Outemu Silent Grey vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of tactile versus linear options. The Outemu Silent Grey switch stands out with its highly tactile feedback and quiet operation, offering a pronounced bump that provides both satisfaction and discretion for users who enjoy a bit of resistance in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch presents a linear option characterized by its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, creating a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that is ideal for light typists seeking a serene and subtle typing environment. While the Silent Grey caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback in their motions, the Silent Sakura delivers a whisper-quiet experience that’s akin to gentle raindrops, making it particularly appealing for shared workspaces or quieter atmospheres. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g feature distinct housing materials that influence their sound profiles significantly. The Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances the clarity and brightness of the audio feedback when typing, providing an elevated auditory experience. Additionally, the material's translucency makes it well-suited for RGB lighting applications, resulting in an appealing aesthetic interplay between light and housing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon help dampen sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to the crispness of the Silent Grey.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, similarities and contrasts emerge that further shape their sound profiles. The Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing contributes to its overall depth of sound, leveraging the soft characteristics of the material to absorb vibrations. This means the sound produced during bottoming out is less sharp and more subdued. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is characterized by its polycarbonate bottom housing, which adds brightness and clarity to its auditory profile. The stiffer polycarbonate enhances the overall resonance of the switch, making the bottom-out feel and sound more pronounced and clear. This combination allows for a varied typing experience, as each switch's bottom housing either complements or contrasts the sonority produced by its respective top housing.
In essence, while the Silent Grey and Silent Sakura - 43g utilize differing materials for their top and bottom housings, the resulting sound profiles reflect the specific contributions of these materials. The distinct combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Outemu Silent Grey results in a balance of crispness and fullness, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a nuanced blend of richness and sharpness due to its opposing material choices. If you're seeking similar results in terms of sound experience, switching between these two options will still provide enjoyable tactile feedback and auditory responses, albeit with slightly different dimensions. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which positions it as a medium-heavy option, offering a more substantial typing experience favored by those who appreciate a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer the ease of typing for extended periods, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. Therefore, those who lean towards less resistance will find the Silent Sakura to be a more suitable choice, while users who enjoy a heftier feel may opt for the Silent Grey. Although the Silent Sakura is lighter and the Silent Grey is heavier, they both serve different typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they provide an identical experience in terms of travel distance when pressing down on the keys. As such, users can expect similar results regarding keystroke feel and depth; therefore, switching between these two types of switches will not result in any noticeable difference in how far the switches travel from top to bottom. This similarity may be appealing to those who prioritize consistency in their typing experience.
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 Grey 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 Grey tactile switch produces a noticeably muted sound profile, underscored by a satisfying tactile bump that doesn't disrupt the silence of its operation. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise control is essential. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch creates an exceptionally quiet typing experience, described as akin to gentle raindrops. Both switches focus on minimizing audible feedback, but the Silent Grey offers a more tactile response that may produce a slight sound upon actuation due to its tactile bump, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a nearly silent experience throughout its keystrokes.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a distinct tactile bump, delivering a rewarding feedback that typists often crave. This added tactile sensation is aimed at users who appreciate a tactile response while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura’s ultra-light 43g actuation force caters to those who prefer a smooth, linear experience without any bumps. This makes the Sakura ideal for lighter typists looking for effortless key presses as it lacks the tactile feedback that the Silent Grey offers, leading to a different typing dynamic.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Grey and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches emphasize a quiet typing experience, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and actuation force. The Silent Grey satisfies those who enjoy a tactile response with a bit of sound, while the Silent Sakura leans heavily into a softer and quieter operation, ideal for lighter typists. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile feel or an ultra-quiet, smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch really depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you enjoy a more substantial feel with a pronounced tactile bump and don't mind a bit of resistance, then the Silent Grey's medium-heavy 65g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback and value a quiet typing experience, making it great for both work and personal use in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter and more fluid for faster typing and minimal finger fatigue, the Silent Sakura switch would be the better option. With its whisper-quiet operation and an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, this linear switch is perfect for those who want a serene typing environment or engage in lengthy typing sessions without the added strain. In essence, let your typing style and environment guide your decision, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences.
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