HMX Cheese vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a delightfully clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who revel in an audible and tactile typing experience. Its ultra-light actuation, being lighter than 90% of all switches, makes it particularly appealing to gamers or fast typists seeking quick response times. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a serene typing atmosphere, engineered for whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which is ideal for quiet office settings or shared workspaces. With its balanced 53g bottom-out force, it delivers a gentle yet satisfying keystroke, appealing to those looking for a blend of comfort and subtlety. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, it is evident that the two share a commonality in their top housings, both of which are made from nylon. This similarity results in a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic nature, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Users can thus expect a similar audible quality when pressing these switches, as the characteristics of the nylon will enhance the overall sound morphology irrespective of the switch model.
However, the differences between the two switches become apparent when examining their bottom housing materials. The HMX Cheese features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall softer and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which elicits a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, leads to greater resonance and clarity. This divergence in bottom housing materials means that while both switches share a common sound quality when pressed down, the reverb and resonance experience during the bottom-out phase will differ, with the Silent Sakura providing a more pronounced auditory response.
In terms of overall performance, the impact of the differing materials is crucial to each switch's unique auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Cheese offers a plush, rounded sound that may appeal to users seeking a softer keystroke experience. In contrast, the firmer polycarbonate bottom housing of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g enhances the clarity of each keystroke, creating a more vibrant sound profile. Consequently, users can choose according to their personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, with both switches delivering desirable characteristics based on the interplay between their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cheese switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, leaning toward a medium-light feel that offers a bit more resistance. This means that while both switches are designed for a smooth keystroke, the Cheese provides a softer touch, perfect for those desiring less fatigue over time, while the Silent Sakura offers a firmer push that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the Cheese switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura is the heavier one, giving users clear choices based on their preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Cheese having a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Sakura. This makes the HMX Cheese the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who seek faster key presses for quicker reaction times. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a more traditional longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and deliberate feel for users who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for speed and a lighter touch, the HMX Cheese is the better choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura caters to those who enjoy a more substantial key press.
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 - 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is celebrated for its distinctly clacky, poppy, and crispy audio profile, which creates an engaging and lively auditory experience during typing. This sound signature enhances the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard, offering an energetic feel that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to deliver a much quieter sound, evoking the soft and gentle noise of raindrops tapping on a window. This whisper-quiet experience makes it particularly appealing for environments where minimal sound disruption is preferred. Overall, while the Cheese switch projects a more pronounced auditory character, the Silent Sakura offers a serene and muted sound, catering to different user preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch is lauded for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a crisp and pleasant tactile experience that allows for effortless typing. This ultra-light switch facilitates quick keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists who enjoy a responsive touch. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, designed to strike a perfect equilibrium between a light touch and a satisfying keystroke. This switch appeals to those who want a softer typing experience without sacrificing feedback, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. While the feel may differ slightly in terms of weight and tactile feedback, both switches ultimately promote comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch each offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Cheese excels in providing a lively and dynamic sound paired with exceptional smoothness, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet typing atmosphere without compromising feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience or the tranquility of silent keystrokes, with both options ensuring a satisfying typing adventure.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch should ultimately be guided by your typing preferences and the environment in which you work or play. If you prioritize a super smooth and ultra-light typing experience with a lively sound profile that delivers a distinct, clacky feel, the Cheese switch would be your go-to option. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a quieter operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is likely the better fit. With its medium-light 53g actuation force and serene sound, it is particularly well-suited for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise might be a concern. Ultimately, reflect on the scenarios in which you'll be using your keyboard—whether you need something lively and engaging or something more subdued and peaceful, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your overall typing experience.
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