Huano Acacia vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stand out as noteworthy options, each offering distinct advantages for different types of users. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box—perfect for those who seek a straightforward and responsive feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed with the quiet typist in mind, providing a gentle, whisper-quiet keystroke that echoes the soothing sound of raindrops. With its balanced 53g bottom-out force, this switch is ideal for individuals who prioritize a tranquil environment without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of each press. While both options have their unique appeal—one focusing on an effortless typing experience and the other on silent operation—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a striking contrast arises between the types of plastics used for their respective top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material not only enhances clarity and resonance but is a favorable choice for keyboards that utilize RGB lighting, as its translucence allows for vivid illumination. In contrast, the Silent Sakura opts for a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its capacity to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The characteristics of each material craft distinctive soundscapes—while the Acacia shines with its crispness, the Silent Sakura offers a rounder, more muted response.
As we shift focus to the bottom housing materials, both switches exhibit a reversal of the earlier pattern. The Huano Acacia incorporates a nylon bottom housing that enhances the rounded sound profile typical of softer materials, while the Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes a sharper and more resonant sound. This divergence in material choice means that the tactile and auditory responses when bottoming out are subjected to differing influences. The Acacia, with its nylon foundation, will provide a more subdued bottoming performance, whereas the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate base will deliver a pronounced and clearer sound effect when pressed.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing characteristics leads to unique typing experiences for each switch, and while the differences in sound and feel may be evident, achieving a similar performance is possible by strategically utilizing the strengths of each material type. If one's typing preference favors the clarity and sharpness of polycarbonate, it can be mirrored through adjustment of typing technique and environmental acoustics even with the Acacia's softer nylon. Conversely, if one seeks the deeper sound profile of the Acacia, it can be echoed through customizations and adjustments with the Silent Sakura as well. Hence, despite their differing materials, dedicated users can fine-tune their setups to find a balance that aligns with their desired auditory experience.
Weight
Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making both switches feel quite similar in terms of the effort required to register a keypress. However, they differ when it comes to their bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Silent Sakura bottoms out at 53 grams. This means that the Acacia switch requires slightly more force to press down fully compared to the Silent Sakura, which may provide a marginally softer feel upon bottoming out. Overall, both switches are categorized as medium-light options, but the Acacia is considered the heavier switch due to its higher bottom out force, which could impact those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, typists or gamers looking for a lighter experience may find both switches suitable, but the Silent Sakura offers a slightly more forgiving bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Acacia featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional feel with its 4 mm travel distance, potentially offering a more satisfying and hearty typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Acacia may suit your needs better, whereas the Silent Sakura may be favored by those who prioritize a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a relatively quiet typing experience, making it suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise can be a concern. Its smooth actuation contributes to a subdued acoustic profile, but the exact decibel level can vary with the choice of keyboard and keycap material. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed specifically for a whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which allows for a near-silent experience while typing. This switch minimizes noise exceptionally well due to its engineering, providing an even softer sound when compared to the Acacia. However, both switches maintain a low sound output that is appealing for those who prefer quiet environments.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch strikes a balance with its medium-light weight, which provides a relaxed yet responsive typing experience. Its generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth keystroke and minimizes friction, enhancing overall satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch exudes a light and satisfying tactile response, boasting a bottom-out force of 53g that feels deliberate and controlled. This slightly heavier actuation can provide reassurance to typists who appreciate a firm feedback while still maintaining an effortless typing experience. Both switches aim to offer comfortable typing experiences, albeit with variations in weight and responsiveness that can suit different preferences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches present promising qualities for beginners seeking a pleasant typing experience. The Acacia excels with its reasonable sound profile and smooth feel, making it versatile for various typing styles, while the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering an ultra-quiet experience with a well-balanced keystroke. Depending on your specific needs for sound and tactile feedback, either option can lead to a satisfying and enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you're someone who values a smooth, enjoyable typing experience right out of the box with minimal stem wobble, the Acacia should be your go-to option. Its slightly higher 55g bottom-out force ensures a responsive feel that can be particularly rewarding for those who type frequently or enjoy a bit more resistance. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet environment and are looking for a switch that minimizes noise while still delivering a satisfying keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the ideal choice. This switch offers a slightly lighter 53g bottom-out force, making it perfect for those long typing sessions or office settings where silence is golden. Ultimately, considering the balance of sound, feel, and the level of force you find most comfortable will guide you to the perfect switch to enhance your typing experience.
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