Outemu Silver vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer unique advantages to different types of users. The Outemu Silver, a linear switch, is cherished for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking rapid key actuations. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g also features a linear profile but shines with its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, appealing to those who prioritize a serene typing experience and may be more casual or light typists. While the Silver may attract users looking for speed and responsiveness, the Silent Sakura is perfect for those who desire a peaceful atmosphere while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, a marked contrast arises from the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective constructions. The Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffness allows for greater sound resonance and clarity, making the switch ideal for users who favor a more defined auditory experience, particularly beneficial when paired with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, yielding a more muffled and rounded auditory output, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued keystroke experience. Thus, the choice of material impacts the resulting sound quality significantly when typing on these switches.

On the bottom housing front, the Outemu Silver's nylon bottom housing introduces a warmth to the sound profile that complements the sharper attack generated by the polycarbonate top. This synergy creates a harmonious blend, where the sharper top sound meets a fuller bottom sound, producing a complex and engaging auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that reinforces the clear and crisp sound quality established by its nylon top. Although both switches employ the materials in reverse fashion for their bottom housings, which helps to shape the overall sound, this construction means that the Silent Sakura yields a rounder typing experience due to its softer top housing absorbing rather than amplifying sound.

These differing materials could result in a distinctive typing feel and sound, allowing users to select a switch that fits their preferences. However, despite their contrasts, certain elements of their performance remain parallel. Both switches utilize the qualities of each material to achieve specific sound profiles; with the Outemu Silver managing a balanced crispness from its unique housing configuration and the Silent Sakura achieving subtlety and depth. Ultimately, regardless of the individual materials selected, users can still expect a pleasant auditory feedback, albeit through different tonal characteristics depending on the switch's design.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite notable. The Outemu Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to users who favor a softer touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. This means that the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Outemu Silver is the heavier switch. The disparity in force values indicates that users who seek a lighter typing experience would likely prefer the Silent Sakura, while those who enjoy a firmer push might opt for the Outemu Silver. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces significantly influence the typing experience, depending on individual preferences for weight and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key, both switches move the same distance from the top to the bottom. Because their travel distances are identical, users can expect similar performance in terms of feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming. This consistency allows for a comparable tactile experience between the two switches, ensuring that both provide a similar feel during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Silver linear switch is often regarded for its smooth and quiet operation. It has a minimalist sound profile, allowing for a subtle typing experience that doesn't draw much attention. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is specifically engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, characterized by a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch offers a distinctly subdued auditory feedback that caters to users seeking a tranquil typing environment, which makes it particularly appealing in shared or quiet spaces. Overall, while both switches prioritize silent operation, the Silent Sakura is specifically optimized for those who desire an extremely quiet output.

Regarding the feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying linear action, but specific qualitative feedback is not available to describe its engagement or bottom-out sensations. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed with an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it particularly appealing for light typists. This allows for a less strenuous typing experience, leading to reduced finger fatigue during extended sessions. Given that both are linear switches, users will find a smooth keystroke with little to no tactile feedback, although the Silent Sakura provides a lighter touch that may enhance its appeal for those who prefer featherlight keys.

Combining all the available information, the Outemu Silver offers a straightforward and quiet typing experience with a smooth action, while the Silent Sakura - 43g enhances this with its engineered whisper-quiet characteristics and lighter actuation force. Both switches cater to users seeking linear action, and while they may produce different auditory experiences, they share a common focus on providing a smooth typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two may hinge on your preference for sound level and actuation force, particularly if you lean toward a lighter touch and need minimal noise.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch really boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force and enjoy a more tactile, grounded feel while typing or gaming, the Outemu Silver, with its 65g bottom out force, is likely the better option for you. This switch can provide a satisfying resistance that many find beneficial during intense gaming sessions or for typing at speed. On the other hand, if you value a quieter environment and prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is your best bet. With its whisper-quiet feedback and easier actuation, it caters perfectly to those who may work in shared spaces or simply prefer a serene typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your unique typing style and the acoustics of your personal workspace, ensuring you get the most enjoyment and efficiency from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more