Gateron CJ vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique experiences, but cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron CJ is celebrated for its distinctive sound profile, producing higher-pitched clacks and an impressively smooth push feel that many typists find enjoyable. This switch is characterized by its chirpy yet balanced feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a more vocal typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g emphasizes quietude, engineering a soft yet satisfying keystroke that mimics the gentle sound of raindrops—ideal for users in shared or quiet environments. With a 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light and responsive touch, perfect for typists looking for a serene typing experience without compromising on performance. While both switches are linear, each presents a different auditory and tactile profile for the user to consider; 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, there are notable distinctions in both their compositions and the sound profiles they produce. The Gateron CJ features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which allows for a pointed and high-pitched sound that many describe as clacky. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the acoustic signature of the switches but also influences the overall typing experience, where the CJ leans towards a higher resonance and the Silent Sakura offers a more subdued tone.
The bottom housings of the two switches showcase differences that further diversify their sound characteristics. The CJ features a POM bottom housing, known for producing a pleasing and uniquely deeper sound, creating a muted auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, resulting from its stiffer composition. The impact of these choices is significant, as the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, while both switches may offer engaging sound experiences, the differences in their bottom housing materials contribute to distinct auditory feedback.
Despite the differences in materials, players can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch based on the overall balance of sound profiles. The combination of a high-pitched top housing and a deeper bottom housing in the Gateron CJ creates a dynamic auditory environment, while the Silent Sakura's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom aim for a rounded yet crisp profile. To summarize, while the materials drive the differences in sound perception, the overall strategy for sound design remains consistent—each switch’s unique combination of top and bottom housing characteristics ultimately shapes its auditory and tactile feedback, leading to varying experiences that can still be equally enjoyable depending on user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, distinctive differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Gateron CJ requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Sakura - 53g features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura - 53g the lighter option, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ presents a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out, offering a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a firmer key response. Overall, the differences in actuation forces suggest that typists and gamers seeking varying tactile experiences would benefit from choosing between these two switches according to their individual preferences for weight and resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which indicates that they behave similarly in terms of the distance traveled when a key is pressed. This equivalent travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness from both switches during typing or gaming experiences. Since both switches have the same measurement, those who prioritize travel distance can confidently choose either option without worrying about differences in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron CJ linear switch is characterized by its unique chirpy acoustics, producing a higher-pitched clack that brings an engaging auditory experience to typing. This switch can generate a rich, thocky tone with a low-pitched depth that contrasts its more pronounced chirp. This distinctiveness makes it appealing for users who enjoy a lively sound while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for whisper-quiet operation, aiming to create a serene typing experience that resembles the soft patter of raindrops. While it lacks a detailed acoustic description, the emphasis on silence suggests a focus on minimizing distraction, making it suitable for environments where quietness is paramount.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CJ linear is noted for offering a mild experience that blends smoothness with gentle resistance. This balance makes it approachable for typists of all skill levels, as its characteristics don’t throw users off with overly harsh or overly soft sensations. The key press is satisfying without being demanding. On the other hand, the specifics of the Silent Sakura - 53g’s feel are unknown; however, given its balanced 53g bottom-out force, it likely aims to provide a similarly pleasant typing experience, potentially catering to those who prefer a lighter keystroke.
In summary, both the Gateron CJ and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer distinct appeals to different types of users. The CJ stands out with its engaging sound profile and mild feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy an active typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g emphasizes a muted acoustic signature, perfect for users prioritizing quiet operation. Although their sensory qualities diverge, each switch targets a specific niche in the mechanical keyboard community that can satisfy various preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique auditory experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Gateron CJ is an excellent choice. Its chirpy, thocky sounds create an engaging typing atmosphere, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more dynamic acoustic feedback and a smooth push feel while typing. This makes the CJ particularly suitable for enthusiasts and users wanting to add character to their keyboard without compromising on the feel. On the other hand, if you value a quieter operation with a lighter touch due to its 53g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura - 53g will be your go-to. Its whisper-quiet keystrokes make it perfect for office environments or shared spaces, where minimizing noise disturbances is essential. Additionally, if you prefer a soft and gentle typing experience that still provides satisfaction, the Silent Sakura - 53g will cater to your needs beautifully. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and environment, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your keyboard setup.
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