Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Grape Orange switch is renowned for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, offering an effortlessly smooth typing experience that feels especially comfortable during long typing sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a whisper-quiet operation, providing a serene typing experience with its balanced 53g bottom-out force. This switch caters to users who appreciate a bit more feedback and sturdiness while still requiring a light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches hinges on personal preferences regarding typing feel and noise level. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
The Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct characteristics due to their differing housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an appealing choice for RGB lighting setups, improving aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound better than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience.
Conversely, the bottom housings of these two switches exhibit an interesting contrast as well. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to its deeper sound profile, reinforcing the softer characteristics that come from its top housing. This synergy enhances the overall auditory experience by providing a balanced feel when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing that encourages a sharper, more resonant sound. The Stiffer nature of this material complements the softer nylon in its top housing, resulting in an overall sound profile that blends the clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon.
When considering these materials together, the end result reflects a nuanced auditory experience based on the combination of housing materials. The differing qualities impact how each switch sounds both when pressed and when released. For instance, while the Grape Orange delivers a clearer and crisper key release due to its polycarbonate top, the HMX Silent Sakura's combination allows for a unique blend of sounds that balances the clarity of the polycarbonate bottom with the softer tones of the nylon top. Thus, users seeking a specific sound profile from either switch can achieve their desired auditory experience by selecting based on how these materials interact during use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are clear distinctions in terms of weight and force requirements. The Grape Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer effortless typing and gaming, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light feel that might be appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. While both switches offer a satisfying experience, the lighter Grape Orange is better for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort, whereas the heavier Silent Sakura is more appropriate for users seeking a firmer response under their fingers. Ultimately, if one is looking for a switch that allows for less fatigue over long periods, the Grape Orange would be the preferable choice.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent Sakura switch provides a deeper key press, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Grape Orange's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it an attractive choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Grape Orange would be the preferable option, while the Silent Sakura is better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press. This differentiation highlights how travel distance can impact user experience based on personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch produces a relatively muted sound profile typical of linear switches. It's not specifically highlighted, but one can expect a soft thud with each keystroke, making it a good choice for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered to emphasize a whisper-quiet experience, akin to gentle raindrops. This feature further enhances its appeal for users who require a quieter typing environment, making both switches suitable for silent operation, though the Silent Sakura takes it a step further.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is characterized by an ultra-light 40g actuation force, delivering a notably effortless typing experience. This allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal resistance, making it ideal for fast typists or those who type for extended periods. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 53g, which provides a more deliberate and tactile response. While both switches are linear and lack tactile bumps, the slight increase in weight with the Silent Sakura may cater to users who seek a balance between a light press and defined keystrokes.
In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches deliver distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Grape Orange excels in providing an extremely light keystroke that's perfect for prolonged use, while the Silent Sakura combines a whisper-quiet operation with a slightly heavier actuation for a more intentional typing experience. Ultimately, users should consider their personal preferences for sound and feel to determine which switch aligns best with their typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, the Grape Orange, with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and 50g bottom-out force, is ideal for long hours of typing without fatigue. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize speed and ease, allowing for rapid keystrokes without strain. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared or quiet environment where noise reduction is key, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch stands out. With its precise 53g bottom-out force, it offers a satisfying yet quiet keystroke, making it suitable for office settings or late-night gaming sessions where you want to maintain focus without disturbing others. In terms of sound and feel, the Grape Orange provides a more lively and noticeable actuation, while the Silent Sakura offers a serene typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you balance comfort, sound preference, and your environment, ensuring a satisfying experience tailored to your needs.
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