Gateron Glory Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red 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 overall experience, particularly when considering the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches. The Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and pleasant travel distances, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more responsive and fluid typing experience. Their lighter weight enhances speed and agility, catering well to those who type quickly or engage in fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches stand out for their ultra-quiet operation and gentle actuation force, offering a serene typing environment that is perfect for quiet settings like offices or shared spaces. These switches provide a unique experience akin to the soothing sound of rain, making them ideal for users who prioritize noise reduction without compromising on performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
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
The housing materials used in mechanical switches play a crucial role in shaping their overall sound and feel during typing. Both the Gateron Glory Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g share nylon as the top housing material, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when engaging with the upper part of these switches. In both cases, the softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, generating a more rounded and less harsh acoustic output, ideal for those seeking a muted typing sound.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches diverge significantly in material. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which reinforces the consistent sound characteristics established by its top housing. As a result, the bottom-out sound will be comparatively softer and less defined, providing a cohesive auditory experience consistent across the switch's entire operation. However, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, introducing a sharper, crisper sound profile that contrasts with the softer characteristics of its nylon upper half. This combination creates a dynamic interplay, enabling the bottom-out sound of the Silent Sakura to be more pronounced while retaining the rounded sound when releasing the key, a feature appreciated by users who often type rapidly.
The differing materials for the bottom housing also imply that the tactile sensations and acoustic effects of the two switches will manifest differently. The nylon bottom housing of the Glory Red instills a uniformly soft tactile feel and a muted acoustic signature throughout the switch, making it a stable choice for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, brings a more engaging and distinct sound that enhances the responsiveness of keystrokes. Thus, while both switches may deliver similar sound qualities from the top housing, their bottom housings will provide unique characteristics—one maintaining a consistent sound experience and the other creating a more varied acoustic experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the two exhibit notable differences in actuation force. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference suggests that the Glory Red may provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users might prefer for a tactile feel. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Red remains unknown, complicating a direct comparison on that front. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating that users will encounter resistance when fully pressing the switch down. For those who prioritize ease and comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, the lighter Silent Sakura may be the more appealing choice, whereas the Glory Red caters to those desiring a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option by 0.4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Glory Red may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as the switch allows for faster key presses. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which some users may find provides a satisfying depth during use. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Gateron Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might gravitate towards the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red switches provide a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience, allowing for a subtle yet satisfying acoustic feedback with each keystroke. While they aren't completely silent, their sound profile is subdued compared to more tactile switches, making them suitable for both office and home environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered specifically for a whisper-quiet operation. Their unique design aims to create a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops, minimizing noise to an even greater degree than Glory Reds. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a hushed workspace.
Regarding feel, the Glory Red switches are known for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, offering a gratifying typing experience that encourages fast and fluid typing without any tactile bumps. The linear nature of these switches allows for swift key presses, catering well to gamers and word processors alike. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches also prioritize a smooth feel with their ultra-light bottom-out force, making them even more accommodating for light typists. This feather-light touch combined with a linear response offers a unique, effortless typing experience that minimizes hand fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, if you are seeking switches that deliver a smooth, linear typing experience, both the Gateron Glory Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches excel in their designs, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Glory Red is a bit more versatile in terms of sound, while the Silent Sakura distinguishes itself with its nearly silent operation. Overall, both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, though your choice may ultimately depend on your sound sensitivity and the desired keystroke weight.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing style and environment. If you favor a smooth keystroke and a slightly lighter feel without prioritizing sound, the Glory Red would be a fitting choice, especially ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical experience with a comfortable travel distance. On the other hand, if you find yourself often in quiet spaces, such as libraries or shared offices, and desire a whisper-quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is likely the better option. Its ultra-light 43g bottom out force offers an effortless typing experience, making it perfect for users who prefer subtlety and serenity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound levels, and the environments in which you'll be typing most frequently.
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