Outemu Green vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stand out as compelling options, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch, appealing to users who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible "click" that accompanies each keystroke, making it a favorite for those who value a more engaging typing experience, often preferred for typing-intensive tasks or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a smooth, linear experience, boasting an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, perfect for light typists seeking a serene and quiet environment without the distraction of mechanical noise; it offers an experience akin to gentle raindrops falling against a window. While both switches have their respective strengths, appealing either to the need for auditory feedback or a peaceful typing experience, understanding their nuances is key to making the right choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Outemu Green and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer structure. This material not only offers a clearer resonance but also enhances the visual aspect with its translucency, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy RGB lighting on their keyboards. In contrast, the Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon’s softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This fundamental difference in housing materials results in a contrasting auditory experience, with the Outemu Green leaning towards clarity and brightness, while the HMX Silent Sakura embraces a softer, more subdued tone.
When looking at the bottom housing of both switches, they flip their materials, further emphasizing their divergent sound qualities. The Outemu Green employs a nylon bottom housing, which reinforces its overall deeper and rounder sound quality. This choice aids in creating a softer bottom-out feel, enriching the user’s tactile experience when typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, introducing a crisper sound that complements the softened pitch of its nylon top. This combination produces a unique piano-like resonance upon key release but maintains a certain definition during actuation. The contrasting materials in both the top and bottom housings allow users to experience a blend of characteristics: where one favors clarity and frequency, the other balances it with depth and fullness.
Despite these differences, users can still achieve a satisfying keystroke experience regardless of their choice between these two switches. The distinct material properties of both switches suggest that even with contrasting sounds, they can produce pleasing auditory feedback when engaged correctly. Users who appreciate the clarity of the Outemu Green may still find enjoyment in the unique tonal qualities of the Silent Sakura, as both switches lend themselves to a distinctive typing rhythm. Ultimately, the interaction between top and bottom housings in both switches provides a comprehensive auditory experience, allowing users to choose their ideal tactile feedback while maintaining a level of customization through diverse sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, highlighting their suitability for different user preferences. The Outemu Green requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which appeals to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, while the Green is the heavier switch, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, catering to users who prefer less resistance. Those who enjoy a soft touch and a quieter operation will find the Silent Sakura more comfortable, whereas users looking for a firmer feel will likely lean towards the Outemu Green. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct preferences for keyboard feel and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same amount of physical travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will achieve comparable key actuation depths and tactile feedback when using these switches. Therefore, for those seeking a consistent feel in their typing experience, either switch will suffice, delivering the same travel distance sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Green comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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
The Outemu Green clicky switch is renowned for its pronounced auditory feedback, offering a distinct and sharp click sound that characterizes each keystroke. This sound significantly enhances the typing experience, providing satisfying auditory cues that many typists find rewarding. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is designed for a more subdued auditory experience, delivering a nearly silent typing performance, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura ideal for environments where minimal noise is paramount, such as shared workspaces or quiet homes.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Green provides a tactile bump paired with its clicky sound, contributing to a satisfying feedback loop for typists who appreciate the sensation of each key press. The tactile response is sharper, engaging the typist with every stroke. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light linear experience with a bottom-out force of only 43g. This means the switch is smooth and consistent without any tactile feedback like that of the Green, allowing for a fluid keystroke, which is particularly suited for light typists who value ease of use and a gentle touch while typing.
In summary, the Outemu Green clicky switch delivers an engaging clicking sound and tactile feedback that appeals to typists seeking a more traditional typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is perfect for those who prioritize a quiet, smooth action without the distraction of sound or tactility. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences—one thrives on engagement and feedback, while the other promotes a calm, unobtrusive typing atmosphere. Depending on your typing style and environment, both options have unique qualities that can cater to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile feedback sensation with an audible click that provides a satisfying typing experience, particularly for typing or gaming where you appreciate the sound and feel of each keystroke, the Outemu Green, with its heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams, may be the better choice for you. This switch is well-suited for those who have a more forceful typing style or who simply enjoy the robust feedback of a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter and more discreet typing experience—perhaps due to a shared workspace or a love for minimal sound—the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch would serve you well. Its ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43 grams makes it ideal for users who type gently or prefer less tactile resistance, allowing for a smoother, uninterrupted flow of typing without audible disruption. Therefore, consider your typing habits and environment carefully when making your choice, as each switch offers unique benefits tailored to different needs.
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