Huano Sakura vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and Outemu Yellow Silver both present appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts, yet they offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Huano Sakura is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue while still providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is designed with gamers in mind, boasting a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that enhances speed and responsiveness, an essential feature for fast-paced gameplay. While both switches excel in their own right, personal preferences for typing or gaming styles may guide your decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and the Outemu Yellow Silver both showcase distinct characteristics in their choice of top housing materials, which significantly shape their overall performance and sound profiles. The Sakura features a POK top housing—known for its excellent durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction that enhances its gliding ease. In contrast, the Yellow Silver opts for polycarbonate, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. While both materials serve their respective purposes efficiently, the POK’s slightly higher coefficient of friction adds a different tactile experience, making the Sakura potentially smoother to operate, whereas the polycarbonate of the Yellow Silver prioritizes clarity in sound, appealing especially to RGB enthusiasts due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Huano Sakura and the Outemu Yellow Silver employ nylon, a classic choice among switch manufacturers that contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile. The properties of nylon create a softer feel, absorbing sound waves effectively and resulting in a more muted auditory experience during typing. This commonality in bottom housing means both switches will inherently share some auditory qualities—specifically, the fullness and warmth contributed by nylon. It makes them comparable in the sound characteristics that stem from their bottom housing despite their divergent top housing materials.
Ultimately, the overall sound and feel of each switch are a product of both top and bottom housing materials. The Huano Sakura’s combination of POK top housing and nylon bottom housing leans towards producing a smooth and clacky experience, while the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its polycarbonate top, emphasizes a crisp and high-pitched sound. However, since both incorporate nylon in the bottom, users can expect a level of depth and richness in sound from both switches. This duality of materials means players could experience nuanced differences in sound profiles and textures while typing, shaped significantly by the nature of the top and bottom housing interaction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver presents a medium-light profile with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer push feel. Consequently, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Yellow Silver is heavier. Thus, users seeking a more relaxed typing experience might gravitate towards the Sakura, whereas those desiring a more substantial keystroke might find the Yellow Silver preferable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Sakura switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Huano Sakura offers a quicker actuation, appealing to gamers who favor rapid response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its traditional travel distance of 4 mm, provides a deeper engagement that some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive switch, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Sakura will likely be more suitable, whereas the 4 mm travel of the Yellow Silver caters to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 Huano Sakura switch has medium acoustics, providing a sound that sits comfortably between quiet and loud, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without being overwhelmingly noisy. While specific details about the Sakura's sound profile are sparse, it is designed to be unobtrusive enough for environments where concentration is key. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile that complements its moderate actuation force, making it versatile for various settings—be it casual gaming or professional typing. This switch aims for a balance that can satisfy both beginners and advanced typists alike, where noise level is kept in check under typical usage.
When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, catering especially to those who prefer a softer keystroke. This quality can make it ideal for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. The Yellow Silver also boasts a light actuation force, which promotes a speedy and responsive typing experience, particularly enjoyed by gamers. While both switches offer a light feel, the Sakura's medium acoustics combined with its softness gives it an edge for comfort in prolonged use, whereas the Yellow Silver focuses on rapid actuation for performance.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura and Outemu Yellow Silver switches provide advantages for different user preferences, with the Sakura being ideal for comfort during extended typing and the Yellow Silver excelling in speed and responsiveness. If you are considering either switch, expect a satisfying experience with light actuation and acoustics that won’t be intrusive, making them both suitable choices for various typing tasks.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and usage preferences. If you prioritize comfort during long typing sessions, the light 45-gram bottom out force of the Sakura switch allows for effortless key presses, making it an excellent choice for extensive typing or casual use. Additionally, its medium acoustics strike a nice balance, ensuring that you won’t disturb others while still providing enough feedback for an enjoyable experience. In contrast, if you're a gamer or a typist who thrives on speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver's slightly heavier 55-gram bottom out force would suit you better, as it delivers a more robust tactile feedback that can enhance your performance in fast-paced scenarios. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, so whether you're gaming or working in a shared space, it won't be overly intrusive. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a lighter switch for comfort or a slightly heavier one for responsiveness and versatility.
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