Outemu Purple vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, appealing to typists who appreciate feedback while typing, making it ideal for writing and coding tasks. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is a linear switch designed for a quiet and smooth keystroke, perfect for users in shared spaces or those who prioritize a serene typing environment. The Silent Sakura’s 53g actuation force strikes a balance between being light yet satisfying, ensuring comfort during extended use. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Purple catering to tactile feedback enthusiasts and the Silent Sakura offering a more subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
The Outemu Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a crisp auditory response when typing. Its translucency also makes it advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing light to shine through for aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb more sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that can create a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Outemu Purple employs nylon, which contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This softer material absorbs sound effectively, blunting the higher pitches and creating a snug feel as the switch bottoms out. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the strengths of its polycarbonate top counterpart. This aspect can lead to a sharper, crisper response during the bottom-out phase, underscoring the more resonant qualities typical of polycarbonate construction. As a result, when considering the entire switch, users can expect to experience a combination of characteristics: the Outemu Purple provides a brighter and more pronounced sound, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a more balanced and subdued auditory profile.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Purple and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches feature contrasting materials in their housings, they will still exhibit unique attributes during operation due to the interaction between the differing materials. Pressing the switches will bring forth the nuances dictated by the bottom housing: the softer nylon in the Purple will yield a satisfying, rounded feel at bottom-out, while the polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura will uphold a sharper response. When actuated, the unique sound profiles fostered by their respective top housings will shine, but the differences in acoustic properties mean users may experience entirely different soundscapes based on housing materials alone. Moreover, both switches fulfill different user preferences in terms of tactile and auditory feedback, illustrating how the combination of materials ultimately leads to diverse yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making the Silent Sakura the lighter of the two switches. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unspecified, but the Silent Sakura has a clear bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. As a result, users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Silent Sakura, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Outemu Purple, assuming its bottom out force is similar or higher. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura provides a lighter actuation force and a defined bottom out threshold compared to the Outemu Purple.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that both switches require an equal amount of distance to be pressed down from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will experience comparable keypress depths when using either switch, resulting in a consistent feel during typing or gaming tasks. Since both have the same measurement, it can be said that those who prefer one over the other will not notice a difference in how far they need to press down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Purple switch is notably distinct in sound, providing an audible bump that contributes to a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. While specifics about the sound profile of the Purple aren't detailed here, it is generally expected to deliver a more pronounced acoustic feedback compared to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Silent Sakura switches excel in this department, engineering a near-silent operation that resembles the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops. This makes them an excellent choice for environments requiring minimal noise, such as shared workspaces or quiet homes.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple switch offers a tactile feedback that can be satisfying for those who appreciate a noticeable bump during each keystroke. This tactile nature enhances typing accuracy by providing a clear indication of actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a linear feel, allowing for smooth keystrokes without any tactile resistance. This can cater to those who prefer a seamless typing experience, combining a light actuation force with a fluid motion, ideal for fast typists or gamers.
In summary, the Outemu Purple switch is characterized by its tactile feedback and robust sound, making it suitable for users who appreciate tangible responsiveness, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for whisper-quiet operation and a smooth typing experience, making it a solid choice for noise-sensitive environments. Each switch offers a unique set of qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on whether they prioritize sound and tactile feedback or silent, linear performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. The Outemu Purple might suit you if you enjoy a tactile feedback experience and love the sensation of feeling the point of actuation without the concern of loud keystrokes, making it a great fit for casual typing and gaming sessions. However, if you find yourself in quieter environments, such as an office or shared workspace, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be the better option. With its whisper-quiet operation and medium-light 53g bottom out force, you can enjoy a smooth and satisfying keystroke while minimizing disturbances to those around you. In essence, choose the Outemu Purple if you value tactile feedback and don’t mind a bit of noise, but opt for the Silent Sakura - 53g if you prioritize silence and prefer a subtle, linear feel in your keystrokes.
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