Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green switch is celebrated for its crisp and sparkling tactility complemented by a lively clacky sound, which many typists find satisfying. With its stepped profile and high-pitched resonance, this tactile switch is perfect for those who appreciate feedback during key presses, allowing for a more engaging and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offers a stark contrast with its ultra-light actuation force of 43g, catering to typists who prefer a smoother, quieter operation. This switch mimics the gentle sound of raindrops, making it an excellent choice for those in shared environments or who simply desire a more serene atmosphere while typing. Both switches have their unique attributes appealing to specific needs, whether one craves tactile feedback or a silent typing 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it's evident that they prioritize different sonic qualities that appeal to distinct typing preferences. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which is relatively rare in the world of switch housings. This material offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between not being overly crisp or dull. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a nylon top housing, revered for its classic characteristics. The nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which helps mitigate sharper sounds, resulting in a smoother typing experience. Thus, while the Bamboo Green offers a balanced acoustic environment, the Silent Sakura - 43g layers in a depth that may be preferable for those seeking a more rounded sound.
Examining the bottom housing, the differences continue to manifest, enhancing the overall typing dynamics of each switch. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its bottom housing, consistently adhering to its neutral sound profile. This material contributes to a bottoming-out experience that doesn't overwhelm the typist with sharpness, maintaining a stable and controlled sound. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs polycarbonate as its bottom housing material, known for its stiffer composition. This construction results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, significantly influencing the acoustic feedback that typists receive upon bottoming out. Thus, typists who gravitate toward the Silent Sakura may enjoy a sound that pops more distinctly, while Bamboo Green owners might appreciate a more subdued experience.
In practical terms, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, even though their material choices lead to different sound profiles. The Bamboo Green's combination of PBT in both the top and bottom housings creates a cohesive sound experience that should yield consistent typing feedback. Similarly, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g can achieve comparable results through its unique blend of nylon and polycarbonate. Although their distinct materials might evoke contrasting auditory sensations, skilled typists may find ways to adapt to either switch, leveraging the inherent qualities of the housing materials to attain a desirable sound and feel for their typing style. Ultimately, whether one's preference leans towards the neutral character of PBT or the fuller depth imparted by nylon, the both switches can complement a varied range of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics suited for different typing preferences. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions. This means that while the Bamboo Green is the heavier option, offering more tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura is designed for those who favor lighter key presses. Overall, users looking for a more pronounced push feel should consider the Bamboo Green, whereas those seeking a lighter and easier keystroke will find the Silent Sakura more appealing.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on both switches. As the travel distance is the same, those who prefer either switch will find that their key presses feel consistent in terms of depth, which can be particularly advantageous for typing and gaming. Consequently, users looking for a switch that provides a similar feel under their fingers can choose either without concern for differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched auditory signature, creating an engaging experience that many typists find satisfying. The resonant quality adds to the overall immersive nature of the sound, making each keystroke feel crisp and lively. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches specialize in offering a remarkably quiet typing experience, delivering a gentle sound reminiscent of raindrops that is perfect for those who prefer a serene environment. Thus, while the Bamboo Green is likely to draw attention with its engaging sound, the Silent Sakura maintains discretion without sacrificing typing satisfaction.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches feature a variety of tactile characteristics that cater to those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. With their stepped design, they provide a clear tactile sensation, letting typists feel both pre-travel and post-travel phases. Coupled with an accented quality, these switches deliver a balanced tactile feedback that’s neither overwhelming nor too subtle. Additionally, the high feedback intensity and polished finish enhance the overall experience, creating an exceptionally smooth yet distinctly responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches are characterized by their linear profile, offering a smooth typing experience without the tactile bumps that the Bamboo Greens provide. This caters well to typists seeking a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Bamboo Green offers a more dynamic auditory experience with significant tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a traditional mechanical feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura appeals to those who seek a quieter and more fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory engagement and tactile feedback or prefer a smooth and silent typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a resonant, clacky sound while typing, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams ensures that each keypress feels distinct and satisfying, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging typing experience, especially in a home office or casual setting where sound is not a significant concern. On the other hand, if you tend to type lightly or find yourself in quieter environments—like shared workspaces or libraries—the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g serves as a superb alternative. Its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and muted sound profile allow for discreet, soft keystrokes that minimize disturbance to those around you. Therefore, consider your typing style and the acoustic atmosphere of your workspace to make the best switch choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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