HMX EMO vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX EMO switch, with its lively, clacky feel and a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, offers an exhilarating and bouncy typing experience that many users find both satisfying and smooth. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response and require a bit of auditory feedback to enhance their typing rhythm. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a completely different experience, boasting a whisper-quiet operation that evokes the soothing sound of raindrops. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura is perfect for light typists or anyone working in shared spaces, where a serene typing environment is essential. Both switches are linear, providing smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps; however, their distinct characteristics offer unique benefits. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it is evident that they each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which will yield distinct acoustic characteristics. The HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper and clearer sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This results in a crisper audio experience, particularly advantageous for individuals who appreciate the brilliance of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective illumination. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness absorbs more sound, creating a muted and rounded acoustical experience, contrasting with the clarity offered by polycarbonate.
The bottom housings of both switches also differ, further influencing their sound profiles. The HMX EMO has a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and more resonant sound characteristic that compliments the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that, while perhaps unexpected due to its pairing with a nylon top, contributes to a higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate here enhances the overall crunchiness and resonance of each key press, leading to a more pronounced bottom-out sound, thereby producing a unique combination that differs from the softer, fuller output of the EMO's nylon housing.
Ultimately, these differences in housing materials create distinctive sound experiences, though users can still achieve reasonable similarities in output if they adapt their typing techniques. The nylon bottom housing of the HMX EMO may absorb some sharper frequencies, while the polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura’s bottom housing elevates them. When pressing down on either switch, the interaction of the housing materials will influence the sound produced; users who enjoy the crisper notes of the EMO can experience a sharper response when adjusting their typing style on the Silent Sakura. Thus, while the switches offer contrasting properties based on their materials, both can deliver satisfying audio results depending on how they are engaged during use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura is not only easier to press initially but also requires less force to bottom out. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Sakura makes it a better choice for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming with reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the EMO provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are light, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option in terms of initial actuation and bottoming out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a significant difference lies in their travel distances. The EMO features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, which may cater to those who prioritize a quicker response time, particularly favored by gamers. In contrast, the Silent Sakura boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more pronounced depth that some users prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. This longer travel distance allows for a fuller keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a hearty feel when typing. Ultimately, if both switches are chosen, the EMO would provide a more rapid response due to its shorter travel, while the Silent Sakura would deliver a deeper and potentially more comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 - 43g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky auditory profile that enhances the typing experience, providing a clear and pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This characteristic sound can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more vibrant and responsive auditory cue while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch emphasizes a whisper-quiet performance, aiming for a serene typing ambiance that is reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch produces a subdued sound, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches, however, will ultimately exhibit varying sound profiles influenced by the keyboard frame and keycap materials employed.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch is celebrated for its lively, bouncy response, offering a smooth typing experience that feels effortlessly responsive thanks to its relatively light 46g bottom-out force. It's exceptionally factory-lubed, contributing to a slick yet satisfying tactile feedback that many find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura switch, with its even lighter 43g bottom-out force, is designed for a more subtle touch, aiming to provide a gentler typing experience that is perfect for light typists. While both switches are linear, the EMO’s slightly higher actuation force might lend a bit more intentionality to each keypress, whereas the Silent Sakura leans toward a feather-light approach.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO and Silent Sakura switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the EMO delivering a lively, clacky sound and a bouncy feel, while the Silent Sakura promotes a peaceful, quiet experience with a lighter touch. Your choice between these switches will largely depend on whether you favor a more dynamic auditory feedback or a calm and soft typing experience, making both options viable for different typing contexts and user preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your specific needs and environment will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a lively and bouncy typing experience that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the HMX EMO would be your go-to option. Its 46g bottom-out force is slightly heavier than that of the Silent Sakura, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more pronounced tactile rhythm in their writing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you value a quieter workspace or often find yourself typing in shared or open environments, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed just for that purpose. With its whisper-quiet performance and a touch lighter bottom-out force of 43g, it offers a smooth, unintrusive typing experience, allowing you to concentrate fully without the interruption of loud clicks. Ultimately, consider the auditory and tactile feedback you seek in your typing experience to guide your choice between these two excellent switches.
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