Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g represents a classic conflict between tactile feedback and silent efficiency. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out for its distinctive clicky feedback, providing a gratifying auditory and tactile response that typists often find invigorating and satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the traditional mechanical keyboard feel and prefer a more interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who value a quiet environment, offering a smooth and linear keystroke that ensures minimal noise. With its balanced 53g actuation force, it provides a light yet responsive typing feel, making it perfect for long hours of work or gaming without disturbing others around you. Each switch has its own merits depending on user preferences, but 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
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the material's rigidity. This quality allows for better sound clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g has a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and round acoustic response. Thus, while both switches aim for auditory satisfaction, their choice of top housing clearly defines their distinctive sound characteristics.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a reversal of materials between the two switches. The Kailh Box White V2 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, just like the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura - 53g. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. As a result, the bottom-out sound produced when pressing down on either switch will reflect the properties of these materials, with the Box White V2 delivering a more subdued tone and the Silent Sakura - 53g offering a brighter resonance. Therefore, while both switches may have different sound signatures and tactile feedback due to their housing materials, they showcase the ability of each material to impact the overall auditory experience.
In practical terms, the combination of these materials suggests that users can achieve a variety of sound experiences based on their preferences. For example, a typist looking for a clearer and more defined sound profile might lean towards the Kailh Box White V2, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting, which pairs well with the translucent polycarbonate top housing. Meanwhile, those who prefer a quieter and softer typing experience may find the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g more appealing due to its nylon top housing that facilitates a subdued sound profile. Ultimately, each switch brings its own unique qualities to the table, while their contrasting materials allow for a diverse range of auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press down and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the differences arise in their bottom out forces; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches feel light during the initial actuation, the Silent Sakura requires a bit more force to fully compress, giving it a heavier overall feel when bottoming out. Those who prefer a more tactile experience might appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Sakura, while those who enjoy a lighter touch might favor the Kailh Box White V2, particularly for prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to individual preference regarding the bottom out experience, with the Box White V2 being lighter and the Silent Sakura offering a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find that they differ in their measurements. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Silent Sakura, which has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference highlights the preferences that users may have regarding key responsiveness; the shorter travel distance of the Box White V2 may appeal more to gamers seeking quick response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura provides a more substantial feel for those who favor tactile depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether one prioritizes speed or a more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is recognized for its distinct and pronounced audible click, offering a clear auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and enjoyable. This click sound serves not only to confirm a successful keypress but also creates an engaging atmosphere, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory cues while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch delivers an exceptionally quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping on a window. This subtle sound profile is designed for those who want to keep their typing noise to a minimum, making it perfect for shared spaces or environments where noise levels need to be controlled. While the Box White V2 generates a louder and more stimulating sound, the Silent Sakura stands out for its tranquility, appealing to different preferences for auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches offer a crisp tactile response that makes each keypress feel precise and satisfying. The pronounced tactile bump can enhance typing accuracy, allowing users to easily feel and hear when a keystroke has been executed. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a smooth linear action, devoid of any tactile bump or click, providing an effortless keystroke experience. This switch type caters to those who prefer a softer, uninterrupted motion, which can facilitate longer typing sessions without finger fatigue. While the Box White V2 engages users with its tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura offers a serene, fluid typing experience that many find more comfortable.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different user preferences. The Box White V2 provides a lively and auditory typing experience with its clicky feedback, perfect for those who thrive on tactile engagement. Conversely, the Silent Sakura – with its whisper-quiet operation and smooth feel – is ideal for typists looking for a serene environment while still enjoying a satisfying keystroke. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience, whether it be the sounds and tactile sensations or a quieter, more fluid approach.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience and appreciate auditory feedback to signal your keystrokes, the Kailh Box White V2 could be your ideal choice. This switch's light bottom-out force of 50 grams and crisp clicking sound make it particularly suited for typists who thrive on a more engaging and responsive feel, especially in gaming or fast-paced typing situations. On the other hand, if you favor a quieter and more subdued typing experience—perhaps due to a shared workspace or a desire for minimal distraction—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent option. With its medium-light 53g bottom-out force and gentle, linear feel, this switch allows for smooth keystrokes without the clicky sound, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions where a serene environment is desired. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance you wish to achieve between sound, feedback, and typing comfort.
Mentioned in this article
