HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Silent Sakura, known for its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43g bottom out force, is ideal for those who prefer a serene typing environment, reminiscent of raindrops gently falling on a window. This switch caters especially to light typists seeking a subtle and focused experience without the distraction of noise. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch prioritizes speed and responsiveness with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quick and precise keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. Both switches have their unique advantages, whether you're after a tranquil workspace or a high-performance gaming 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Outemu Yellow Silver, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in their top housing compositions, which ultimately shapes their sound profiles. The Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that creates a deeper, fuller sound during typing. This softness permits greater absorption of sound, resulting in a rounded auditory experience that many users may prefer for a quieter environment or a more muted aesthetic. In contrast, the Yellow Silver sports a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and delivers a sharper, crisper sound. The clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances the effect of RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance in their mechanical switches.
Both switches, however, have polycarbonate and nylon interchanged in their bottom housing configurations. The Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing a clearer and more resonant sound. This is complemented by the nylon top housing, which provides a mellow sound when the key is released. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, enriching the overall sound profile with a warmer and duller bottoming-out experience as it absorbs more sound. Thus, while the Silent Sakura's bottom housing enhances its sharper auditory characteristics, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom contributes a fuller sound when pressed.
The interplay of the differing materials in both switches results in distinctive typing experiences shaped by the unique qualities of both top and bottom housing. If one were to use these switches in similar environments, it is likely that while the overall sound profile differs, the switches can still yield somewhat similar results in terms of feel: both switches will provide distinct auditory and tactile feedback due to the combination of softer and harder materials. This blending of properties allows users to experience rich auditory profiles with both switches, though they'll need to consider personal preferences when it comes to choosing between the deeper sound of nylon and the clearer tones of polycarbonate in their typing dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a more gentle option that can facilitate longer typing sessions due to its lighter feel. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, ideal for users looking for less resistance and comfort over extended periods, while the Yellow Silver, being the heavier switch, may appeal to users who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Overall, if you enjoy a lighter switch, the Silent Sakura is likely to deliver the ease and comfort you seek, while the Yellow Silver caters to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and response when using either switch. This congruence means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the travel distance will not significantly influence typing experience or performance, resulting in comparable results for users.
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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is meticulously designed for a nearly silent typing experience, evoking the calming sound of gentle raindrops. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where minimizing noise is crucial, such as in shared workspaces or quiet home setups. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch possesses a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound level that accommodates both casual use and gaming. While both switches prioritize a pleasant acoustic experience, the Silent Sakura leans toward silence, while the Yellow Silver provides a more balanced auditory output, making it versatile for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch, with its ultra-light actuation force, offers a soft, almost feather-like touch that appeals to light typists. This gentle feedback aids in reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Yellow Silver switch is also designed with a light actuation force but is geared more towards a responsive depth, which enhances speed and efficiency, particularly beneficial for gamers who require quick reactions. Both switches emphasize a light touch but cater to slightly different preferences: one prioritizes a gentle experience, and the other focuses on responsiveness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Outemu Yellow Silver switches provide light actuation forces, their unique characteristics appeal to different user preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in sound dampening, offering a serene typing experience, whereas the Yellow Silver balances sound neutrality with a responsive feel, making it a solid choice for both typing and gaming. Each switch serves its purpose well within its intended environments, and understanding these differences will help newcomers select the right option based on their specific needs and use cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you seek and your specific usage scenario. If you prioritize a whisper-quiet environment, perhaps for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions, the Silent Sakura's ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and serene sound profile will cater beautifully to your needs. This switch excels for light typists who favor a gentle touch, providing a comfortable, distraction-free experience. On the other hand, if your focus is on gaming or environments where speed and responsiveness are crucial, the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its medium-light 55g bottom-out force and neutral sound profile, would be a more suitable choice. This switch strikes a balance between actuation speed and overall tactile feedback, making it versatile enough for both clumsy casual typing and intense competitive gaming. Ultimately, your preferences in terms of sound and feel should guide you to the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and environment.
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