Gateron Beer vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stand out for their unique characteristics and intended uses. The Gateron Beer, with its tactile profile, brings the delight of a Tsingtao beer bottle to life, featuring a stepped tactility that is both refreshing and engaging. Its lightweight design and characteristic clacky sound signature make it an exciting option for those who enjoy a responsive, auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for users who value discretion while working or gaming. With a feather-light actuation force, the Silent Sakura offers a serene alternative that allows for rapid key presses without the distraction of noise. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of feel and sound, but they each offer something unique to enhance your typing journey. 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
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic qualities and overall typing experience. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer structure. This results in a crisper auditory feedback that many users find appealing, particularly in environments that benefit from a more pronounced typing sound. In contrast, the Silent Sakura adopts a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic signature. Consequently, users seeking a quieter and more muted typing experience would likely prefer the sound produced by the Silent Sakura.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting similarity emerges: both the Gateron Beer and the Silent Sakura utilize polycarbonate. This shared material creates a cohesive auditory signature when keys are bottomed out or when they are released. The polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the crispness and clarity of sound, which means that even though the top housings differ in their acoustic impact, the consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches maintain a sharp tone during key presses. As a result, both switches can produce a harmonious typing experience that balances out the distinct influences of their respective top housings.
The interaction of both housing materials dictates the overall typing feedback and sound profile users can expect from each switch. The combination of a polycarbonate bottom housing with a nylon top in the Silent Sakura creates a unique auditory experience that emphasizes a rounder finish when keys are released—ideal for those who prefer a subdued audio feedback. Conversely, the all-polycarbonate construction of the Gateron Beer amplifies the sharper acoustic signature from both presses and releases, contributing to a highly engaging typing feel. Understanding these differences and similarities allows users to choose based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback, ultimately guiding them to a switch that best suits their typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see subtle differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. The Beer switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force but is heavier overall when it comes to bottoming out. Both switches exhibit a light overall feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Users who prefer a lighter actuation might lean toward the Silent Sakura due to its marginally lower actuation force. In contrast, those who value a more robust experience when bottoming out may find the Gateron Beer more appealing because of its higher bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial typing touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional depth, which some users may find preferable for a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Beer switch caters to those who seek quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who favor agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Gateron Beer switch would be the way to go, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura is better suited for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch produces a distinct clacky sound signature that is characterized by its sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback. This sound can certainly add an engaging layer to the typing experience, providing a lively atmosphere during use. In contrast, while the specifics of the sound profile for the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g remain unspecified, it is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, likely emphasizing minimal auditory disturbance. The difference in sound presentation between these two switches is stark, where the Beer’s clacky nature is ideal for users who prefer an audible response, while the Silent Sakura caters to those prioritizing a serene typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a lightweight actuation force and stepped tactility. This means each key press requires minimal force, which reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall typing comfort. The stepped tactile feedback provides a gentle and nuanced response during typing, making it feel more inviting for long sessions. Meanwhile, no specific details about the feel of the Silent Sakura switches are provided, leaving it unclear how they would compare in tactile response. However, given their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, one might anticipate a smooth, linear typing feel, typically favored by users who enjoy a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and texture. While the Beer switch provides a lively and tactile clack for those who enjoy auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a quiet experience. In terms of feel, the Beer’s easy-to-press action and stepped tactile experience enhance typing comfort, whereas the Silent Sakura's exact tactile qualities are unknown. Ultimately, both switches can deliver pleasurable typing experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics appealing to different types of typists. Choose based on your sound preference and desired feedback to find the switch that suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
In closing, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a bit of auditory feedback, the Beer switch is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound and stepped tactility make it delightful for typists who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes, particularly in a setting where such sounds are welcomed, like at home or in a less formal workspace. Alternatively, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—perhaps for an office setting or shared spaces—the Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch would be more suitable. With its ultra-light actuation and whisper-quiet operation, it caters to users who want to minimize distractions and foster a serene environment while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired balance between auditory pleasure and typing discretion, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is both enjoyable and suited to your specific needs.
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