HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy 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, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich and sharp sound profile, providing an engaging auditory feedback through its full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem that enriches each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who seek a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter workspace. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura is designed for light typists, ensuring that typing feels effortless and serene. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Deep Navy for those who appreciate sound alongside tactile feedback, and the Silent Sakura for individuals who value a hushed typing environment. 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
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, the most notable similarity lies in their top housing material, which is nylon for both switches. This shared characteristic leads to a comparable sound profile during typing, characterized by a deep and full resonance. The nylon's softer plastic properties help in absorbing sound, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. This similarity is significant for users who prioritize a softer acoustic experience while typing, as both switches will produce a similar auditory output when the keys are engaged.
However, a key difference arises in the bottom housing materials of these switches. The Deep Navy employs a nylon bottom housing, which complements its nylon top by continuing the softer sound profile throughout the switch's mechanism. This consistency provides a seamless auditory experience, where the impact of each keystroke results in a deeper sound, as the nylon’s acoustic properties are preserved. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear auditory feedback, which can significantly differentiate the feel and sound when bottoming out the keys compared to the Deep Navy.
Ultimately, the combination of a nylon top housing with a nylon bottom in the HMX Deep Navy results in a cohesive sound experience, while the Silent Sakura - 43g's use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing allows for a more pronounced acoustic distinction. This contrast means that while both switches achieve similar sonorous qualities from their respective top housings, the overall typing experience, especially concerning the bottom-out sound and feel, will vary significantly due to the choice of bottom housing material. Users seeking a deeper and more resonant experience may lean towards the Deep Navy, while those wanting a clearer and sharper auditory response may find the Silent Sakura - 43g more suitable for their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find that they differ in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, compared to the 37 grams of the Silent Sakura. This means that the Silent Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Deep Navy also has a slightly higher force at 45 grams versus the 43 grams of the Silent Sakura. Therefore, while both switches are relatively light, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for users who prefer minimal resistance during use. If you are looking for a more substantial typing feel with slightly heavier feedback, the Deep Navy may be the better fit.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a more responsive feel, the Deep Navy switch may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance speed and agility in gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing, offering a deeper and more satisfying experience. Therefore, if you favor responsiveness, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a hearty depth in your keystrokes, you might opt for the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp acoustic experience, attributed to its full nylon construction. This design contributes to a distinctive auditory feedback that some users might find satisfying for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a dramatically different sound profile, engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience. This switch produces sound akin to gentle raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as shared workspaces or quiet home offices. While the Deep Navy provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura ensures a serene typing atmosphere, allowing for dynamic sound qualities based on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the HMX Deep Navy is recognized for delivering a silky smooth keystroke experience, thanks to its Ly stem. This smoothness enhances user satisfaction during extended typing sessions and gaming marathons. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for lighter typists, boasting an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, which contributes to a delicate touch that makes each keypress feel effortless. While the Deep Navy might cater more towards users who appreciate a slightly heavier keystroke, the Silent Sakura offers a more feather-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a less tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich sound and silky smoothness, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging typing environment. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on quiet operation and a light touch, accommodating users looking for a gentle and serene typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy the tactile sensation of a smooth keystroke paired with a more pronounced sound profile, the Deep Navy may be your ideal switch, particularly if you find that satisfying audio feedback enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate and discreet approach to typing—perhaps in shared spaces or during late-night sessions—the Silent Sakura - 43g would be an excellent choice, as it offers a whisper-quiet operation without sacrificing smoothness, making it suitable for both casual and professional use. With its slightly lighter 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura caters to lighter typists who appreciate finesse and a calm atmosphere. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environments you frequent, and the sensory feedback you desire to make the best decision between these two exceptional linear switches.
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