Outemu Green vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Outemu Green switch is notable for its clicky feedback, providing a tactile sensation that many typists enjoy, as it can enhance both precision and satisfaction while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. With a balanced 53g actuation force, the Silent Sakura offers a smooth, linear keystroke that many find comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Outemu Green may appeal to those who savor the audible confirmation of each keystroke, the Silent Sakura caters to users who prioritize tranquility without sacrificing the richness of their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and overall user experience. In the case of the Outemu Green, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the sound clarity, leading to a sharper and more resonant auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its crisp sound signature, making each keystroke pronounced and lively. This material is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted but rich acoustic experience.
When comparing the bottom housings, the materials take a notable turn. The Outemu Green employs nylon for its bottom housing, which similarly delivers a fuller sound profile, absorbing some of the auditory output to create a softer keystroke experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g integrates polycarbonate into its bottom housing, echoing the crisp and resonant qualities exhibited in its top housing. This juxtaposition means that, while the Outemu Green leans towards a sound that is fuller and more rounded due to its nylon construction, the HMX Silent Sakura produces a sharper sound upon bottoming out thanks to its use of polycarbonate. Thus, the bottoming out of the Green will feel softer and more subdued, whereas the Sakura will present a more clear and aggressive sound.
Ultimately, both switches deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences dictated by their housing material compositions. For users seeking variation in sound profiles, the Outemu Green combines the deep resonance of nylon in its bottom with the high pitch of polycarbonate at the top, resulting in an enriched sonic variety. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a different balance, with sharper sounds in both top and bottom housings thanks to the dual polycarbonate design. For users who prefer either nylon or polycarbonate, both switches offer compelling options that cater to individual preferences while demonstrating how different materials can influence the quality and character of a key switch's performance. In conclusion, if sound is paramount for the user, they will find satisfaction in the contrasting characteristics of both switches, achieving similar results in terms of sound depth and clarity based on the unique interplay of their chosen materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Outemu Green switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom-out force of 80 grams, making it a stronger option that provides a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch features a much lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light choice. This means that the Silent Sakura is ideal for users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, while the Outemu Green caters to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, while the Outemu Green offers a heftier push, the Silent Sakura allows for easier keystrokes, making both suitable for different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch are both 4 mm, indicating that they have identical travel durations when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable tactile response when typing or gaming with either switch, providing a consistent experience in terms of how far the key needs to be pressed down to register a keystroke. As a result, anyone choosing between these two options can feel confident in knowing that their keyboard's responsiveness will be the same in terms of travel distance.
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 - 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Green clicky switch is designed to provide a pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, creating a distinct click that many typists and gamers find rewarding. This characteristic makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for a quiet operation, offering a whisper-soft typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This contrast means that while the Outemu Green delivers an engaging sound profile, the Silent Sakura emphasizes discretion and minimizes noise, making it suitable for shared workspaces or quiet environments.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Outemu Green features a tactile bump accompanied by the click sound, which provides clear feedback during typing and can enhance the typing rhythm for some users. In comparison, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch delivers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, catering to those who prefer a seamless typing experience. The different tactile responses mean that typists seeking a more mechanical and responsive typing sensation may gravitate towards the Green, while those desiring a fluid and uninterrupted keypress will likely favor the Silent Sakura.
In summary, the Outemu Green clicky switch offers a loud auditory feedback accompanied by a tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy clear and pronounced keystrokes. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provides a quiet and smooth typing experience that minimizes disruption, perfect for users in noise-sensitive environments. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, weighing the importance of tactile feedback and sound against a desire for quiet and fluid typing.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy tactile feedback and appreciate the audible click of your keystrokes, the Outemu Green will likely suit you well, especially if you're drawn to a heavier actuation force of 80 grams that can provide a satisfying resistance during typing. This can be particularly appealing for those who want to feel more connected to the act of typing, making it a great option for typists or gamers who thrive on that tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subdued typing experience that minimizes noise—ideal for shared workspaces or late-night sessions—the HMX Silent Sakura's 53g bottom out force gives you a lighter touch that requires less effort to actuate while still delivering a satisfying response. The whisper-quiet operation further enhances its appeal for those who prioritize a peaceful work environment but still desire a pleasant keystroke feel. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value the engaging click of the Greens or the serene silence of the Sakura switches.