Outemu Red Panda vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red Panda 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, the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present contrasting yet appealing options for different typing styles. The Red Panda is celebrated for its light to medium tactile feedback, offering a satisfying and nuanced experience with a bassy bottom-out sound similar to raindrops, alongside a sharper top-out sound that adds a satisfying auditory signature to each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a tactile sensation and a sound profile that enhances their typing experience without becoming overpowering. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g champions a serene and nearly silent typing experience, perfect for those who crave discretion while typing. With an ultra-light 43g actuation force, these linear switches provide a smooth and effortless feel, catering to light typists who appreciate a softer touch and a quiet environment. Ultimately, the choice between the tactile feedback of the Outemu Red Panda and the whisper-quiet functionality of the HMX Silent Sakura may come down to personal preference and typing habits. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 Red Panda and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present a fascinating comparison, particularly in their differing sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. The Red Panda employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. This stiffer nature makes the sound more resonant, resulting in a crisp auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting setups, allowing vibrant illumination to shine through clearly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer texture. This allows it to absorb more sound, ultimately creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that evokes a more subdued auditory experience. As a result, while the Red Panda delivers clarity and brightness in sound, the Silent Sakura offers richness and depth.
When examining the bottom housings of these two switches, it's clear that the characteristics of the materials enhance different aspects of the typing experience. The Red Panda utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which, similar to its top counterpart in the Silent Sakura, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This use of nylon provides damping, softening the overall sound of keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's bottom housing is crafted from polycarbonate. Here, the stiffer plastic contributes a crisper and more pronounced bottom-out sound, effectively contrasting with the softness found in its top housing. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon and polycarbonate in different configurations, the materials continue to influence the overall auditory outcome based on their placement.
Overall, the differences in housing materials for the Outemu Red Panda and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches can lead to unique yet complementary typing experiences. The interaction between the top and bottom housings is pivotal, as the top housing governs the sound released upon key release, while the bottom housing defines the feeling and sound of the key being depressed. Users can expect distinct sound profiles from these switches - the Red Panda will likely produce a bright and resonant experience, while the Silent Sakura offers a warmer and muffled tone. Despite these contrasts, both switches harmoniously integrate their respective materials, allowing typists to find value in either, depending on their personal preferences and desired sensory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Red Panda requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that many might find satisfying for both work and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is lighter, featuring an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch that facilitates long sessions may prefer the Silent Sakura, while those desiring the tactile feedback of a heavier switch might lean towards the Red Panda. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Red Panda offers a more substantial and weighted keystroke experience, whereas the Silent Sakura provides a lighter and potentially more fatigue-free option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Red Panda has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a greater depth. This difference implies that the Red Panda switch may provide a more responsive feel, appealing especially to gamers who favor quicker key presses for rapid actions. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying and substantial keystroke for those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. In summary, if you're looking for a swift response, the Red Panda is the better choice, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who appreciate a fuller depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40, 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
The sound produced by the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a distinct auditory experience, characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out. This combination creates a pleasant contrast, allowing for a deep and rich thocky sound that many users find satisfying during typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered with a focus on minimizing noise, providing a whisper-quiet experience that evokes the gentle sound of raindrops tapping against a window. While the Red Panda produces a more pronounced acoustic profile, the Silent Sakura caters to those seeking a serene and unobtrusive typing environment, ideal for office settings or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Red Panda features a light-medium amount of tactility, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable for most users. This mild tactile feedback is designed to strike a balance between being engaging without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is aimed at providing an ultra-light typing experience with a bottom-out force of only 43g. This makes it perfect for light typists who appreciate a smooth, linear action without the distraction of tactile bumps or additional resistance, resulting in a seamless and effortless feel during use.
In summary, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch each cater to different typing preferences. The Red Panda offers a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, suitable for those who enjoy a richer auditory experience and a mild tactile sensation. Conversely, the Silent Sakura excels in creating a quiet environment with a lightweight feel, ideal for users seeking to type with minimal noise and resistance. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to varied typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their specific requirements and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a tactile feedback that offers a gentle but satisfying response with a unique sound profile, the Red Panda may be the right choice for you. Its thocky sound can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a bassier tone and are working in a setting where the sound is acceptable. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience or work in a shared space, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to provide an ultra-light touch with a nearly silent operation, ideal for light typists. This switch allows for extended typing sessions without the audible distractions that might disrupt others around you. In essence, consider the Outemu Red Panda if you seek a balanced tactile experience with character, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is perfect for those who value a serene and subtle typing flow. Your choice should align with your typing style, environment, and sound preferences for the most satisfying keyboard experience.
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