Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both deliver an exceptional typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Grape Orange switches are known for their remarkably light 40g actuation force, providing an effortlessly responsive feel that is ideal for long typing sessions, making them a favorite among those who prioritize speed and agility. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches, with their 43g bottom-out force, offer a unique whisper-quiet experience, perfect for users who favor a serene typing environment without the distracting sounds typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Grape Orange shines in fast-paced scenarios, the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking a more subdued atmosphere without compromising on performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit contrasting sound profiles that emanate from their respective housing materials. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This characteristic not only enhances the clarity and resonance during typing but also makes it particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enables effective light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to invoke a more muted typing experience.

The bottom housing of these switches further complicates their sound dynamics. While the Grape Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a polycarbonate bottom. The nylon bottom contributes to the round and subdued auditory feedback characteristic of the Grape Orange, ensuring that the bottom-out sound is soft and less pronounced. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura enhances the overall clarity and resonance, providing a contrast to its nylon top housing. This differentiation emphasizes the fact that the bottom housing material significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, shaping the overall typing experience.

Despite the differences in the materials used for the top and bottom housings, both switches can achieve a harmonious sound profile when operated. The Grape Orange's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a sound mix that capitalizes on crispness from the top while grounding it with a fuller bottom sound. Similarly, the Silent Sakura benefits from the contrasting dynamics of a nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, providing a unique blend of muted softness and pronounced clarity. As a result, users who appreciate either muted or sharper auditory feedback will find that both switches offer distinctive yet enjoyable typing experiences, each with its own acoustic character stemming from their unique housing combinations.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura switch is the lighter option overall. Both switches are considered light, favoring users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Grape Orange provides a heavier bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial typing experience at the end of the key travel compared to the Silent Sakura. Users who appreciate a pronounced feel when reaching the bottom may lean toward the Grape Orange, while those looking for a more effortless keystroke may prefer the Silent Sakura. Overall, while both switches offer similar lightweight benefits, their differing forces create unique tactile experiences suited to different preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that gamers and those who appreciate faster response times may prefer the Grape Orange for its shorter actuation depth, allowing for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a more substantial travel distance, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional, tactile experience that doesn't feel as abrupt. Therefore, if one values responsiveness, the Grape Orange would be the ideal choice, while those who prefer a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, the Grape Orange allows for quicker actions, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming, while the Silent Sakura provides a more measured and intentional feel during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Grape Orange switch is often noted for being relatively quiet, though specific descriptions are not available. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed with a focus on reducing noise, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience that mimics the gentle sound of raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura particularly appealing for users who require a subdued auditory environment, whether in shared spaces or late-night typing. Ultimately, both switches tend toward quieter operation, although the Silent Sakura may provide a more muffled experience due to its engineering.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Grape Orange is renowned for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, which is conducive to long typing sessions without fatigue. This switch is characterized by a smooth linear motion that allows for quick key presses. In contrast, the Silent Sakura also features a linear action but has a slightly higher bottom-out force of 43g. This may provide a tad more resistance compared to the Grape Orange, subtly impacting the typing experience. Both switches offer a generally smooth feel but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of actuation force.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches present unique qualities tailored to different types of users. The Grape Orange excels at providing a lightweight typing experience, ideal for marathon typing sessions, while the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a quiet and serene typing environment, suited for those who value noise reduction. For users who prioritize a gentle touch and a comfortable experience, either switch can deliver satisfying results, albeit with slight variations in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch depends largely on your typing needs and environment. If you prefer a typing experience that is exceptionally light and effortless, especially for long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent option with its ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams. It’s designed for those who enjoy a more tactile response and don’t mind a bit of noise while typing. Conversely, if you work or play in a quieter setting where noise levels are a concern, the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a whisper-quiet typing experience, perfect for light typists who prefer subtlety, thanks to its soft and serene sound profile. With its bottom-out force of 43 grams, this switch is also well-suited for individuals seeking a gentle touch without sacrificing feedback. Ultimately, by assessing your typing style—whether you value a more active response with a little noise or a silent, smooth operation—you can make an informed decision on which switch will best enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more