Outemu Silent Ocean vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch that does not boast any specific standout features, making it a versatile option for users who appreciate a straightforward, smooth keystroke without any tactile bumps or audible clicks, ideal for those seeking a subtle typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is specifically designed to provide a whisper-quiet typing environment, evoking the soothing sound of raindrops. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, these switches are perfect for typists who enjoy a light yet gratifying keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. While both switches offer their distinct advantages, the choice may come down to personal preference in terms of feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we observe a distinct contrast between their top and bottom housings. The Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic enhances the auditory experience, especially when utilizing RGB lighting as the material's translucency allows the effects to shine through vividly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. This divergence in materials not only affects the sound profile but also suggests different tactile experiences when typing, with the Silent Ocean leaning towards a brighter acoustic feedback while the Silent Sakura offers a more muted response.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Silent Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Sakura opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. This combination results in an intriguing interplay of sound characteristics overall. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean furthers the softer audio signature, contributing to a duller and rounder sound, which is particularly noticeable during key bottoming out. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura reinforces the clearer, more resonant tonality. As a result, while both switches utilize differing materials in their bottom housings, the Silent Ocean's configuration results in a more subdued auditory experience, whereas the Silent Sakura can deliver a more piercing bottom-out sound.

Ultimately, both switches showcase how the interplay of different housing materials can create unique auditory profiles. If using the Silent Ocean, players will experience a more pronounced sound when releasing keys due to the crisp nature of its polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom contributes depth during the actuation. In contrast, the Silent Sakura will offer a more balanced experience, with its nylon top softening the approach and the polycarbonate bottom adding brightness to the bottom-out sound. Each switch provides a diverse experience by blending the qualities of the respective materials, offering enthusiasts a range of tactile and auditory feedback whether they lean towards the brightness of the Silent Ocean or the depth of the Silent Sakura.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience similar ease in triggering a keystroke with either switch. However, the distinction in their bottom out forces sets them apart significantly—the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Silent Sakura offers a much lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. As a result, users who prefer a softer typing experience may find the Silent Sakura more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel might gravitate toward the heavier Silent Ocean. In summary, both switches provide the same actuation force, but the Silent Ocean's heavier bottom out force delivers a firmer tactile feedback compared to the lighter bottom out of the Silent Sakura.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users pressing down on either switch will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom when actuating a key. As a result, you can expect comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch, making them equally suitable for users who prefer linear switches with a consistent travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific character defined but is expected to be quiet, fitting into the category of silent switches designed for minimal noise distraction. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is known for its exceptionally quiet performance, with a sound profile that is often compared to the soothing sound of gentle raindrops. While both switches aim for a discreet typing experience, the Silent Sakura's specific auditory qualities may deliver a more serene ambiance during use, though the overall sound will still vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch lacks detailed description, but as a linear switch, it is anticipated to provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks, which many typists prefer for a fluid typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a gentle yet satisfying keystroke with a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, designed to facilitate a light touch while still offering enough resistance to ensure confident typing. While the Silent Ocean's feel is somewhat unknown, the linear nature leads us to expect a smooth experience similar to the satisfaction promised by the Silent Sakura.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Ocean and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches aim to provide quiet typing experiences tailored for users who prefer linear switches. The Silent Sakura stands out with its poetic auditory reference and well-defined feel, targeting those who appreciate a slightly lighter keystroke force. While the specific qualities of the Silent Ocean remain undefined, users can expect a comparable smoothness in typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to a niche for noise reduction while providing unique characteristics that typists can appreciate depending on their personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you’re someone who enjoys a medium-heavy feel with a force of 65 grams, the Silent Ocean might be more suited to your style, especially if you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes for greater tactile feedback. However, if you desire a lighter touch with a 53-gram bottom out force, the Silent Sakura offers a more effortless typing experience that's perfect for extended typing sessions or when you prioritize speed and ease. Additionally, the Silent Sakura's whisper-quiet operation mimics the soothing sound of raindrops, making it ideal for quiet environments like libraries or offices. If subdued sounds and gentle feedback resonate with you, the Silent Sakura is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and heavier keystroke that can offer a distinctive response while maintaining a level of tranquility, the Silent Ocean could be your best choice. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing a silent typing experience, but your personal preference for force and tactile feedback will guide you to the right option for your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more