Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Milk Blue is renowned for its clicky feedback, providing an auditory and tactile response that many typists find satisfying and enjoyable, particularly when typing long documents or engaging in fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is meticulously engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. With its balanced 53g bottom-out force, it suits typists who prefer a smooth and silent keystroke during late-night sessions or in shared workspaces. While the Milk Blue excels in delivering a pronounced tactile feel and sound, the Silent Sakura prioritizes noise reduction without sacrificing the overall typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 - 53g, one can observe distinct differences that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. This material's clarity and resonance make it ideal for highlighting RGB lighting effects, giving it a visually appealing quality alongside its acoustic properties. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic provides a duller and rounder auditory experience, presenting a more subdued yet pleasant typing sound compared to the Milk Blue.
Examining the bottom housing, the Milk Blue incorporates a nylon bottom, which echoes the qualities associated with its top housing counterpart. This nylon bottom further contributes to the overall sound profile by enhancing the depth and warmth of the key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in crisper and clearer sound characteristics. The combination of a polycarbonate bottom with a nylon top in the Silent Sakura creates a unique sound profile that balances both clarity and warmth, distinguishing it from the Milk Blue's louder and more defined acoustics.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials means that each switch delivers a unique typing experience, influenced by the specific sound and feel of their materials. For instance, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top emphasizes the sharper sound when releasing the key, while the rounded bottom mitigates harshness during typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g, through its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, offers a well-rounded typing experience that retains a touch of clarity with a deeper resonance. While both can deliver satisfying results, users will have a preference based on their desired auditory experience—whether they appreciate sharper sounds or a fuller, softer profile in their tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces, catering to diverse user preferences. The Milk Blue switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it the easier switch to press. However, the bottom-out force of the Milk Blue is unknown, whereas the Silent Sakura has a defined bottom-out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer response when fully pressed down. Users who favor a lighter switch may find the Silent Sakura more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback might lean towards the heavier feel associated with the Milk Blue's actuation albeit the bottoming out force remains unverified. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura would be the recommended choice, while the uncertainty surrounding the Milk Blue’s bottom-out force suggests it might not provide the same level of consistency for those desiring a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users pressing either switch will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance indicates that both switches will provide a comparable tactile experience, with no significant difference in how far a key must be pressed down. Therefore, whether one prefers the auditory feedback of the clicky switch or the silent performance of the linear switch, the travel distance will remain consistent, allowing for similar results in typing or gaming scenarios.
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 - 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 Milk Blue clicky switch is characterized by its distinct click that offers a noticeable auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound is often enjoyed by typists who appreciate the tactile confirmation that comes from a pronounced click. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed for a virtually silent experience, providing a whisper-quiet typing sensation compared to the audible feedback of the Milk Blue. The gentle sound profile of the Silent Sakura evokes the soft patter of rain, making it an ideal choice for those who work in quiet environments or prefer a more discreet typing experience. However, it's important to note that sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and overall build quality, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch is known for its tactile bump, giving users a clear indication of actuation. This tactile feedback can create a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the sensation of feeling their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch presents a smoother feel without any tactile bump. This creates a seamless keystroke, allowing for rapid typing and a more fluid motion, which is usually preferred by typists who favor a lighter touch and a clean linear action. The 53g bottom-out force strikes a balance between giving enough resistance for deliberate strikes while remaining gentle enough for extended typing sessions.
In summary, the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to very different preferences in both sound and feel. The Milk Blue excels in providing a tactile and audible experience, appealing to those who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a smooth and silent typing experience, making it ideal for users seeking a quieter setup. Personal preferences on sound and feel will ultimately dictate which switch is suited to the individual typist.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile feedback along with a pronounced click sound while typing, the Milk Blue is an excellent fit. This switch is ideal for typists who revel in an audible and tactile response, making every keystroke feel satisfying—perfect for coding or writing where you love that distinct feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing key feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well. Its balanced 53g bottom out force ensures a smooth and gentle keystroke that’s less likely to disturb those around you, making it perfect for office settings or shared environments. In essence, choose the Milk Blue if you prioritize sound and tactile engagement, and opt for the Silent Sakura if a serene typing experience is more important to you.
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