Outemu Red vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options among enthusiasts are the Outemu Red and Huano Sakura switches, both of which offer a linear feel that can enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Red, known for its smooth keystrokes and reliable performance, caters to gamers and typists alike looking for a straightforward, uninterrupted typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch stands out with its feather-light actuation force and medium acoustics, making it particularly appealing for those who engage in extended typing sessions without the discomfort of heavier switches. While both options provide the linear characteristics that many users appreciate, their unique attributes can influence your decision based on your specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the Huano Sakura switches, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in their top housing composition. The Red utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency and clarity are beneficial, particularly for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Sakura employs POK, or polyketone, which may be a softer alternative with unique properties such as a greater coefficient of friction that enhances smoothness. Despite their differences, both materials serve to create distinct auditory profiles, with the polycarbonate leaning towards brightness and clarity, while the POK provides a balance of smoothness and durability.

On the other hand, both the Outemu Red and Huano Sakura share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This classic material is distinguished by its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to its softer composition that dampens sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will exhibit a similarly rounded bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall tactile experience. The fact that both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing means that users can expect a consistent auditory performance in this regard, contributing to a cohesive sound experience across both models.

The impact of these housing materials is evident in how each switch performs when pressed. The stiffer polycarbonate top on the Outemu Red enhances the sound when released, leading to a bright and assertive acoustic experience, while the POK material of the Sakura provides a more muted release sound with increased smoothness. Meanwhile, both nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper feel upon bottoming out, underscoring the similarities in their performance despite the differences in top housing materials. Ultimately, the distinct attributes of each switch are a result of their unique combinations of materials, with each contributing its own influence, allowing users to select a switch that aligns more closely with their preferred typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers using the Sakura switch can expect a softer touch, making it a better option for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. Meanwhile, the heavier feel of the Outemu Red might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the Outemu Red is the heavier option, while the Huano Sakura offers a lighter touch, catering to different user preferences in keyboard feel and responsiveness.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Outemu Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Outemu Red the longer switch, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sakura switch at 3.6 mm caters to those who favor quicker key presses and faster response times, which is often desirable for gamers. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Sakura could be the more suitable choice, whereas the Outemu Red may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is typically known for being quite subtle and quiet during operation, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in shared or office environments. The Huano Sakura, on the other hand, features medium acoustics that produce a slightly more audible sound without being overly loud. This quality strikes a balance, allowing for a satisfying noise that can enhance your typing experience while still remaining considerate of your surroundings. Ultimately, while both switches are generally on the quieter side, the Sakura provides a bit more auditory feedback compared to the Outemu Red.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red switches are celebrated for their smooth, linear action, providing an uninterrupted and seamless keystroke without any tactile bump or resistance. This quality caters well to users who value fast and fluid typability, making them great for gaming or rapid typing. The Huano Sakura switches, on the other hand, offer a feather-light touch, which makes them exceptionally easy to press, yet they still provide a solid, linear feel without the tactile bump. This combination makes them ideal for long typing sessions, as users can enjoy a more relaxed experience without compromising on responsiveness. Both switches aim for a smooth keystroke, but the Sakura’s lighter actuation force offers a different typing experience that some may find more comfortable over extended periods.

Considering the overall attributes of both switches, the Outemu Red and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different typing preferences that can significantly influence the tactile experience. The Outemu Red is ideal for users who appreciate an exceedingly quiet switch with a straightforward linear feel, perfect for distractions-free environments. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a slightly more engaging auditory element alongside its feather-light touch, promoting lengthy typing engagements without fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between them would depend on whether one prioritizes absolute silence or a touch of acoustic presence in their keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a firmer typing experience, the Outemu Red would be a suitable option, providing a balanced feel that might be ideal for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing or gaming. However, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a feather-light touch and is more forgiving on the fingers, especially for extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch will likely be more comfortable. With a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Sakura excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it perfect for fast typists or those who type for long periods without tiring. Additionally, consider the sound profile; while the specifics are not detailed, the Sakura is known for its medium acoustics, which can create a pleasant typing environment. Thus, ultimately, you should weigh how much resistance you desire with the switch, how long you plan to type, and whether sound is a factor in your choice to determine which switch will best suit your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more