HMX Cheese vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the HMX Cheese and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese stands out with its unparalleled smoothness and a satisfying clacky, poppy sound, offering a lively typing experience that can energize your work or gaming sessions. Its ultra-light design makes it one of the lightest switches available, catering to those who appreciate a responsive feel without the burden of heavier actuation forces. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for those who favor tranquility while typing; its whisper-quiet operation evokes the gentle sound of raindrops, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise might be a concern. The ultra-light 43g bottom out force ensures a comfortable typing experience for light typists seeking a serene atmosphere. Both switches excel in their own right, but they appeal to different typing styles and environments. 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing nylon, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent acoustic performances from both switches, especially during the release phase. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it contributes to a sound that absorbs higher frequencies, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience with softer edges. Therefore, users of both switches will notice that the typing experience, particularly on the upward motion, conveys a smooth and rounded sound quality.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the Cheese and Silent Sakura - 43g. The HMX Cheese employs nylon, maintaining the softer and more resonant qualities throughout the entire switch. This results in a coherent sound profile that produces a harmonious typing experience, with both the bottom-out and release sounds sharing a similar character. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, a material known for its rigidity and crisp sound delivery. This leads to a sharper bottom-out sound, contrasting with the warmth emanating from the nylon top housing. Users will experience a distinct auditory dynamic as the clearer and more resonant qualities of polycarbonate contribute to a brighter sound when keys are fully pressed down.
Additionally, the aesthetic implications of these materials play an important role in user preference. The nylon top housing of both switches creates a cohesive look and feel in terms of sound and aesthetics, while the translucent polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a modern and vibrant aesthetic, especially for setups featuring RGB lighting. This allows users to pair their switches with a visually striking keyboard, enhancing the overall experience. Users can appreciate both switches based on their specific needs; while the HMX Cheese may provide a more balanced sound throughout, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a unique interplay between a sharp bottom sound and a rich release sound, catering to different auditory preferences while still achieving overall pleasant typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present different profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter of the two options, which can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Cheese switch, being slightly heavier, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. While both switches can deliver relatively light keystrokes, the Silent Sakura's lower actuation force allows for quicker presses, potentially enhancing typing speed and agility. Overall, users seeking a lighter touch should lean toward the Silent Sakura, whereas those who desire a more tactile experience may find the HMX Cheese to be more satisfying.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Cheese switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for enhanced performance. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switch, with its longer 4 mm travel, provides a more traditional and hearty typing experience, allowing for a deeper engagement with each keystroke. Users who prefer a more subdued feel and are comfortable with slightly slower responsiveness may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese switches offer a distinctive clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying and engaging. This lively sound profile is often appreciated by those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed for a completely different auditory experience, providing a whisper-quiet operation akin to gentle raindrops. This difference makes the Silent Sakura remarkable for users who prefer a more subdued sound environment, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where quiet typing is essential. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can still vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
When considering feel, the HMX Cheese switches are characterized by their unparalleled smoothness, facilitating a pristine typing experience that remains delightful even over extended periods of use. Their ultra-light nature enhances this sensation, allowing for rapid and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches also cater to a light typing experience with a slightly lower bottom-out force, ensuring that users don't exert excessive effort when typing. While they focus on delivering a serene experience, they might not match the same level of responsive feedback found in the Cheese switches. Nonetheless, both switches are designed to enhance efficiency and comfort for typists, albeit through different tactile experiences.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches diverge significantly in both sound and feel, they cater to different preferences and typing environments. The Cheese switches excel in providing an engaging auditory sensation with a smooth feel, making them appealing for those who enjoy dynamic feedback. Conversely, the Silent Sakura focuses on creating a quiet atmosphere with a gentle tactile response, perfect for lighter typists or those requiring low noise levels. Ultimately, your choice between the two would depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, giving you the opportunity to tailor your typing experience to your exact needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value an incredibly smooth and responsive feel with a satisfying clacky and poppy sound, the HMX Cheese switches are an excellent option, particularly for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. Their bottom out force of 46 grams, while still light, provides a bit more feedback, making them ideal for users who like to feel the actuation while also enjoying a lively auditory signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and tranquil typing experience, especially in quieter environments like an office or shared space, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed just for you. With their whisper-quiet operation and slightly lighter 43g bottom out force, these switches allow you to type away without disturbing others, providing comfort for extended typing sessions. In summary, choose the Cheese if you appreciate sound and tactile feedback, and opt for the Silent Sakura if you prioritize quietness and a serene typing atmosphere.
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