers a feather-light touch and smooth keypresses, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and efficiency are paramount. While the Dustproof Green provides a lively auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, the Sakura’s quieter operation and reduced resistance allow for quicker key presses without fatigue. Each switch has its unique advantages depending on personal preference and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Green and the Huano Sakura switches utilize differing materials for their top housings, which influence their sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics. The Dustproof Green employs a polycarbonate (PC) top housing, renowned for its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This quality makes it especially effective for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through more vividly, enhancing the visual appeal of the keys. On the other hand, the Sakura switch uses a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing. While POK is distinguished by its exceptionally smooth texture and durability, it does not provide the same level of clarity in sound as polycarbonate due to its higher friction coefficient. Although both materials contribute to unique sound profiles, the polymer choices lead to different auditory experiences when typing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Outemu Dustproof Green and Huano Sakura switches are made from nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. Both switches benefit from nylon's inherent sound dampening properties, which deliver a deeper and rounder acoustic experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a fuller typing feel that adds to user comfort. Therefore, despite the variations in their top housing materials, both switches exhibit a consistent low-end response and tactile feedback resulting from their shared nylon bottom. This commonality suggests that users will experience a similar base feel regardless of the differing acoustic characteristics provided by their respective top housings.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the Outemu Dustproof Green and Huano Sakura switches illustrate how the individual properties of housing compositions can influence sound and tactile responses. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Green offers a brighter, more pronounced acoustic profile, especially in conjunction with RGB setups, whereas the POK top of the Sakura promotes smoothness and durability. However, both switches’ nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent deeper, fuller sound that unites their overall performance. This design structure indicates that users will experience complementary characteristics when typing on each switch, even as they indulge in the distinct flavors imparted by their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Green features a notably heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch offers a much lighter actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, typists who prefer a more substantial push feel should gravitate towards the heavier Dustproof Green, while those seeking a more relaxed typing experience should consider the lighter Huano Sakura. Overall, the choice between these two switches highlights personal preference: heavier for a firmer feedback and lighter for extended comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Dustproof Green switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter and more aligned with the contemporary trend of favoring shorter distances for enhanced responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers. If you prioritize a deeper and more pronounced keypress, the Dustproof Green might be the more satisfying choice. However, if you seek quicker response times, the Sakura’s shorter travel distance could provide the rapid feedback you desire.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Green comes in at $3.10, whereas the Huano Sakura 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch does not have a specific known characteristic, making it difficult to gauge its auditory profile without additional context. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is recognized for its medium acoustics, which strikes a balance between being noticeable and not overwhelmingly loud. This acoustic quality makes the Sakura switches a good choice for environments where noise might be a concern, offering a pleasant typing experience without disturbing others.
In terms of feel, the lack of specific details about the Dustproof Green switch leaves it somewhat ambiguous regarding its tactile feedback and actuation. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch is renowned for its feather-light touch, providing a smooth and effortless experience during typing. This can be particularly advantageous for lengthy sessions, as the lighter actuation can reduce finger fatigue, making the typing experience feel less laborious compared to heavier switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Dustproof Green switch lacks defined qualities, the Huano Sakura switch stands out with its comfortable feel and moderate sound profile, making it suitable for extended use. If you value a lighter touch with an acoustic balance, the Sakura switch is a compelling option. If you're considering the Dustproof Green, be prepared for an experience that might vary widely in terms of sound and feel, as its qualities remain somewhat undefined.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a tactile and audible feedback while typing, and you don't mind a heavier actuation force, the Dustproof Green is suitable for you. It's excellent for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, especially in environments where sound is less of a concern. However, be prepared for the 80-gram bottom-out force, as it may lead to fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the Huano Sakura switch should be your go-to. With a 45-gram actuation force, this switch is ideal for extended typing sessions and is particularly well-suited for fast-paced work and gaming. Overall, consider your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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