Outemu Spring Breeze vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch known for its unique material composition—featuring a nylon housing and a POM stem—which results in a richer sound profile compared to typical clicky switches, making it a great choice for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a linear experience with a gentle bottom-out force of only 43 grams, catering to typists who prefer a quieter and more subtle sound profile, ideal for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions. Each switch has its own merits: the Spring Breeze for satisfying clicks and feedback, and the Silent Sakura for a serene and effortless typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both feature nylon top housings, contributing to a similar auditory experience. The term "nylon" is often associated with a classic switch material that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily because nylon is a softer plastic, which absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. As a result, users of both switches can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing, as the nylon top housing minimizes higher frequencies and enhances lower ones. In this respect, both switches deliver an enjoyable typing experience characterized by a certain warmth and softness in sound signature that many typists appreciate.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials provide a notable divergence between the two switches. The Spring Breeze uses nylon for the bottom housing too, maintaining that consistent sound profile and tactile feel throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is a stiffer material that produces a sharper, more resonant auditory experience. When pressing down on the Silent Sakura, typists will notice that the polycarbonate allows for a more pronounced and higher-pitched sound due to its rigidity compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon bottom which tends to blend the auditory cues into a fuller, softer sound.
The combination of these materials in the Spring Breeze and Silent Sakura - 43g directly influences the overall user experience, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing on the Spring Breeze ensures consistency in the deeper sound profile achieved through both the top and bottom materials, whereas the Silent Sakura benefits from the crispness provided by the polycarbonate bottom housing. Thus, while users of both switches will enjoy a similar warm auditory experience from the nylon tops, the Silent Sakura offers a unique contrast with a clearer sound delivered through its polycarbonate bottom, showcasing how different combinations of housing materials can create varied sound dynamics despite sharing a common top material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Sakura's lighter 37 grams. This means that while the Spring Breeze may provide a more substantial feel upon keystroke activation, the Silent Sakura offers a lighter touch that can lead to less finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Spring Breeze is significantly higher at 55 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 43 grams. This disparity means that users may find more resistance when fully depressing the Spring Breeze switch, which could suit those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In summary, for users seeking a lighter and more effortless typing sensation, the HMX Silent Sakura is the ideal choice, while those who favor a stronger keystroke feel might lean towards the Outemu Spring Breeze.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressed, they offer identical distances from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will have comparable key feel and feedback when using either switch. As a result, if you're looking for a smooth typing experience with a consistent depth of travel, both switches will deliver similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 Spring Breeze clicky switch generates a deeper tone due to its nylon housing and POM stem, creating a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from typical clicky switches. This deeper sound profile is likely to provide a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is characterized by its muted sound, which is designed to produce a softer and quieter experience. This whisper-quiet design mimics the gentle tapping of raindrops, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a serene typing environment or works in shared spaces. Thus, while the Spring Breeze is likely to offer a more pronounced sound, the Silent Sakura prioritizes subtlety and silence, ensuring a contrasting auditory experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze supports the clicky mechanism often associated with tactile feedback, which can provide satisfying resistance during key presses, although specific details about its tactile characteristics are not provided. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch boasts a polished finish that results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to reduced friction and thoughtful engineering. Its subtle resistance combined with an ultra-light 43g actuation force means that these switches are easy to press, promoting comfort during long typing sessions while minimizing fatigue. The overall refined typing feel of the Silent Sakura indicates a highly user-friendly design, targeting typists who favor a gentle yet responsive interaction.
In summary, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Spring Breeze excels with its deeper and more pronounced auditory feedback suited for those who enjoy a clicky switch, while the Silent Sakura focuses on muted sounds conducive to quiet environments with a polished and subtle typing experience. Choosing between these options will depend largely on individual preferences for sound and feel, but either switch can provide a pleasurable typing experience based on the qualities discussed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy an engaging typing experience with tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound that resonates as you type, the Spring Breeze with its medium-light actuation force and deeper sound profile can provide that immersive sensation. This makes it ideal for gamers or those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback in their typing. Conversely, if you favor a quieter, more subdued environment—perhaps if you share your workspace or are easily distracted—the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to be whisper-quiet while still offering a smooth and easy-to-press feel with its light actuation force. These switches allow for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue, making them perfect for extensive writing or office use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your needs: opt for the Spring Breeze if you seek a lively, feedback-rich experience, while the Silent Sakura will cater to those prioritizing minimal noise and effortless key presses.
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