Huano Elf vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf, recognized for its POK top housing, provides an enhanced acoustic profile that delivers a rich, deep sound signature while featuring a medium-light actuation feel, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more audible typing experience without compromising comfort. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to create a serene and whisper-quiet atmosphere, ideal for users who prefer a subtle typing sensation, with an ultra-light actuation force of just 43g, which is particularly well-suited for light typists or those working in shared spaces. Both switches offer smooth linear action, yet they diverge significantly in terms of sound and feel, appealing 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize varying materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences despite some similarities. The Huano Elf features a top housing made of POK (polyketone), which is celebrated for its smoothness and exceptional durability. Its coefficient of friction of 0.04 allows for a pleasant typing experience while providing significant wear resistance. This hard, resilient material contributes to a clacky sound profile when typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g's top housing is made of nylon, a softer material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon top, while not as durable as POK, elicits a deeper, rounder sound, often considered more muted compared to the sharper sound characteristic of harder plastics. Therefore, while the Elf produces a more lively and sharp sound, the Silent Sakura offers a more subdued auditory experience due to its nylon construction.
Moving to their bottom housings, both switches display a similarity in utilizing nylon for the Huano Elf, which further enhances the deeper sound profile associated with its typing feel. However, the HMX Silent Sakura opts for polycarbonate—a harder material that typically provides a clearer and crisper sound. The polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a higher-pitched response, giving the Silent Sakura a more resonant finish. While both the Elf and Silent Sakura offer desirable aspects for switching materials, they diverge in the auditory nuances experienced during use. The Elf's nylon bottom works together with the POK top to produce a smooth and clacky experience, whereas the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom creates a sharper sound that might be preferred by users looking for more clarity.
Ultimately, despite their differences in material composition, both switches can yield a satisfying typing experience when utilized effectively. The impact of the top and bottom housing materials plays a pivotal role in the overall sound profile produced during typing; the Huano Elf showcases a combination of smooth and clacky feedback, while the Silent Sakura leans towards a clear and crisp auditory experience. Thus, users who appreciate these effects may find that they can achieve similar results by mixing key components from each switch to optimize their custom keyboard builds, tailoring the typing experience to their unique preferences. By choosing the right combination of housing materials, one could effectively blend the smoothness of the Elf with the clarity of the Silent Sakura, crafting a distinctive typing experience that resonates with both sound and tactile satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Sakura's actuation force of 37 grams. This indicates that the Elf might provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, while the Silent Sakura has a clearly defined bottom out force of 43 grams, ensuring that users will receive feedback upon fully engaging the key. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter option overall, as its actuation force is lower than that of the Elf. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions may lean towards the HMX Silent Sakura, while users who enjoy a firmer key press may find the Huano Elf more suitable for their preferences.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features 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 the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Sakura, which is generally considered more traditional. Gamers who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the Huano Elf, as its reduced travel distance can facilitate quicker actuation, enhancing gaming performance. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might find the HMX Silent Sakura more satisfying due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: quicker response versus deeper keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch is recognized for its deep sound signature, which creates a rich auditory experience during typing. Its POK top housing design enhances the acoustics, resulting in a more resonant sound that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation, designed to emulate the gentle sound of raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. While the Elf offers a more pronounced auditory presence, the Silent Sakura provides a serene typing experience that is all about subtlety, leaving the choice dependent on personal audio preference and the specific keyboard build.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Elf is characterized by a medium-light resistance, providing a balanced typing experience that many users find enjoyable. It allows for comfortable typing speed without being overly stiff. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g stands out with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for light typists or those who prefer minimal effort while typing. The distinct lightness of the Silent Sakura can offer a sense of effortless speed, particularly appealing to those who may type for extended periods without fatigue. Both switches cater to different typing styles; the Elf leans towards a satisfying tactile engagement while the Silent Sakura aims for a gentle touch.
Overall, both the Huano Elf and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different user needs and preferences, with the Elf providing a richer sound experience and a well-balanced feel, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes quietness and a lighter touch. Your choice between these two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory feedback or a hushed typing environment. Regardless of which switch you choose, both provide unique typing experiences that can satisfy a range of user preferences, ensuring an enjoyable mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play a crucial role. If you appreciate a satisfying typing experience characterized by a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Elf switches are an excellent choice. Their unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, making the Elf ideal for users who prefer an audible response during typing, perhaps in a home office or a dedicated gaming setup. On the other hand, if your priority is maintaining a quiet environment—whether for working late at night or in shared spaces—the Silent Sakura - 43g will suit your needs perfectly. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch is crafted for the light typist who values a discreet and serene typing experience akin to gentle raindrops. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you want to enjoy the rich acoustic feedback of the Elf or the tranquil typing comfort offered by the Silent Sakura.
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