Huano Acacia vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, enabling an exceptional typing experience right from the start. This makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize a smooth and responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who prefer a quieter environment, with an ultra-light bottom-out force of only 43g, ideal for light typists seeking a serene and discreet typing experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to users who enjoy consistent keystrokes without tactile bumps or clicks, they excel in different areas—one in performance right out of the box and the other in noise reduction. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches incorporate two different materials in their housing design, leading to varied auditory experiences for users. The Acacia’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its translucence enhances RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize both aesthetics and sound clarity. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a rounder auditory experience, which many users may find preferable for quieter work environments.
The bottom housings of these switches present a similar divergence of materials that further accentuates their sound characteristics. While the Acacia utilizes a nylon bottom housing—known for dampening sound and delivering that rich, muted impact—the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. The inclusion of polycarbonate at the bottom introduces a sharper and more resonant sound profile to the bottom-out experience. Therefore, the combination of these materials means that when using the Acacia, the softer nylon generates a deeper sound on bottoming out, whereas the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom reinforces its crispness in this phase.
Interestingly, the interplay of these materials means that users will experience distinctive audio feedback depending on which switch they are engaging with. With the Acacia, users can anticipate a sound profile marked by contrast—crisp on release due to the polycarbonate top and deep on bottoming out from the nylon. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s sound profile offers a more consistent, rounded tone throughout both phases, with sharper accents at the top due to the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top. Ultimately, while each switch's materials differ, they can yield similar satisfaction for users who value a unique sound experience tailored to their typing style, making each choice a matter of personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation and bottom out forces is evident. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Acacia requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, being noticeably lighter, may allow for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue, benefiting users who prioritize ease of use, especially in prolonged activities like gaming or working. Overall, those seeking a heavier switch will find the Acacia more fitting, while those in favor of lighter actuation should opt for the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Sakura. Shorter travel distances, like that of the Acacia, can provide quicker response times, catering to gamers who favor fast actuation. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel of the Silent Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience with each press, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or depth and a more pronounced keystroke feel.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch tends to provide a balanced acoustic profile that is quieter than tactile or clicky switches but still produces a solid, satisfying thock when pressed. This makes it suitable for office and shared spaces without being overly loud. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g takes the quiet experience to another level, designed specifically to create a whisper-quiet typing experience. The sound produced by these switches is likened to gentle raindrops, significantly muted compared to most other linear switches, making them ideal for environments where silence is essential.
When considering the feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch stands out with its medium-light actuation force and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth and responsive typing experience that minimizes stem wobble and enhances accuracy. This combination allows for a comfortable yet tactile typing sensation. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, catering to light typists who may prefer a softer, effortless keystroke. While the feel may differ in terms of actuation force, both switches provide a smooth linear response, ensuring that typists experience fluid and uninterrupted key presses.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g shares the fundamental properties of linear switches that deliver a smooth typing experience, they cater to different user preferences primarily through their sound profiles and actuation forces. The Acacia is better suited for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback along with a precise feel, while the Silent Sakura is tailored for those who desire an exceptionally quiet environment without sacrificing the smooth typing experience. Both switches excel in their own right, allowing typists to choose based on their specific auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a balance of feedback and ease of key actuation, the Acacia with its medium-light 55g bottom-out force and smooth, well-lubricated feel will likely suit you well. It provides a tactile typing experience with just the right amount of resistance, making it ideal for those who type with a bit more force or enjoy a more engaged feel while typing. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch would be the better choice. We designed these switches specifically for whisper-quiet operation and a soft actuation feel, catering to light typists or those who work in shared spaces where noise levels matter. Ultimately, consider your typing dynamics, environment, and personal comfort to make the best switch selection for your needs.
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