Outemu Gold vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Gold and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct options catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Gold, characterized as a clicky switch, provides a tacticle feedback and an audible click with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate the satisfying sound and sensory response, typically favored by avid typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g excels in delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, designed for those who prefer a smooth and stealthy operation, perfect for environments where noise can be a distraction. Its ultra-light 43g bottom out force caters to light typists seeking comfort and focus without the disruptive sounds of traditional switches. Both switches have their unique strengths, appealing to diverse user needs; 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 Gold Clicky

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it’s evident that they utilize two different types of plastics, which contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top lends a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when a key is released, making it ideal for users who appreciate a clear, resonant auditory feedback, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound during keypresses. This combination provides a balanced typing experience, where the clarity of the top housing complements the muted characteristics of the bottom.

In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g integrates a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a significantly different auditory experience. The nylon top invokes a softer, rounder tonal quality, promoting a less harsh sound during the release of a key. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes a sharper sound that emerges when the key bottoms out, leading to a distinct clarity. The interplay of these materials creates a unique sound signature, with an emphasis on bass and fuller rich tones mixed with clear accents when the keys are fully pressed. This difference means that the feeling and sound during typing can appeal to different preferences based on the material distribution within each switch.

Despite these differences in housing materials, there is an underlying similarity in performance between the two switch designs. Each utilizes the distinctive properties of polycarbonate and nylon to influence the typing experience, offering a blend of auditory feedback that varies depending on the housing placements. For users who appreciate soft, muffled key sounds, the Silent Sakura may offer a more appealing option. However, for those who favor clarity and a crisper sound, the Outemu Gold would be preferable. Ultimately, regardless of the materials used, both switches can yield satisfying results in terms of tactile feedback and audible response through their unique configurations of hard and soft plastics.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Gold features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium-weight feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter feel is ideal for users seeking extended typing sessions or a more effortless keystroke, making it more suitable for those who frequently use their keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. Overall, the Outemu Gold is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is lighter, ultimately catering to different preferences in typing feel and experience.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide the same amount of key movement from the top to the bottom when pressed. This identical travel distance ensures that users will experience similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming. Consequently, whether using the clicky feedback of the Outemu Gold or the smooth action of the Silent Sakura, one can expect the same tactile depth, combining comfort and performance effectively.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a stark contrast. The Gold switch is typically associated with a pronounced click that provides audible feedback during typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with clear auditory signals. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura is designed for a nearly silent typing experience, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops which promotes a discreet atmosphere, making it suitable for quiet environments such as offices or libraries. Ultimately, if you are looking for a clicky, tactile experience, the Gold may be more to your liking, whereas the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a more subtle sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its noticeable tactile bump and the satisfying click that accompanies each keypress, providing a rich tactile feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate for both gaming and typing. This switch engages typists with a vibrant response that can enhance the sense of involvement while typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a smooth linear feel with a low actuation force of just 43g, allowing for fluid key presses without the tactile resistance found in clicky switches. Its design aims to minimize finger fatigue while ensuring rapid, consistent keystrokes, which is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a more minimalist touch experience.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both cater to very different typing preferences. The Gold’s clicky, tactile nature provides a classic mechanical keyboard sensation that thrives on auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes a quiet and smooth experience, appealing to those in need of a serene workspace. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you desire the vibrant clicks of the Gold or the discreet softness of the Silent Sakura, ensuring a personalized typing experience that suits your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should align with your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy tactile feedback and are looking for a more pronounced auditory experience, the Outemu Gold may be the better option for you, as its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced typing experience that some find satisfying. However, if you prioritize a quieter environment, especially in shared spaces, and prefer a lighter touch with an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43 grams, the Silent Sakura switches cater perfectly to your needs. These linear switches offer a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions where concentration is key. In the end, the choice is yours: lean towards the enjoyable clicky feedback of the Gold for a lively interaction or embrace the tranquility of the Silent Sakura for a serene typing atmosphere.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more