Outemu Tom vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between tactile and linear switches, each offering unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Tom, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. This tactile switch can enhance typing accuracy and speed for those who appreciate a tactile sensation while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for individuals who prefer a serene typing environment. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, these linear switches offer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke ideal for light typists who seek minimal noise without sacrificing performance. Both switches serve distinct purposes, catering to different user preferences, but choosing between them ultimately comes down to individual typing style and the desired auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Tom and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present a fascinating contrast that plays a pivotal role in determining their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Outemu Tom features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. This choice in material allows for sharper sounds during key releases, making it especially compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively. Thus, it produces a deeper and fuller auditory feedback during typing. This difference implies that while the Tom will provide a more pronounced sound on key release, the Silent Sakura might create a more muted atmosphere, which can be desirable for users looking for a quieter typing experience.
Looking at the bottom housings, the contrast continues. The Outemu Tom utilizes a nylon bottom housing that enriches the typing experience with a deeper sound profile, reinforcing the dampened auditory feedback characteristic of softer materials. In this case, the bottom-out sound on the Tom will have a rounded quality, aligning with the overall softness enabled by the nylon. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper sound upon bottoming out. This combination of a nylon top housing and polycarbonate bottom housing results in a unique synergy, giving the Silent Sakura a distinct sound signature that contrasts with the more consistent auditory clarity of the Tom.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials in these switches suggests that users can expect different auditory experiences depending on which switch they choose. The Outemu Tom's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allow for a more vibrant and resonant sound, while the HMX Silent Sakura achieves a remarkable balance between a fuller sound from the nylon top and a sharper accent from the polycarbonate bottom. This interplay of materials results in unique typing experiences for each switch, with the Tom leaning towards a brighter and crisper feedback, and the Silent Sakura offering a softer, deeper acoustics profile. In either case, the combination of materials significantly affects the sound and feel during typing, providing users with a variety in tactile and auditory sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Tom has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, making it a heavier option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Silent Sakura also has a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a defined point of resistance when pressed fully down, whereas the bottom out force for the Outemu Tom is currently unknown. Overall, if you're a typist or gamer seeking a lighter switch, the HMX Silent Sakura is the clear choice; however, if you favor a heavier switch for a more tactile feel, the Outemu Tom may suit you better, provided you're comfortable with its unknown bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find a distinct difference between the two. The Outemu Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures 4 mm. This makes the Tom the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer faster response times favorable for gaming due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke experience. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the Tom switch is the more advantageous choice, whereas if a hearty depth is preferred, the Silent Sakura is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
The Outemu Tom 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
When considering the sound profile, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its distinct auditory character, which typically includes a noticeable click, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is designed for a whisper-quiet experience, characterized by a smooth operation that minimizes noise, akin to gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura particularly suitable for environments where sound is a consideration, whereas the Tom's clicky nature may be more enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, while the specifics of the Outemu Tom's tactile feedback are not detailed, it is generally expected to provide a pronounced tactile bump that signals to the typist when the actuation point is reached. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a linear feel, which means it provides a smooth keystroke with no tactile bounce or auditory click. This smoother action can be appealing for those who prefer uninterrupted key presses and a soft touch, especially during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch cater to different typing preferences. The Tom offers a more tactile and clicky experience, while the Silent Sakura focuses on quiet and smooth performance. Depending on your typing style and environment, you may choose based on the auditory and tactile feedback that suits your needs. If sound and feel are critical factors for you, your experiences with these two switches will very much differ, guiding you toward one or the other based on your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a quiet atmosphere and a light actuation force, the Silent Sakura is the clear choice, providing a smooth, nearly silent experience that's well-suited for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Its 43g bottom out force offers a gentle resistance that many light typists appreciate, allowing for swift typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback in your typing and enjoy a more pronounced response, the Outemu Tom switch will serve you well, even if the specifics of its characteristics remain elusive. It is ideal for those who relish the physical sensation of each keystroke and want a keyboard that enhances the typing experience through distinct tactile inputs. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the noise level of your environment, and what you find most satisfying during your typing sessions when deciding which switch to choose.
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