Outemu Silent White vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent White and the Huano Sakura stand out as two popular linear options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Silent White switches are designed for gamers and typists who appreciate a quieter experience, allowing for discreet keystrokes without sacrificing smoothness. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches offer a feather-light touch paired with a medium acoustic profile, making them ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort and feedback are paramount. While both switches share a linear design that enables fluid keypresses, their unique attributes make them suited for different use cases. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Huano Sakura switches show both distinctions and similarities that affect their acoustic and tactile performance. The Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which is praised for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile ideal for RGB lighting scenarios, leveraging its ability to resonate more distinctly than softer plastics. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features POK material for its top housing. While POK is a robust and smooth substance, known for its exceptional wear and shock resistance, it lacks the same degree of acoustic clarity as polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches can deliver quality performance, the Silent White's polycarbonate housing may create a brighter sound signature compared to the muted distractions of the Huano Sakura's POK.
On the other hand, the bottom housing for both switches is made from nylon, a traditional choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. This contributes to a more rounded auditory experience, making the bottom-out sound satisfyingly deep for both switches. While the top housings of the Outemu Silent White and Huano Sakura differ significantly in material and acoustic attributes, their identical use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches share a common aspect when it comes to sound dampening and overall feel. This similarity indicates that regardless of the top housing material's characteristics, users will experience a comparable tactile sensation when bottoming out the keys.
When considering the overall sound profile and typing experience, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in achieving a balanced auditory signature. Since both the Silent White and Sakura share nylon for their bottom housings, they will likely present a similar deep and full sound upon keypress. However, the differences in their top housings offer unique auditory experiences: the Silent White's polycarbonate top will enhance the brightness when keys are released, while the softer POK of the Sakura may temper that brightness for a smoother, albeit less crisp, auditory escape. Therefore, a typist choosing between the two may prioritize either the richer sound dynamics of the Silent White or the robust yet smoother experience offered by the Huano Sakura, dependent on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sakura switch is lighter, boasting an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which makes it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler feel while typing or gaming. This lighter actuation force in the Sakura provides less resistance, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the heavier Silent White switch delivers a more substantial push, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Thus, if users are seeking a switch that allows for easier keystrokes and less force, the Huano Sakura would be the recommended choice, while the Outemu Silent White would cater to those looking for a medium resistance feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's evident that the Silent White offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the Sakura measures 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent White may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Sakura, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience, as it provides a deeper keypress that can feel more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Silent White would be the ideal option, whereas if you value depth and tactile feedback, the Sakura would be more suited to your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The Outemu Silent White 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 White linear switch is characterized by its quieter operation, making it appealing to those who desire a more subdued typing environment. While there isn’t specific information provided about its sound profile, its design likely prioritizes noise reduction. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is recognized for its medium acoustics, which provide a balanced sound that doesn’t overpower the typing experience. With the Sakura, users can expect a pleasant auditory feedback that strikes a chord between silence and pronounced clicking, making it suitable for both personal and shared spaces. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can vary significantly depending on your choice of keyboard and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Silent White switch offers a linear response that is typically smooth and consistent throughout its travel, although no additional details about its specific tactile feedback were provided. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is noted for its feather-light touch, which contributes to its ease of use during extended typing sessions. This light touch ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, making it ideal for users who spend long hours typing. Despite the lack of specifics on the Silent White's feel, the general characteristics of linear switches suggest it will provide a smooth experience, complementing the Sakura’s unique feather-light touch.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent White and Huano Sakura switches cater to distinct preferences. The Silent White is tailored for a quieter typing experience, while the Sakura offers a comfortable, lightweight action accompanied by medium acoustic feedback. Although their sound and feel may vary in details, both switches are likely to provide satisfying linear experiences suitable for different user needs. A choice between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound levels or tactile ease during prolonged use.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Outemu Silent White and Huano Sakura linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, you might find the Silent White to be more suitable, especially if you enjoy a firmer keystroke while typing or gaming. However, keep in mind that this switch doesn’t have a specific feature that sets it apart, so it works well primarily for those who appreciate a more robust typing experience without extra noise. On the other hand, if you favor lighter switches for long hours of typing or gaming, the Huano Sakura is an excellent choice, offering a feather-light touch with only a 45-gram actuation force. The Sakura’s medium acoustics make it versatile enough for various environments, while its smooth feel can enhance your overall typing experience. Therefore, consider how these characteristics relate to your keyboard use—whether comfort, keystroke feedback, or sound levels take precedence—so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your typing style.
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