Outemu Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two intriguing options, both classified as linear switches known for their smooth and consistent keystrokes. The Outemu Red is designed for those who appreciate simplicity and speed in their typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid response times. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stands out for its remarkable ability to offer a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a balanced actuation force of 53g, it caters to typists who desire a soft yet fulfilling keystroke without the distraction of audible clicks. While both switches excel in providing a linear feel, their distinct characteristics—speed versus silence—will appeal to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, one can immediately observe a noteworthy difference in the materials used for their top housings. The Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This leads to a clear resonance that many users prefer, especially in setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual appeal. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a nylon top housing, which is traditionally associated with producing a deeper, fuller sound. This difference in material characteristics results in distinctive auditory experiences: while the Outemu Red delivers a vibrant sound on release, the Silent Sakura leans towards a more subdued and rounded auditory profile.

The bottom housings of these switches present another realm of contrast, further influencing the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and softer sound typically associated with nylon. This characteristic enhances the bottom-out experience, resulting in a sound that is less sharp and more muted, complementing the higher-pitched top housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which again emphasizes clarity and resonant sound signatures. The combination of these materials creates an interesting dynamic, as the sharper bottom sound of the Silent Sakura can juxtapose with the fuller top sound derived from its nylon counterpart.

Overall, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Outemu Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g illustrate how varying combinations can lead to diverse typing experiences. While the Outemu Red combines a sharper top with a fuller bottom, the Silent Sakura reverses this formula, resulting in a more rounded yet articulate sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate how the material selection for top and bottom housings can impact the sound and feel during key presses, resulting in unique yet complementary auditory experiences. Whether one prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the resonance of nylon, each switch has its redeeming qualities that can enhance the typing journey.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Red features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This makes the Silent Sakura lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, which could make it preferable for users looking for less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Outemu Red, with its higher bottom out force, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push during use. Overall, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Silent Sakura’s lighter forces may suit casual users better, while the Outemu Red may cater to those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience the same distance of key travel, resulting in a similar feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable performance in terms of key actuation and overall typing experience, making either switch a suitable choice based on personal preference for other characteristics, such as feel or sound profile.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is relatively quiet, operating without the pronounced audible click often found in tactile or clicky switches. It provides a smooth experience that allows for a more subdued typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, designed specifically to minimize noise while typing. With a sound profile likened to gentle raindrops, it excels in environments where discretion is key. Therefore, while both switches are more muted than others, the Silent Sakura is engineered for those who demand a near-silent operation.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Outemu Red linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke throughout its travel without any tactile bump or resistance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a light yet satisfying keystroke, with a bottom-out force of 53g that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness. While both switches utilize a linear design, the Silent Sakura's specifically engineered feel contributes to an experience that seeks to enhance the pleasure of typing while minimizing tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while both the Outemu Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer smooth operation suited for linear switch enthusiasts, their sound profiles and felt experiences set them apart. The Outemu Red is a quiet and straightforward option for those who prefer simplicity, whereas the Silent Sakura is ideal for users seeking an almost silent experience alongside a thoughtfully balanced keystroke. Ultimately, both switches will provide enjoyable and fluid typing experiences, with the choice depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, consider your specific needs regarding force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and enjoy a more conventional, straightforward linear feel, the Outemu Red is a solid choice. It's suitable for a variety of usage scenarios, particularly for gamers and typists who appreciate a firmer press. On the other hand, if you desire a quieter, more subdued typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g should be your go-to. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, it offers a satisfying keypress while minimizing noise—a great feature if you work in shared or quieter environments. The Silent Sakura is particularly ideal for those who type a lot or prefer a more delicate touch, reminiscent of gentle rain on a window. Overall, your ultimate decision should depend on whether you value a more tactile resistance or a lighter, quieter response; both switches have their unique advantages tailored to different preferences and settings.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more