Outemu Silent Grey vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Huano Sakura each present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying keystroke with a pronounced bump, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more engaging, yet quiet, typing experience. This can be particularly beneficial in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions when noise is a consideration. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is a linear switch that offers a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it perfect for long typing sessions where uninterrupted smoothness and speed are paramount. Its lack of tactile feedback can appeal to individuals who prefer a streamlined keypress without any bumps, allowing for quick, fluid key actions. Each switch has its advantages depending on your typing style and environment; 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
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Huano Sakura switches, we find both similarities and differences that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which enhances the sound clarity, resulting in a sharper and more resonant auditory feedback. This is a direct effect of polycarbonate’s rigid structure that promotes a crisper sound. In contrast, the Sakura incorporates a top housing made from POK (polyketone), known for its smoothness and durability. While the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Grey is optimal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, POK is appreciated for its high coefficient of friction and impressive wear resistance, which lend themselves to a more durable and smooth typing experience. Thus, while both switches use high-quality materials, the auditory characteristics differ significantly due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate versus POK.
Both the Silent Grey and Sakura feature nylon bottom housings, and this is where they share a commonality. Nylon is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics. This quality influences the overall experience when typing on these switches, resulting in a rounder sound that many users find appealing. Given that both switches incorporate nylon at the bottom, users can expect similar acoustic properties when it comes to the bottom-out sound produced during typing, reinforcing the idea that the bottom housing plays a critical role in the overall auditory experience.
Combining the distinct characteristics of the top housings with the shared properties of the bottom housings allows for a varied yet balanced typing experience. While the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top contributes to its unique auditory profile with crisp highs, the Sakura's POK material, on the other hand, offers smoothness that enhances the tactile feedback. Ultimately, the collaborative effect of these materials creates a nuanced typing dynamic, where users can anticipate a robust sound and feel from the nylon bottom regardless of the top housing choice. Therefore, while the switches present different auditory and tactile experiences from their top housings, the nylon base ensures that both provide a stoic response to users’ keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Huano Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it significantly easier to press. This means that those who favor a lighter switch might prefer the Sakura for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force and can reduce fatigue. On the other hand, those who appreciate a heavier feel and a more substantial typing experience will likely gravitate toward the Silent Grey, which provides more tactile resistance during use. Overall, users seeking a lighter force for extended comfort should choose the Sakura, whereas those who prefer firmness in their keystrokes should opt for the Silent Grey.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Huano Sakura linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that users of the Silent Grey will experience a more pronounced key press depth, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a quicker, more responsive action, appealing particularly to gamers seeking faster response times. For individuals who find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, the Silent Grey provides a gentler and more deliberate keystroke. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Sakura is the better choice, while those who prefer a hearty depth should opt for the Silent Grey.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Huano Sakura 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch delivers a notably quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is key. The pronounced bump in the switch contributes to the tactile feedback without adding significant sound, allowing for discreet typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a medium acoustic profile, providing a bit more auditory feedback while remaining relatively subdued compared to clicky alternatives. The sound from the Sakura is light enough to be used in quiet settings, but it may be slightly more noticeable than the Silent Grey.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey is recognized for its pronounced tactile bump paired with a smooth keystroke, offering satisfaction with each press. This tactile response makes it popular among those who appreciate feedback while typing, contributing to a more engaging experience. In contrast, the Sakura features a feather-light touch, making it easier to actuate with minimal effort. This characteristic is ideal for extensive typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue while still providing a consistent linear feel throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Grey and the Huano Sakura switches cater to different preferences, particularly when it comes to noise and typing feel. The Silent Grey prioritizes quietness with a tactile response that satisfies typists who enjoy that pronounced bump, while the Sakura focuses on a light touch and medium sound level, which is suitable for long-term use. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on the type of typing experience you seek—whether it's the enjoyable tactility and reduced sound of the Silent Grey or the ease of use and moderate acoustics of the Sakura.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels in relation to your typing habits. If you’re looking for a quiet yet pronounced tactile experience, the Silent Grey might be the better choice for you, especially in environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With its medium-heavy force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying, firm feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience or who require the reassurance of tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for quicker key presses and less fatigue during long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch, with its light 45-gram actuation force, would suit you well. Its smooth keystroke and medium acoustics make it perfect for professionals who prioritize speed and efficiency without needing a tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards a muted, tactile sensation or a soft, linear feel that promotes continuous, fluid motion in your typing endeavors.
Mentioned in this article
