HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem, making them a solid choice for users who enjoy audible feedback and a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches provide a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which can be particularly appealing in office environments or for late-night gaming sessions. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches satisfy typists who seek a light touch while still ensuring a satisfying keystroke. While both switches are linear, each offers distinctive sensations and sound profiles that cater to individual needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we observe notable similarities and differences that influence their respective sound profiles and tactile feedback. Both switches feature nylon as the top housing material, which is described as a classic in the switch world. This choice of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer characteristics that absorb sound better than harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, as the nylon top housing contributes to a rounded and muted sound on both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sonic signature with that of the top housing. This uniform material combination helps create a cohesive sound profile that is soft and resilient, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, leading to a crisper auditory feedback, particularly noticeable when the key is bottomed out. This differentiation in bottom housing materials contributes to a distinct sound and feel when typing on the Silent Sakura - 53g compared to the Deep Navy.
Ultimately, the impact of the varying bottom housings results in differing typing experiences between the two switches. While the nylon bottom of the Deep Navy ensures consistency with the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Sakura - 53g enhances the sound clarity and adds a distinctive character. Users may notice this differentiation primarily during key presses, with the nylon offering a softer bottom-out feel, while the polycarbonate creates a more pronounced acoustic response. However, since both switches share the same nylon top material, the auditory effects from the release of the keys will nevertheless convey a similar sonic warmth that typifies the qualities of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and heavier than the Deep Navy. As a result, users seeking a lighter typing experience for extended use may prefer the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Silent Sakura. Therefore, the key distinctions lie in their respective actuation and bottom out forces, with the Deep Navy being the lighter choice and the Silent Sakura offering a heavier, more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Deep Navy switch provides a shorter travel experience, which some gamers might prefer for its faster response times and responsiveness. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch, with its more traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel, which can be more satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Therefore, if you lean towards a quicker, more responsive action, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura would be more suitable for those who appreciate a fuller keypress sensation.
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 - 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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch produces a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction, which can enhance the auditory experience of each keystroke. This gives a more pronounced auditory feedback, making every keystroke a melodious event that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a much quieter typing experience, designed to mimic the soft and soothing sound of raindrops against a window. The delicately engineered acoustics create a serene environment, ideal for those who prefer minimal sound distractions while typing. It's essential to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycap selection, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness during keystrokes, attributed to the Ly stem design, which provides a delightful sensation as fingers glide over the keys. This smooth action is often favored by typists who enjoy a seamless transition between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a balanced 53g bottom-out force, offering a lightweight feel that still manages to deliver a satisfying tactile experience. This design caters to those who prefer a feather-like touch without compromising on the overall feedback. While the two switches differ in their tactile response and weight, users can enjoy smooth keystrokes with both options.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches cater to distinct typing preferences. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a pronounced auditory experience with its rich sound profile, while the Silent Sakura focuses on a whisper-quiet operation that enables a concentration-friendly environment. Both switches provide smooth keystrokes, though they differ in tactile feedback and weight, allowing users to choose based on their specific typing needs and environments. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the rich acoustics of the Deep Navy or the gentle silence of the Silent Sakura, you'll find comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences in either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a light bottom-out force and desire a rich, audible sound profile with each keystroke, the Deep Navy switch is an excellent option for you; its 45-gram actuation and silky smooth feel can enhance your typing experience and provide that satisfying feedback as you type. On the other hand, if you find yourself in shared spaces or simply prefer a quieter option that still delivers a pleasing tactile experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch may be the better choice. Its 53-gram actuation is still relatively light while offering a subdued sound reminiscent of raindrops, making it ideal for late-night work sessions or office environments where noise is a concern. In summary, consider your setting and typing style: opt for the HMX Deep Navy for a more expressive typing experience, or choose the HMX Silent Sakura for a serene and focused workflow.
Mentioned in this article
