Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are two notable linear options, each offering distinct benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is designed for those who seek a clean and efficient typing experience, although specific standout features remain unspecified. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its exceptionally quiet operation, evoking the serene sound of raindrops as you type. With a lighter actuation force of 53g, it caters to users who enjoy a softer yet still pleasing keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches aim to enhance your typing experience with their linear action, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may appeal to those prioritizing durability and dust-resistance, and the Silent Sakura to those yearning for a gentle, quiet touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provide a distinct contrast in terms of the sound profiles and tactile experiences they offer. The Dustproof Silent Ocean employs a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, which enhances the overall clarity, especially when RGB lighting is used to create an illuminated effect. In addition, the nylon bottom housing helps to absorb sound, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, thus offering a blend of brightness from the top and warmth from the bottom. This combination results in a unique auditory experience that balances clarity with roundness.
On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a contrasting setup with a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon top produces a softer, more subdued sound profile, creating a rounder and deeper auditory experience when keys are pressed. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom enhances the sharpness and clarity of bottom-out sounds, resulting in a more crisp auditory response. This duality in materials means that while the top housing dampens sound for a muted feel, the bottom housing introduces a bright response upon actuation. Consequently, the Silent Sakura offers a different tactile sensation, allowing users to experience both a softer touch from the top and a sharper feedback from the bottom.
Ultimately, although the housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, players can expect varied but rich results in their typing experiences. The combined effects of different materials for both the top and bottom housings lead to distinct auditory experiences that balance sound and feel differently across each switch. The Outemu's use of polycarbonate for brightness combined with nylon for depth contrasts nicely with the HMX's nylon softness merging with polycarbonate clarity. Regardless of the differences, both switches can deliver a satisfying and engaging typing experience, showcasing how the variation in housing materials can offer multiple pathways to achieve acoustic and tactile satisfaction.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer some interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience similar responsiveness when triggering a keystroke, making them equally suited for long typing sessions or gaming. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean requiring 65 grams to bottom out, whereas the Silent Sakura has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference indicates that the Outemu switch provides a firmer feel upon bottoming out, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the lighter bottom out force of the Silent Sakura caters to those who may enjoy a gentler touch and longer periods of use without fatigue. Therefore, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Outemu switch is heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force compared to the HMX Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Outemu switch, you'll experience a shorter press, which can provide quicker response times and may be preferable for gaming enthusiasts. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper feel with its 4 mm travel distance, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Therefore, if you appreciate a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean will deliver a more responsive experience for faster gameplay.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 Silent Ocean switch is engineered for minimal acoustic output, providing a quiet experience ideal for environments where noise is a concern. This makes it a suitable choice for office use or shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is characterized by its exceptionally soft and hushed operation, often likened to the soothing sound of gentle raindrops. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a nearly silent typing experience, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere while working or gaming. Although both aim for a quiet output, individual acoustic performance can still vary based on the specific keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch lacks notable tactile feedback or any unique feel qualities attributed to it. However, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch stands out with a balanced bottom-out force of 53 grams, which promotes a light yet satisfying keystroke that many users find pleasurable. The Silent Sakura’s design allows for a smooth linear travel without the jarring interruption of tactile feedback, appealing to those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. While the Outemu switch may not offer specific tactile characteristics, the HMX Silent Sakura provides a more refined sensation that can enhance user satisfaction during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a typing experience that minimizes sound, both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer quiet operation, albeit with the Sakura switch delivering a softer auditory experience. For typing feel, the Silent Sakura excels with its carefully calibrated bottom-out force and smooth linear travel, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean may not have defined qualities to offer in this area. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your priorities, such as sound preference and tactile experience, although you can expect a whisper-quiet operation from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment you'll be using them in. If you’re seeking a switch that provides a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be the better choice, especially if you enjoy a tactile typing experience without overwhelming noise, perfect for those who value feedback and a solid keystroke. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a lower bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Silent Sakura is designed for a whisper-quiet experience that feels satisfying while minimizing distractions, making it fantastic for quiet office environments or late-night typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style; choose the Dustproof Silent Ocean for a robust, heavier keystroke, or the Silent Sakura - 53g for a light, smooth, and serene typing experience.
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