Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. On one end of the spectrum, the Kailh Box Royal switches offer an exceptionally tactile feel, characterized by their sharp and aggressive response with a higher-pitched sound profile. This makes them an excellent choice for those who relish in the pronounced feedback of each keystroke, enhancing their typing precision and overall engagement. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches provide a whisper-quiet experience, perfectly tailored for users who prioritize a serene typing environment. With a gentle keystroke and a balanced 53g bottom-out force, they deliver satisfaction without the distraction of noise, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Both switches cater to different typing preferences—whether you crave the assertiveness of tactile feedback or a smooth, silent operation—each has its merits. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches share a commonality in their top housing materials, with both employing nylon. This choice of nylon for the top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of switches made from this classic material. Nylon’s softer properties allow it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience. Consequently, users of both switches can anticipate similar acoustic results when engaging with the keys, particularly in terms of the smoothness and warmth of the sound produced during typing or gaming sessions.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches present a significant contrast that affects their overall sound profile. While the Kailh Box Royal also employs nylon for its bottom housing, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes polycarbonate. This difference is notable; nylon tends to continue the deeper sound profile characteristic of the top housing, while polycarbonate contributes a sharper and crisper sound due to its inherent stiffness. The use of polycarbonate creates a more resonant and bright auditory experience, which can change the overall feel of the switch when bottoming out or releasing a key. Consequently, users may notice a discrepancy in sound quality and feedback between the two switches.
In essence, these differences between the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches illustrate how the combination of housing materials affects performance and sound. While the nylon top housing on both switches provides a similar acoustic foundation, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura introduces a distinctive clarity and brightness that contrasts with the deeper tones of the all-nylon Kailh Box Royal. Ultimately, users preferring a richer and warmer sound might gravitate toward the Box Royal, while those seeking a crisper auditory experience could favor the Silent Sakura - 53g. The blend of materials plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience, demonstrating how different configurations can yield varied results despite some shared attributes.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it is evident that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is notably heavier than the Silent Sakura's 53 grams. This difference in bottom out force can affect the overall typing experience, with some users preferring the lighter feel of the Silent Sakura for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others might appreciate the more substantial resistance offered by the Box Royal. As such, those who lean toward a lighter switch would favor the Silent Sakura due to its lower bottom out force, making it more suited for comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Box Royal might appeal to individuals who prefer a heavier switch for that satisfying tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile 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 difference indicates that the Silent Sakura switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keypress experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal caters to gamers seeking quick response times and an abbreviated tactile experience. Therefore, for those who prioritize an immediate reaction from their keystrokes, the Box Royal is the more suitable choice, while users looking for a fuller depth in their typing would likely favor the Silent Sakura for its longer travel distance. Overall, the distinction between the two switches is clear, with the Kailh Box Royal being the shorter option and the HMX Silent Sakura offering greater travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 switches produce a distinctly high-pitched audio profile that is sharp and crisp upon actuating. This characteristic makes them a suitable choice for users who prefer a typing experience devoid of the deeper, richer tones often found in other switch types. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer a much quieter experience, designed to mimic the gentle sound of raindrops. While the Silent Sakura switches prioritize a whisper-quiet operation, it's essential to note that sound production can also vary depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switches excel with their pronounced, sharp tactile feedback, delivering a strong and satisfying bump that users can distinctly feel with every key press. This aggressive tactility makes them ideal for typists who appreciate pronounced feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switches provide a smoother and less tactile feel, favoring a linear response. Although the exact feel characteristics for the Silent Sakura aren't specified, they generally cater to those who like a more fluid typing experience without the interruption of tactile bumps.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal offers a bold and sharp tactile feedback combined with a higher-pitched sound profile, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and sound while typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches focus on providing a quiet and smooth experience, appealing to users seeking a more muted auditory environment. Both switches cater to specific preferences, and your ultimate choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile sensation or quiet operation in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a pronounced, almost aggressive tactile bump that offers a sharp, satisfying response with each keystroke, the Box Royal will be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy force of 70 grams provides a more robust feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a noticeable tactile experience and don’t mind a higher-pitched sound profile. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter typing environment and a lighter, more fluid experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for you. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, it offers a smooth operation akin to gentle raindrops, perfect for those who seek a satisfying yet subtle keystroke. In essence, if noise and tactile intensity are key factors for you, lean towards the Box Royal; if silence and a gentle touch matter more, choose the Silent Sakura. Your preferences will guide you to the ideal switch that complements your typing needs.
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