Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Huano Sakura present two intriguing options for users seeking linear switches. The Silent Yellow is celebrated for its smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, possibly favoring a more serene workspace. In contrast, the Sakura switches are recognized for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, which cater to users who appreciate a responsive feel during extended typing sessions without excessive noise. While both switches are linear, offering a seamless and uninterrupted keypress, they serve different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. The Silent Yellow might be best for users in shared spaces or those who prioritize quietness, whereas the Sakura is perfect for individuals looking for a light and responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow and Huano Sakura switches each employ distinct materials in their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing, making it particularly advantageous for users who appreciate clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. The ability of polycarbonate to transmit RGB lighting well also adds an aesthetic appeal, further enhancing the visual experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its smoothness and exceptional durability. With a low coefficient of friction, it provides a unique, clacky feel which contrasts with the more pronounced sound characteristics of polycarbonate while still achieving high levels of resilience in the long run.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon, which plays a critical role in determining the overall sound profile during the bottom-out phase of keystrokes. Nylon is a classic choice for switch manufacturing due to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. This shared use of nylon means that, regardless of the performance differences provided by the top housing materials, both switches will produce a similar depth of sound when bottoming out. This commonality suggests that the overall feel of the keypress in terms of sound will lean towards a more muted and rounded characteristic, fostering a comfortable typing experience for users.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and Huano Sakura switches utilize differing materials for their top housings—polycarbonate for Silent Yellow and POK for Sakura—their nylon bottom housings create a shared foundation of sound quality. The polycarbonate top provides brightness and clarity, while the POK top delivers smoothness and a clacky feedback. When pressed, both will yield a full, rounded sound profile due to the common nylon bottom, showcasing how the unique properties of each switch's top housing can be complemented by the consistency of their bottom housing materials. This provides users with varied audible experiences depending on the top housing choice, while retaining a shared bottom-out sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium option that provides a substantial push feel, catering to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, positioning it as a lightweight alternative well-suited for prolonged use, such as work or extended gaming sessions. Therefore, the Outemu Silent Yellow is the heavier switch, while the Huano Sakura is the lighter one, giving typists and gamers contrasting experiences based on their preferences for lightness or weight in keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Silent Yellow provides a more pronounced key press, which some users might prefer for a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Sakura may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for a more nimble action. Ultimately, if you value a deeper and more deliberate keystroke, the Silent Yellow will be your better option, while the Sakura caters to those who prioritize speed and efficiency with its shorter travel distance.
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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who need to minimize noise while typing. This switch is especially suitable for shared workspaces or environments where sound can be a distraction. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch has medium acoustics, producing a more audible sound while typing. This characteristic may be beneficial for users who enjoy a bit of feedback through sound while they type, but it may not be ideal for quieter settings. The choice between these two switches may ultimately come down to the user's need for sound management in their typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow switch tends to provide a smooth and linear experience, offering a consistent travel without bumps or clicks. This can provide an almost effortless typing experience, which some users might prefer for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch also aims for a smooth feel with its feather-light touch, making it exceptionally gentle on the fingers. The lighter actuation force offers a different sensation, which is more suitable for those who appreciate a delicate typing experience and may find it easier to type quickly. While both switches strive for a linear feel, the Sakura's lightness might appeal more to users seeking faster actuation.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and Huano Sakura linear switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow excels in creating a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments, while the Sakura offers an engaging auditory feedback with a feather-light touch suited for extended typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening or a lighter actuation force, as both switches deliver smoothly linear experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing style and environment. If you often find yourself in quiet settings or if you're sensitive to sound, the Silent Yellow might be the better option for you due to its balanced bottom-out force of 60 grams, which provides a moderate tactile feel while minimizing auditory disturbances. This makes it a solid choice if you prioritize a quieter surfing and typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that facilitates quicker and lighter keystrokes, the Sakura's lighter 45 grams bottom-out force is advantageous, especially for extended typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern. The Sakura is ideal if you prefer a more responsive touch with medium sound, which allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of key presses without excessive force. Ultimately, consider your specific needs regarding sound and feel to make the best decision that enhances your typing experience.
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