Outemu Purple vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and needs among typists. The Outemu Purple switch, known for its tactile feedback, provides users with a satisfying bump at the actuation point, which can enhance the typing experience by offering physical confirmation when a key is pressed. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more traditional feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who prioritize a quiet environment, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom out force that allows for a smooth, linear keystroke without the noise often associated with mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for light typists or anyone working in a shared space or conducive environment, where sound can be a distraction. While both switches have their advantages, they cater to different typists—those who appreciate tactile feedback versus those who value quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Purple Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

Comparing the Outemu Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches reveals notable distinctions in their housing materials, which play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper, more rounded auditory experience, attributable to nylon's softer material properties. Thus, while the Purple's design favors a more vibrant and resonant sound, the Silent Sakura leans towards a more muted and subdued acoustic profile, creating a differentiated user experience.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a reversal in material choices between the two switches. The Outemu Purple uses a nylon bottom housing, which again emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, complementing its top housing's sharper characteristics. This dual use of nylon enhances the key's bottom-out feel, grounding the overall sound profile in a more robust auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, bringing its higher-pitched and clearer sound attributes down to the foundational layer of the switch. Therefore, the contrasting materials for each switch's bottom housing means that while both switches operate on the principles of sound absorption and resonance, they achieve their respective sound profiles using fundamentally different approaches.

When considering how these variances affect typing experiences, it's essential to note that the combination of materials in each switch influences both the auditory and tactile feedback users receive. Since the top housing primarily impacts the sound upon release, the Outemu Purple offers a sharp, lively release sound paired neatly with a fuller bottom sound provided by the nylon bottom. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s nylon top offers a softer sound experience that is rounded out by the crispness of the polycarbonate bottom. Ultimately, while each switch relies on its respective materials to deliver unique tactile and sonic qualities, users can expect that the quality and character of the bottom-out sound and feel will resonate distinctly depending on the housing choices, resulting in varied yet satisfying auditory experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see notable differences. The Outemu Purple switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier feel that some typists may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which may be ideal for those seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out force for the Outemu Purple is unknown, while the Silent Sakura's bottom-out force is 43 grams, marking it as a lighter option overall. Therefore, if you value a lighter switch for long-term use, the HMX Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while the Outemu Purple caters to users who prefer the tactile feedback and solid push of a heavier switch.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience an identical travel distance from top to bottom. Consequently, when it comes to typing or gaming performance, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel feel and responsiveness with both switches. Since both have the same travel distance, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple switches have a distinct auditory profile that can vary widely depending on the keyboard they are used with and the type of keycaps applied. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is noted for its extremely quiet operation, producing a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura a great choice for those who prefer a typing experience that doesn’t disrupt others, while the Purple may provide a more traditional, potentially louder feedback that might resonate differently in various setups.

Regarding tactile feel, the Outemu Purple switches are known for their tactile bump, delivering a noticeable actuation point that can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate feedback during their key presses. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, on the other hand, focuses on a linear feel, characterized by a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that can be appealing for typists who desire a fluid typing motion without any tactile resistance. This difference in feel highlights a preference variance, as Purple might suit those who enjoy a tactile response, while the Silent Sakura caters to users who prefer a more seamless operation.

In conclusion, while both switches present unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Outemu Purple offers a more tactile experience with potentially louder sound, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience. When choosing between them, consider your priorities—whether you value tactile feedback or a serene, linear typing environment, as both switches will ultimately give you a satisfying experience tailored to your personal needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a bit of resistance and don’t mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Purple could be a fitting choice. They are often favored by users who appreciate the mechanical feel and want to experience that tactile bump while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for you. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force and sound-dampening design, it excels in providing a serene, distraction-free atmosphere, making it ideal for office environments or late-night typists who don't want to disturb others. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth, quiet experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more