Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Everglide Bamboo Green switches offer a tactile pleasure that many typists crave, characterized by a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility that enhances the overall feedback during typing sessions. With their sharp and resonant qualities, these switches are ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke, providing a more engaging and dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches prioritize a tranquil atmosphere by delivering a whisper-quiet, linear experience. With a carefully calibrated 53g bottom-out force, these switches cater to those who need a light touch yet still appreciate a satisfying keystroke without the distraction of noise, making them perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both options present unique advantages based on individual typing preferences and ambient considerations; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switches, notable differences emerge. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which is known for its neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between crispness and dullness. This characteristic allows for a moderately pleasant auditory experience when typing, as the PBT material is durable and contributes to the switch's overall longevity. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to its sound absorption properties, resulting in a rounder sound that contrasts distinctly with the Bamboo Green's more neutral offering.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences continue to highlight the unique sound profiles each switch provides. Both the Bamboo Green and the Silent Sakura - 53g showcase PBT and polycarbonate materials, respectively. The PBT bottom housing in the Bamboo Green, like its top counterpart, maintains the neutral sound quality, allowing for a consistent typing experience without sharp contrasts. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura - 53g introduces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Its stiffer nature leads to clearer acoustics, amplifying the typing experience, especially noticeable in the sound produced at bottom-out. This distinction indicates that each switch delivers unique auditory feedback depending on the housing materials used.
Overall, while both switches are designed to provide enjoyable typing experiences, they do so through varying acoustic characteristics. The Bamboo Green’s homogeneous use of PBT in both the top and bottom housing creates a unified sound signature, achieving a balanced auditory result. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g benefits from the combination of nylon and polycarbonate, producing a more dynamic sound experience with distinct tonal differences based on housing material. Ultimately, users can expect different auditory results based on their selected switch, with the possibility of achieving similar typing experiences in terms of keystroke feel, particularly if they appreciate the comparative quietness of the Silent Sakura as a result of its nylon top housing.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have some differences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Silent Sakura, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams, while the Silent Sakura bottoms out at a lighter 53 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green provides a heavier and more substantial feeling at the bottom, the Silent Sakura offers a lighter experience overall. For users who prefer a more extended typing experience without fatigue, the lighter actuation force of the Silent Sakura may be more appealing, whereas those who enjoy a firmer keystroke may favor the Bamboo Green's heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, whereas the Bamboo Green is the heavier option, particularly noteworthy in its bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a comparable key press depth when using either switch, delivering a consistent tactile feedback and responsiveness. Given that both switches have identical travel distances, they are likely to provide similar results in terms of travel feel and overall performance during typing or gaming. Therefore, whether one opts for the Bamboo Green or the Silent Sakura, the key press distance will not vary, leading to a uniform typing experience.
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 - 53g 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 - 53g for $2.99.
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 tactile switches deliver a distinctly high-pitched and resonant auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces a clacky sound signature characterized by sharp, crisp notes that many typists find satisfying, particularly those who appreciate a more vibrant audio profile. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches are engineered for a significantly quieter experience, resembling the gentle sounds of raindrops falling against a window. The Silent Sakura lacks the pronounced auditory feedback found in Bamboo Greens, aiming for a serene and unobtrusive typing sound that caters more to those in environments where noise may be a concern.
Feeling the switches offers a different experience. The Bamboo Green switches are defined by their tactile characteristics, featuring a stepped design with a prominent tactile bump that provides clear and assertive feedback. This medium tactile response, accentuated by the sharpness of the bump, makes each keystroke feel deliberate and engaging, providing a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches provide a smoother experience without any tactile feedback. As linear switches, they excel in delivering a fluid keystroke with minimal resistance, appealing to those who appreciate effortless key travel.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel, they both fulfill specific needs. The Bamboo Green offers a more dynamic and pronounced auditory and tactile experience, ideal for users who thrive on feedback, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quieter and smoother keystroke, perfect for a serene working environment. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound dynamics and tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you are drawn to tactile feedback with a pronounced sound, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice, providing a crisp, high-pitched sound signature and a satisfying tactile bump that enhances your typing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes and may not mind a bit of noise—a perfect fit for personal use or in settings where sound is not an issue. Conversely, if you seek a quieter experience without sacrificing a pleasant feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed with you in mind. Its whisper-quiet operation and medium-light bottom-out force make it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions when noise levels need to be minimal. This switch combines a smooth keystroke with a satisfying touch, ensuring your typing remains discreet while still feeling delightful. Thus, consider your acoustic preferences and typing environment carefully, as these factors will guide you to the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.
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