Akko Botany vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that best aligns with your typing preferences, the Akko Botany and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are two noteworthy options to consider, each offering distinct characteristics. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes and prefer a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch excels in providing a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to gentle raindrops, which caters to typists seeking a peaceful atmosphere without sacrificing a satisfying keystroke feel, thanks to its balanced 53g bottom-out force. While both switches are linear, targeting different user experiences, they each excel in their own niche. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, one of the most significant similarities lies in their top housings, both made from nylon. The use of nylon in this context creates a rich and relatively muted sound profile, resonating deeper than that produced by harder plastic materials. This shared characteristic means that both switches will deliver a fuller sound experience when typing, which is likely to be particularly appealing to those who prefer a softer auditory feedback during use. Both switches thus share a common foundation in design philosophy, focusing on creating an enjoyable typing experience that emphasizes comfort and sound absorption.
The contrast, however, arises in the bottom housing materials. While the Akko Botany utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a consistent, mellow sound profile throughout the entire switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a polycarbonate bottom. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material that imparts a clearer and sharper sound, significantly affecting the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when keys are pressed. This divergence in material results in distinct auditory characteristics: the Botany maintains its softer appeal, whereas the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate construction introduces a more intricate and lively sound when the keys are engaged.
This variation in bottom housing materials illustrates a broader principle in switch design, wherein the interaction of both housing types contributes to the overall typographic experience. The Akko Botany's nylon bottom amplifies the deeper sound produced by its nylon top, resulting in a cohesive, dense acoustic profile. In contrast, the combination of a nylon top with a polycarbonate bottom in the HMX Silent Sakura provides a more layered auditory experience, blending the cushiness of nylon with the crispness of polycarbonate. Despite their differences, both switches will yield some enjoyable results, whether through a softer, muted sound signature or a clearer, sharper auditory profile, depending on the specific preferences of the user.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference also reflects in their bottoming out pressures, with the Botany switch bottoming out at 45 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 53 grams. Consequently, the Akko Botany switch is the lighter option overall, promoting a more effortless typing experience, which can be advantageous for extended usage during work or gaming. In contrast, the heavier HMX Silent Sakura provides a more substantial tactile experience, making it preferable for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke feel. Users can expect a distinct difference in typing experience based on these force specifications, as the lighter weight of the Botany switch may facilitate longer typing sessions with less effort, while the heavier Sakura switch caters to those who favor a more resistant push.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Silent Sakura switch provides a more traditional and deeper keypress experience compared to the Botany switch. Gamers who favor quicker response times might appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Botany, as it allows for more rapid actuation. However, those who prefer a more pronounced feel to their key presses may find the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance to be more satisfying. In summary, the Akko Botany offers a shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm, making it potentially more responsive, while the HMX Silent Sakura, with its 4 mm travel distance, caters to those seeking a deeper and more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
The Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its lively, clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory experience that many typists enjoy. This crisp sound is likely enhanced by the switch's design and the materials used, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a much quieter operation, creating a typing experience that's reminiscent of gentle raindrops. The subdued sound profile is perfect for environments where silence is golden, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound produced is also influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of board and keycaps paired with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Botany is known for its engaging and responsive characteristics, making each keystroke satisfying and enjoyable for typists who favor a more dynamic experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, providing a light yet satisfying keystroke that caters to those who prefer a subtle feedback while typing without the distraction of noise. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, which can significantly impact typing comfort and efficiency.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switch offers a bright, lively sound and an engaging feel, catering to those who enjoy auditory feedback in their typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provides a whisper-quiet experience with a balanced keystroke that prioritizes a more subdued feel. While each switch has its unique qualities, selecting either will provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, allowing typists to choose based on their personal preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and your typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter touch and the satisfying sound of crisp clacks while typing, the Akko Botany would be an excellent fit for you, especially in a space where sound isn't a primary concern. Its lively feedback makes it ideal for gamers and typists looking for an engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued atmosphere, perhaps working in shared spaces or late-night typing sessions, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for you. With its medium-light actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, it delivers a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you will primarily use your keyboard.
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