Outemu Silent Grey vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the experience can vary significantly depending on the type of switch you select. The Outemu Silent Grey switch stands out as a tactile option, offering a pronounced bump that provides feedback during key presses, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing sensation without the noise often associated with tactile switches. This switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where quiet operation is essential. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is a linear switch, engineered for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to typists who prefer a lighter touch and minimal resistance. With a gentle bottom-out force of 53g, these switches deliver a whisper-quiet typing experience that is reminiscent of raindrops softly falling on a window. Whether you're prioritizing the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey or the fluidity of the Silent Sakura, each switch has its unique advantages. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the difference in housing materials significantly affects their sound profiles and user experience. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, translating to a clearer and more resonant acoustic output. Additionally, its translucent nature allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects that enhance visual appeal and customization. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs some sound energy, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less harsh compared to the clear projection from polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housings further illustrates the contrasting effects of the materials used. The Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing aligns with the sonic qualities typically associated with nylon, providing a richer, more muted sound that rounds out the overall audio experience when the key is bottomed out. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which significantly enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during key presses. Consequently, the distinct acoustic properties of the bottom housing influence the overall typing experience, with the Silent Grey leaning towards a fuller, deeper sound, while the Silent Sakura's design fosters sharper auditory feedback.
Ultimately, while the differences in housing materials yield varying sound profiles, both switches can offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom in the Silent Grey results in a balance between clarity and richness in sound. Similarly, the Silent Sakura utilizes a reverse arrangement, with clarity from the polycarbonate bottom and a rounder top sound from the nylon. Users can expect differing auditory feedback based on their choice; however, by understanding how each material contributes to sound and feel, they can select a switch that best aligns with their typing preferences, leading to satisfying results in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. This means that while the Silent Sakura provides a gentler touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or casual gaming, the Silent Grey offers a firmer push feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Silent Grey is the heavier switch in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it better suited for those who enjoy a stronger key press, while the Silent Sakura is lighter and may cater to users seeking ease and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you’ll experience the same distance of travel, resulting in similar tactile and auditory feedback during use. Since both switches operate over a 4 mm distance, users can expect a comparable feel and performance when typing or gaming. Therefore, whether you choose the Silent Grey or the Silent Sakura, you'll achieve similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 Silent Grey tactile switch is characterized by its quiet operation while still delivering a pronounced bump during key presses. This tactile feedback is designed to be satisfying without generating much noise, making it suitable for environments where silence is paramount. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered to provide a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to gentle raindrops, ensuring minimal sound disruption. While the Silent Grey focuses on a pronounced tactile bump, the Silent Sakura offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, making both options conducive to quiet typing.
In terms of feel, the Silent Grey switch provides a highly tactile experience with a noticeable bump that can enhance typing accuracy and give a sense of engagement. This tactile feedback is often favored by typists who enjoy a more interactive experience with their switches. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a light, smooth feel without the tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer a more fluid key press. The differences in actuation make the Silent Grey ideal for users seeking feedback, while the Silent Sakura is better suited for those who enjoy a linear transition from actuation to bottom-out.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch cater to distinct preferences within the same spectrum of quiet operation. The Silent Grey excels in providing tactile feedback while maintaining a low sound profile, making it ideal for tactile enthusiasts who appreciate the feel of a pronounced bump. The Silent Sakura, with its linear design and light actuation force, offers a smooth experience for typists who value silence and fluidity. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying and quiet typing experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, you should consider both your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you desire a medium-heavy tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, the Silent Grey is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a pronounced feedback during typing that can enhance your overall experience. This switch is ideal if you often type for extended periods and appreciate a bit more resistance to prevent accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, linear experience without tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch may be more suited to your style. These switches are designed for whisper-quiet typing, making them perfect for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. Additionally, their lighter actuation force can reduce fatigue over long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort, typing preferences, and the need for noise considerations in your specific setting.
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