Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g starkly illustrate the diverse preferences of typists. The Box Royal stands out for its sharp, binary tactility, offering an aggressive tactile feedback that fervent typists often crave. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience, making each keystroke feel pronounced and intentional. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g caters to those who value a serene and quiet typing experience. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, these linear switches allow for smooth, uninterrupted strokes, ideal for light typists or office environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. This duality in design showcases the unique benefits of each switch—be it the tactile satisfaction of the Box Royal or the peacefulness of the Silent Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, which leads to similar acoustic properties during typing. Nylon is recognized for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a more muted auditory experience, contributing to a restrained but satisfying keystroke. Typing on either switch will yield a smooth and mellow sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing the harshness often associated with louder materials.
However, the differences become pronounced in the bottom housing where the Kailh Box Royal adopts nylon while the Silent Sakura - 43g features polycarbonate. While the nylon bottom housing in the Box Royal continues to foster a rounded and subdued sound profile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura introduces a contrasting sharpness and clarity to the sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate amplifies the higher-pitched tones, creating a crisper auditory experience and a more resonant impact when bottoming out. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency gives it an edge when using RGB lighting, as the light can pass through, enhancing the visual appeal.
The composite effect of differing materials between the top and bottom housings can shape the overall sound and feel of each switch. When typing on the Kailh Box Royal, the user will experience a consistency in the softer sound signature due to the uniform nylon throughout, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g will deliver a layered sound profile, where the nylon top provides a warm tone while the polycarbonate bottom adds brightness. This division makes the Silent Sakura more dynamic in auditory feedback, particularly noticeable at the point of bottoming out and releasing keys. Ultimately, both switches will cater to different preferences, with the Box Royal offering a comfortable and smooth experience and the Silent Sakura aiming for a sharper and more resonant feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This clearly indicates that the Silent Sakura is lighter overall, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. Conversely, the Box Royal, with its heavier forces, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a stronger tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter choice, whereas the Kailh Box Royal is the heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Kailh Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures 4.0 mm, which is the longer distance. For those who prefer a more responsive feel and quicker actuation times, the Box Royal might be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will heavily depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial tactile response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its high-pitched auditory profile. This provides a sharp and crisp sound that delivers a pronounced feedback during typing, making it suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic experience without the deep, rich tones some other switches offer. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is engineered for a quieter experience, aiming to produce a near-silent operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This sound preference will cater to those who seek a serene typing environment, allowing for focused work or late-night typing sessions without disturbing others. Despite the stark differences in their sound profiles, both switches will still yield distinct auditory results influenced by the keyboard's layout and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal tactile switch stands out with its sharp tactile feedback, providing users with a strong sense of engagement during typing. Each keystroke is accompanied by a prominent, crisp tactile bump, which can enhance typing accuracy and sensation for those who relish tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch, being a linear switch, lacks the tactile bump and thus offers a smoother keystroke without the tactile interruption. While the Silent Sakura is designed for a lighter touch with a 43g bottom-out force, it doesn’t offer the high feedback intensity seen in the Box Royal, which means typists seeking a more fluid typing experience might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura for a soft touch.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Box Royals are ideal for those who enjoy sharp tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience, while the Silent Sakura switches serve those who prioritize a whisper-quiet typing experience and a smoother keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether you favor a tactile, engaging feel with a higher sound profile or a quiet, linear typing experience that allows for fluid motion and minimal noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and environment. If you enjoy a distinctly sharp and pronounced tactile feedback in your typing, the Box Royal is ideal for you, especially if you appreciate a more aggressive tactile feel. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it excellent for those who prefer a more engaging experience while typing or gaming. However, if you prioritize a quieter, more serene atmosphere—perhaps in shared spaces or during late-night sessions—the Silent Sakura - 43g will suit your needs perfectly. Its ultra-light 43g actuation force allows for effortless typing, making it suitable for those who type lightly or prefer a less tactile response for more fluid keystrokes. In essence, select the Box Royal for a pronounced tactile sensation and an audible feedback experience, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go for subtlety and silence.
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