Outemu Silver vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer unique benefits and characteristics. The Outemu Silver switch, a linear switch, is known for its smooth and fast keystrokes, making it an attractive choice for gamers or fast typists who appreciate a responsive feel without the distraction of tactile bumps or audible clicks. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g also features a linear design but stands out for its whisper-quiet operation, engineered to provide a typing experience as serene as gentle raindrops. With a balanced 53-gram bottom-out force, it caters to those who seek a light yet satisfying keystroke, ideal for late-night work sessions or shared environments. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, with the Outemu Silver appealing to those who value speed and precision, while the HMX Silent Sakura focuses on a quieter experience without compromising on performance. 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 Silver Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which affect the overall tactile and acoustic experience. The Outemu Silver's top housing is made from polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clear plastic is particularly advantageous for RGB enthusiasts, as it enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to pass through effectively. This material choice elevates the sound quality, as the rigidity of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant auditory experience when the key is released.

In stark contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes nylon for its top housing. Nylon, a classic and softer plastic, produces a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This absorbent nature allows the switch to create a mellower and rounder auditory output, softening the sharper peaks often associated with harder materials. The choice of nylon also plays a crucial role in defining the switch's overall typing experience; users may find the sound more muted and pleasant for long typing sessions, which aligns with the intended use of this switch for quieter environments.

Reflecting on the bottom housings, the Outemu Silver's bottom is constructed from nylon, allowing it to echo the fullness and depth in sound that its counterpart, the Silent Sakura, delivers from its top housing. Conversely, the bottom housing of the Silent Sakura is crafted from polycarbonate, ensuring that the sharper and brighter characteristics influence the bottom-out sound. Together, these contrasting materials in their respective switches create distinct auditory experiences, while the characteristics of each material still complement one another. The unique treatment of the sound through the combination of different plastics highlights how the interaction of the materials affects both feel and auditory feedback — a crucial aspect that any key switch enthusiast would consider when selecting their preferred typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see some notable distinctions. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar trigger feel that allows for efficient typing and gaming experiences. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura feel lighter overall, as it requires less force to fully depress. For users who prefer lighter switches that facilitate longer typing sessions, the Silent Sakura is the better choice. Conversely, the Outemu Silver's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial tactile response, which may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel in their typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer the same actuation force, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it ideal for those seeking a more effortless typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on their respective keys. Since both switches share the same travel distance, you can achieve comparable results in terms of key actuation and feel. This similarity can be beneficial for those who seek a consistent keypress experience, regardless of the specific switch they choose. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer; they are equal in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch has not been specifically characterized, which makes it difficult to comment on its auditory profile. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, evoking the serene sound of gentle raindrops. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise could be a disruption, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. While the Silver’s sound remains unclear, the Silent Sakura offers a distinct advantage for those prioritizing a quiet typing experience.

The feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not detailed, which leaves us with only the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g for comparison. This switch is engineered for a balanced tactile experience, providing a light and satisfying keystroke due to its 53g bottom-out force. This weight is ideal for typists seeking a smooth actuation without any scratchiness or resistance, encouraging long typing sessions with ease. In the absence of specific feedback on the Silver, it’s challenging to draw direct comparisons regarding the tactile sensation.

In summary, while the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch shines with its quiet operation and comfortable keystroke. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with a balanced and gentle feel, the Silent Sakura is a strong contender. However, without more concrete details on the Outemu Silver, it's difficult to make a direct comparison or determine how it might fulfill similar needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your preferences and usage scenarios should guide your choice. If you lean towards a firmer keystroke that provides more resistance, making it ideal for activities such as fast-paced gaming where every keystroke matters, the Outemu Silver, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, is likely your best bet. However, if you value a more subdued and quieter typing experience, perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night gaming sessions, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its whisper-quiet operation and lighter keystroke, would be more suitable. This switch offers a 53g bottom-out force, making it great for prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, noise sensitivity, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more