HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly influence your typing or gaming experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, providing a serene typing experience that many typists love. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, it caters to those who appreciate a light touch combined with tactile satisfaction, making it an excellent option for office environments or late-night writing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch stands out for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness during fast-paced action. While both switches are linear and aim to enhance user experience, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of noise levels and feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ significantly in their housing materials, resulting in distinct acoustic profiles that cater to varying typing preferences. The Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that offers a much sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is a consequence of polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which allows sound to resonate more distinctly, making it optimal for users who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback from their keystrokes.
In terms of bottom housing, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g pairs a polycarbonate bottom with its nylon top, while the Outemu Yellow Silver employs nylon for its bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Sakura enhances the brightness and resonance of its sound profile, accentuating the clarity when keys are released. On the other hand, the nylon bottom of the Yellow Silver contributes to a deeper, more full-bodied sound, particularly noticeable when bottoming out the switch. This combination signifies a distinct division in character, where the Silent Sakura emphasizes the high frequencies while the Yellow Silver leans towards a more subdued tone.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials create a unique typing experience with each switch. If one desires a sound profile that balances both deep resonance and higher-pitched clarity, mixing and matching either switch's housings could yield interesting and satisfactory results. For instance, since the Silent Sakura has a nylon top that softens sound dynamics, pairing it with the polycarbonate bottom can create an equally formidable soundscape to that of the Outemu Yellow Silver’s nylon bottom, albeit through a different construction approach. Users can achieve similar tactile feedback and acoustic experiences by understanding and utilizing how these materials interact within the switches, proving that even contrasting materials can lead to compelling outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel identical in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Silent Sakura at 53 grams and the Yellow Silver at 55 grams. This difference indicates that the Yellow Silver switch provides a slightly heavier push feel upon bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while both switches allow for comfortable typing over extended periods due to their similar actuation forces, the Silent Sakura switch is the lighter option in terms of overall force when fully pressed down, making it potentially more suitable for users who prioritize prolonged use without fatigue.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile responses and keypress depths when utilizing either switch. Consequently, whether one opts for the Silent Sakura or the Yellow Silver, the experience of pressing down on the keys will be virtually the same, allowing for a consistent feel across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for an exceptionally quiet typing experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. This switch excels in providing a tranquil sound profile, making it less disruptive during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile that is characterized by a moderate operating sound, making it versatile for different settings, be it at home, in an office, or during gaming. While both switches cater to different acoustic preferences, the Silent Sakura leans toward silence, whereas the Yellow Silver provides a more balanced sound that might be perceived as both unobtrusive and effective for various uses.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a smooth keystroke with its linear design, which contributes to a light yet satisfying experience thanks to its 53g bottom-out force. This makes it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a gentle pressure without sacrificing feedback. Conversely, the Yellow Silver switch also has a light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes, which is beneficial for both gamers and typists who value speed. While both switches deliver a linear feel, the Silent Sakura may provide a softer overall experience, while the Yellow Silver could be perceived as slightly more nimble due to its design emphasis on speed.
In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver switch cater to distinct preferences concerning sound and feel. The Silent Sakura offers a silent and smooth typing experience, perfect for quiet environments, while the Yellow Silver provides a neutral sound with a focus on speed and responsiveness, making it versatile for various users. Both switches' designs offer unique advantages that align with different typing and gaming styles, ensuring that newcomers can find the right fit based on their specific needs, whether they prioritize quietness or rapid actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, each switch offers distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a whisper-quiet typing experience and a smooth keystroke feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice. With its 53g bottom-out force, you can enjoy a more gentle and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for offices or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. This switch is particularly suited for typists who want to minimize distractions without sacrificing the tactile pleasure of typing. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or a typist who values speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, with its slightly higher 55g bottom-out force, offers a neutral sound profile and a quick actuation that can enhance your performance in fast-paced scenarios. Its versatility makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks, appealing to a broader audience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean toward a quieter, more muted experience with the Silent Sakura or a responsive and adaptable option with the Yellow Silver.
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