Outemu Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stand out as two excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Outemu Red, while relatively straightforward in its offerings, is known for providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, appealing primarily to gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted flow. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g shines with its unique focus on a whisper-quiet performance, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a peaceful and unobtrusive typing atmosphere. The ultra-light 43g bottom-out force allows for easy key presses, ideal for light typists or anyone working in quieter environments. While both switches offer the benefits typical of linear switches—such as silent operation and a smooth keypress—each brings its own distinct characteristics to the table. 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
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g feature contrasting materials in their top housings, which significantly affects their audio profiles. The Outemu Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it a prime choice for users looking to complement RGB lighting effects with its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a duller and rounder audio character. Thus, while the Outemu Red targets a more bright and crisp auditory experience, the Silent Sakura emphasizes warmth and richness.
Turning to the bottom housing materials, the Outemu Red features a nylon bottom housing that echoes the characteristics of its top housing counterpart, providing a deeper sound profile that combines softness and resonance. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura’s bottom housing is crafted from polycarbonate, allowing for a crisper sound that is richer in clarity than the nylon version. The implications of these different materials for the bottom housing facets are notable; while the Outemu Red maintains a consistent sound signature across both housings, the Silent Sakura’s dual-material approach contributes to a more dynamic auditory experience. Consequently, users of the Silent Sakura will notice the sharper sound when bottoming out due to the polycarbonate material, while they experience the roundness and depth as they release the key.
Ultimately, these differences in housing materials inform the overall tactile and auditory performance of both switches. When comparing their effects, we can see how the Outemu Red's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a distinct sound profile, geared towards clarity and vibrancy. Conversely, the Silent Sakura’s unique blend of nylon and polycarbonate lends itself to a multifaceted sound experience, where each material plays a role in shaping the auditory feedback during both key presses and releases. If similar levels of sound resonance are desired, switching techniques or dampening materials can be employed to mitigate the inherent differences, allowing users to curate their typing experiences according to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red has a higher actuation force of 46 grams, resulting in a firmer keystroke feel, while the HMX Silent Sakura is lighter at just 37 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Red again exhibits a higher value at 62 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 43 grams. This means that while the Outemu Red provides a more substantial typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a lighter touch, which could be preferable for users who favor a softer keystroke. Overall, if you're looking for a heavier switch that offers more resistance and a pronounced tactile experience, the Outemu Red would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer lighter switches for easier pressing.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they experience the same key press depth when activated. This equivalency in travel distance ensures that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience when using either switch. As both switches share this measurement, they allow for comparable results in terms of actuation feel and responsiveness, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a linear switch design.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red 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
The Outemu Red linear switch produces a sound profile that is generally more noticeable than its Silent Sakura counterpart, as it lacks any significant sound dampening features. This results in a distinct and clear keystroke noise, which can contribute to a more mechanical typing experience but may not be ideal for peace-seeking typists or those in shared environments. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is specifically designed for a whisper-quiet operation that resembles the soft sound of raindrops against a window, creating a serene typing atmosphere. This reduced sound signature makes the Silent Sakura a strong choice for users who prefer to type in quiet settings without disturbing others around them.
When considering the feel of both switches, the Outemu Red linear switch is often characterized by a smooth and consistent actuation without any tactile feedback or click, making it appealing to gamers and fast typists who benefit from unimpeded key travel. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch features an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, which caters to typists who appreciate a softer touch and less strain on their fingers. The lighter feel of the Silent Sakura switch enhances its suitability for extensive typing sessions, as it promotes a more effortless keypress while maintaining the linear nature preferred by those who dislike tactile interruptions.
In summary, the Outemu Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches each provide unique qualities tailored to different user preferences. The Red offers a more audible typing experience with its traditional linear feel, while the Silent Sakura excels in delivering a quieter, feather-light typing sensation that is perfect for light typists. Users seeking a blend of both characteristics will still have to lean toward one based on their specific needs, but each may serve a distinct demographic well.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a medium actuation force and don’t mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Red might be your best bet, especially if you enjoy a more traditional mechanical typing feel that provides satisfying feedback. However, if you work in a shared space or prefer a quieter experience while typing, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch stands out as an excellent choice. Its ultra-light 43g actuation force not only results in a serene typing experience with less noise but also caters perfectly to light typists who seek a comfortable, gentle touch. Ultimately, consider your specific needs and preferences: go for the Outemu Red when you're looking for a balanced feel in a noisier environment, and choose the Silent Sakura for a soft, peaceful typing experience that won't disturb those around you.
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