HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz 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 choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making it a delight for those who prefer a responsive and effortless typing experience. Its eye-catching glittery housing and clacky sound signature adds an exciting auditory element, appealing to users who enjoy feedback with their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, perfect for those in shared spaces or who simply prefer a more subdued auditory landscape. With an ultra-light bottom out force of 43g, it caters to light typists seeking a serene typing environment without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Both switches provide unique benefits, whether it’s the engaging sound and feel of the Blue Topaz or the tranquil silence of the Silent Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g feature different materials in their top housings, with the Blue Topaz utilizing polycarbonate and the Silent Sakura employing nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and translucency, which enhances the resonance and clarity, particularly when RGB lighting is used. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and delivering a rounder auditory experience. These distinct materials in the top housings create noticeable diversity in sound character, influencing the overall typing experience of each switch.
When considering the bottom housings, an interesting reversal occurs: the Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Sakura has a polycarbonate bottom. The nylon in the Blue Topaz contributes to a deeper sound and feel when bottoming out, consistent with the characteristics of its top housing. In contrast, the rigid and clearer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura will provide a crisper and sharper sound upon key release, synergizing with the muted resonance of its nylon top. This contrasting combination produces unique auditory profiles and tactile experiences based on how each switch is constructed, allowing users to curate their typing sensations effectively.
Overall, while each switch utilizes different materials for their top and bottom housings, they're designed to complement each other in ways that can lead to similar performance results depending on user preference. The mixed materials approach means the Blue Topaz might deliver a more pronounced acoustic feedback from the bottom-out sound and a clearer release, while the Silent Sakura would afford a smoother and less piercing return phase with a potentially warmer overall feel. Ultimately, those searching for a balance between responsiveness and sound profiling can find satisfaction with either option, as both are capable of delivering enjoyable typing experiences that resonate with distinct auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find that both options are on the lighter side in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter switch overall, appealing to users who favor a less strenuous typing experience for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Blue Topaz, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial feel when typing, which some users might prefer for a more tactile response. Ultimately, both switches offer unique attributes, with the Silent Sakura being the lighter option and the Blue Topaz providing a slightly stronger push feel at the bottom out stage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Blue Topaz may be more appealing, as it offers quicker actuation for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying and deeper feel, which some users prefer for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference: for those seeking speed, the Blue Topaz seems to be the better option, whereas those looking for depth may lean toward the Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky tone, which delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This crisp and bright sound signature can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, offering a gentle sound that resembles the soothing sound of raindrops falling against a window. This makes the Silent Sakura ideal for environments where noise is a concern or for typists who prefer a more subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is known for its super smooth actuation and lightweight touch, allowing for easy presses that require minimal effort. This low actuation force promotes a comfortable typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g also features a lightweight design with its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, catering to users who enjoy a similar ease of actuation, further enhancing the typing experience for light typists. The smoothness of both switches is likely to result in a pleasant and engaging feel, making typing effortless.
In summary, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer unique advantages based on sound and feel. The Blue Topaz provides a clacky auditory feedback that engages the user, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet typing experience. Both switches share a lightweight design that ensures easy actuation, making them excellent choices for typists seeking comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your sound preference and the environment in which you type, but both promise a satisfying typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a smoother and more responsive typing feel with a bit of auditory flair, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy the clacky sound that adds character to your typing experience. Its lightweight actuation force makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer effortless key presses for extended writing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter operation—perhaps for a shared workspace or a late-night gaming session—the Silent Sakura's design focuses on delivering a serene typing experience that minimizes noise without compromising on tactile responsiveness. With a slightly lighter actuation force, it caters well to users seeking a gentle and subtle feedback mechanism. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your balance of sound preference and typing experience—whether you crave the auditory pleasure of the Blue Topaz or the hushed tranquility of the Silent Sakura.
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