Outemu Silent Green vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both provide a smooth typing experience, yet they cater to different user preferences and typing styles. The Silent Green, a linear switch, offers a straightforward keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional typing feel without distractions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who thrive on a gentle and whisper-quiet experience, thanks to its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force. This makes the Silent Sakura particularly suited for users who appreciate a soft and subtle touch during their typing sessions, perfect for creating a serene work environment. Both switches promise silent operation, making them ideal for shared spaces, but they differ in their actuation force and overall feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches display distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, fundamentally shaping the sound profiles experienced while typing. The Silent Green employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition. As a result, this material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback during use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This results in a deeper, fuller, and rounder sound profile, catering to users seeking a more muted auditory experience. Thus, users can expect a very different tactile and acoustic sensation from these two switches due to the qualities of their top housings.
Both switches, however, share a polycarbonate material for their bottom housings, ensuring a commonality in sound and feel when the switch is bottomed out. The polycarbonate composition of the Silent Green's bottom housing ensures the same sharp and resonant sound profile that characterizes its top half, adding to the overall clarity and impact felt when typing. The Silent Sakura - 43g, despite its nylon top housing, benefits from the same polycarbonate bottom housing; thus, it also retains that characteristic crispness in sound when pressed down fully. This synergy between the top and bottom housings creates an interesting dynamic, where users will experience differing auditory outputs upon key release versus key press.
When typing, the interplay between the different materials in both switches cannot be overlooked. Though the Silent Green delivers a cohesive sharp sound experience throughout, notably with its matching polycarbonate materials, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides a unique contrast between the deeper noise elicited from the nylon top housing and the sharper sound from its polycarbonate bottom. The combination of these materials influences the perceived typing experience, as users will feel the rounder impact of the nylon when pressing down but will be met with a clearer sound upon releasing the key due to the polycarbonate bottom. In essence, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to varied preferences, making them appealing to different types of users depending on their desired acoustics and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Green features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter touch, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Silent Green is the heavier option. Both switches, however, provide a silent experience, appealing to users who value a quieter typing sound. If users prioritize a more tactile, substantial feeling while typing, the heavier Silent Green is preferable; however, for those who favor a light and effortless typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g would be the ideal choice.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience a consistent distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity indicates that users can expect a comparable feel and response when using either switch, resulting in a uniform typing experience that emphasizes smooth key presses without tactile feedback or audible clicks. Thus, for those seeking a silent linear switch, both options provide identical travel length, ensuring that switching between them will not lead to any noticeable difference in performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 - 43g for $2.99.
The Outemu Silent Green 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 Silent Green linear switch is generally quieter than traditional linear switches, which is a notable quality for users seeking a less disruptive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is specifically designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, likened to the gentle sound of raindrops against a window. Both switches prioritize minimizing noise, though the Sakura switches offer a clearer emphasis on creating a serene environment, making them ideal for settings where silence is paramount. Ultimately, users can expect a subdued sound profile with either option, though the Silent Sakura may edge out slightly in terms of sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have specified characteristics, leaving its tactile response somewhat ambiguous for newcomers. The HMX Silent Sakura switch, however, boasts an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it particularly friendly for typists who prefer a lighter touch. This lighter feel allows for quicker actuation and is likely to suit those who type rapidly or have a gentler typing style. While the exact feel of the Silent Green remains unknown, it is likely that the two switches cater to different preferences based on actuating force and response.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Green and HMX Silent Sakura switches offer a quieter typing experience, the Sakura switch stands out for its specific engineering aimed at minimizing sound to a whisper. In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura’s lighter actuation force makes it a favorable choice for those who prefer a softer touch. The Silent Green's characteristics are less defined, leaving potential buyers to explore their options. Ultimately, both switches provide a solid choice for anyone looking to reduce noise while typing; however, for the quietest experience and lightweight feel, the Silent Sakura may be the superior pick.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Outemu Silent Green linear switches and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches ultimately depends on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a more substantial feel and are comfortable with a moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Green may suit you better, especially if you're looking for a tactile experience during typing or gaming. This switch can provide a satisfying resistance that some users find allows for more accurate keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're a light typist or someone who values a quieter and more serene environment—whether you're working in a shared space or just prefer a more subdued typing experience—the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light 43-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who type lightly and want to minimize finger fatigue, while still enjoying a pleasurable typing experience. In summary, consider the Silent Green for a firmer yet quiet experience, and opt for the Silent Sakura for a soft, whisper-quiet feel that enhances your quiet typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
