Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Milk Blue switch stands out with its satisfying clicky feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy auditory confirmation with each keystroke, adding an engaging tactile experience ideal for both gaming and writing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a serene typing experience, featuring an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43 grams, which caters to light typists and those in shared workspaces who desire a quieter environment. While the Milk Blue switch offers a louder, more enthusiastic response that many keyboard enthusiasts love, the Silent Sakura facilitates focused work by mimicking the gentle sound of rain, allowing for distraction-free typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, a notable contrast arises in their choice of top housing. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is engineered to produce a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to polycarbonate’s stiffness. This material allows for a clear and resonant quality that enhances the auditory feedback of key presses, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups where visual effects can be complemented by sound. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a softer material, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller yet more rounded auditory experience. This difference in top housing material suggests that users of each switch will perceive distinct characteristics during typing, with the Milk Blue leaning towards brighter tones, while the Silent Sakura presents a more muted soundscape.
The bottom housings of both switches mirror the contrasts found in their top counterparts, contributing further to the overall sound profiles of the respective switches. The Milk Blue incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which brings the full-bodied sound quality expected from softer plastics. This allows for a comfortable typing experience that dampens the noise of bottoming out, effectively minimizing auditory distractions. Conversely, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which tends to elevate the sound sharpness, making the bottom-out experience more pronounced and crisp. These differences in bottom housing materials reinforce the uniqueness of each switch, allowing users to select based on their preference for a more serene typing experience with the Milk Blue or a potentially louder and more resonant experience with the Silent Sakura.
Despite the differences in material characteristics between the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience by leveraging the specific qualities of each housing. For instance, even though the Milk Blue combines a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom for a sharp and rounded sound, the sound dynamics may blend harmoniously to create a unique auditory feedback that many users appreciate. Similarly, the Silent Sakura, with its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, balances the deeper tones from the top with the crisper sounds at the bottom, delivering a versatile and engaging sound experience. Ultimately, while users may favor different switches based on their sound preferences and aesthetic choices, both sets of materials allow for customizable auditory experiences that can satisfy varying typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a distinct difference in actuation force. The Milk Blue switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which is on the heavier side, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate. However, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, the bottom out force for the Outemu Milk Blue is unknown. This uncertainty prevents a direct comparison in terms of bottoming out. Overall, those who favor lighter switches for prolonged use may find the Silent Sakura more suitable, while those desiring a firmer push may opt for the Milk Blue.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer an equal amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of the keystroke depth and feedback when typing or gaming with either switch. Despite their differing characteristics—one being clicky and the other linear—both switches provide the same travel distance, contributing to a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its distinctive and prominent click sound, creating an audible feedback that typists often enjoy for its satisfying acoustic response. This clicky sound can be quite pronounced, adding to the overall typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate the nostalgic feel of traditional typewriters. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch excels in delivering a nearly silent operation, reminiscent of soft raindrops tapping against a window. This creates an atmosphere where the sound of your typing is minimized, making it ideal for quieter environments or shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. The sound produced by each switch will also depend on the choice of keyboard, switchplate, and keycap materials, which can enhance or dampen their inherent qualities.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch offers a tactile experience characterized by its noticeable bump followed by a clear click, making it engaging for those who prefer a more interactive typing experience. This tactile feedback not only allows typists to feel when a key has been actuated but also contributes to a more active typing rhythm. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps or clicks. The ultra-light 43g bottom-out force results in a very fluid typing sensation, which can be particularly suitable for light typists or those who favor a more effortless keypress experience.
In summary, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offers a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it enjoyable for users who thrive on audio and tactile stimulation while typing, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch prioritizes a whisper-quiet and smooth keypress, catering to those who need a more serene typing environment. Depending on your typing style and preferences, both switches present unique qualities—whether you seek auditory satisfaction or a stealthy, fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenario. If you’re someone who enjoys a tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Milk Blue is your best friend, especially if you appreciate the satisfying click sound that enhances your typing experience. This can be particularly enjoyable for those who find joy in the audible cues that each keystroke provides, making it ideal for gaming or typing in a setting where feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you value a quieter environment or work in shared spaces where noise can be disruptive, the Silent Sakura’s ultra-light and whisper-quiet nature would serve you better. With its 43g bottom-out force, this switch is perfect for light typists seeking a smooth and serene feel that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In a nutshell, choose the Milk Blue if you crave that engaging clicky experience, whereas the Silent Sakura is your go-to for a stealthy and gentle touch.
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