Outemu Tom vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Tom and the Huano Sakura stand out for their distinct characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The Outemu Tom, known for its tactile feedback, provides a noticeable bump during keypresses, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the sensation of each stroke and prefer enhanced accuracy while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch and a linear response, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted key presses, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency, particularly during long typing sessions. While the Tom may be preferred by users who appreciate tactile engagement, the Sakura attracts those seeking a quieter, faster typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Tom Tactile

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Tom and Huano Sakura switches, a notable contrast arises in their top housing materials. The Outemu Tom employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This stiffer plastic allows for a crisp auditory feedback, especially beneficial for users who favor RGB lighting, as the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the illumination effects. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a top housing made of POK (polyketone), a material known for its exceptional durability and smoothness. While POK’s coefficient of friction is slightly higher than that of polycarbonate, making it one of the smoothest materials for switch housings, it lacks the resonant clarity that polycarbonate provides. Thus, while both switches aim for a quality sound experience, their differing materials yield unique auditory characteristics that cater to distinct preferences.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon in both cases. This classic switch material contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile that softens the keystrokes when typing. The characteristics imparted by the nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer nature, create a duller and rounder auditory experience. The consistent use of nylon across both the Tom and Sakura switches ensures that users will enjoy a rich, muted sound profile when bottoming out, regardless of the differences present in their respective top housings. This shared feature allows for a more cohesive bottom-out feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.

The combined impact of these housing materials illustrates how the interplay between the top and bottom housing can define a switch's overall performance. In the case of the Outemu Tom, the crispness from the polycarbonate combined with the depth of nylon creates a balanced auditory sensation that can be likened to a symphony of sound. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura blends the smoothness of POK with the durability and depth of nylon, creating a unique tactile experience that prioritizes longevity and comfort. Despite the variations in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a reliably pleasing experience, albeit with distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to differing user tastes.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we see notable differences that cater to varying preferences. The Tom switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sakura switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Sakura provides an easier keystroke, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as during long work sessions or gaming. However, the Tom switch's heavier actuation may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, the Sakura's bottom out force is 45 grams, which indicates the force required when the key is fully depressed. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unknown, so a direct comparison cannot be made there. Overall, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, while the Outemu Tom is the heavier switch, which may influence a user's choice based on their typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a measurable difference between the two. The Outemu Tom features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Huano Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is longer. This distinction is important for users who prefer to balance responsiveness with a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Tom switch may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, while the Sakura's greater depth caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation. Thus, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value quickness or depth in your keypress experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a defined sound profile readily available, while the Huano Sakura linear switch is known for its medium acoustics. Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch, which can make them sound less pronounced during typing, resulting in a more subtle auditory experience. However, it is essential to note that the sound produced by either switch can also greatly depend on other factors, such as the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.

Regarding feel, the Tom switch does not have specific information detailing its tactile feedback, which makes it difficult to evaluate. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is recognized for its feather-light touch, which contributes to a smooth and effortless typing experience. This can lead to a fast-paced and enjoyable feel during extended typing sessions, catering to users who may prefer a lighter switch that requires less force.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks specific insights concerning its sound and feel, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by its medium acoustics and feather-light touch. For those looking for a switch that is easy on the fingers and produces a softer sound, the Sakura option may be more suitable. If a user desires similar acoustic and tactile experiences, they would need to explore other switches that align more closely with the desired qualities of feel and sound found in the Huano Sakura.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and the nature of your use. If you find yourself typing for extended periods and prioritize a feather-light touch combined with medium acoustics, the Sakura is your ideal option, as it offers a balanced linear experience that is gentle on your fingers while still providing a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile response and are curious about enhanced feedback in your gaming or typing experience, the Outemu Tom switch might be more suited to your needs, especially if you're drawn to switches that offer a distinct tactile sensation. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prefer the smooth, uninterrupted engagement of the Sakura or the tactile feedback that the Tom can provide. Choose the one that speaks to your typing style and overall comfort for the best experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more