HMX Gravel vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who prioritize responsiveness and an effortless typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, it strikes a balance between tactile feedback and speed, enhancing productivity during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who value a quieter environment, delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience akin to gentle raindrops, making it an excellent option for shared workspaces or late-night use. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, it caters primarily to light typists seeking a serene atmosphere without compromising on performance. Both switches have their unique strengths, appealing to various typing styles and settings; 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it becomes evident that their sound profiles are shaped by the distinct properties of their individual materials. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the material. Its translucency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing alongside its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in a duller and rounder acoustics, giving the user a different tactile feedback and auditory experience when typing or gaming.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we see a reversal of materials that further influences their overall sound profiles. The Gravel utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This balances out the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top, creating a more harmonious auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the clearer and more resonant sound characteristic of polycarbonate, but combined with the softer nylon top. This results in a unique sound signature, as the stiffness of the bottom housing enhances the clarity while the softness of the top still dampens some higher frequencies.
Ultimately, the differing materials in the top and bottom housings of the HMX Gravel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches create distinctly different sound profiles when typing. The Gravel achieves a combination of crisp and deep sounds, due to harmonizing the results of its polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, while the Silent Sakura strikes a balance between clarity and warmth with its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom. Despite their differences, both switches can yield satisfying auditory experiences; it mostly depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. Users looking for certain acoustic qualities will be able to achieve similar results by considering their typing styles and the environmental context in which they plan to use these switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom-out force. The Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 43 grams. This lighter feel could be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less exertion. Therefore, the Silent Sakura is the lighter of the two switches, while the Gravel is the heavier option. Despite their differences, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall, appealing to users who prefer less resistance when typing.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Sakura. For gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times, the Gravel's 3.5 mm travel may be more advantageous, providing a sense of increased responsiveness. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, with its 4 mm distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses, creating a less abrupt feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a faster, more immediate action or a more substantial travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel switches are designed to be smooth and relatively quiet, making them suitable for environments where noise might be a concern, although they don’t specifically emphasize a silent operation. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches aim for a whisper-quiet experience, characterized by a sound that resembles gentle raindrops. This difference in focus means that while both switches may produce less noise than typical mechanical switches, the Silent Sakura stands out for those prioritizing a hushed typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Gravel switches are renowned for their exceptional smoothness, providing a refined typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. With a medium-light actuation force that facilitates an effortless typing experience, users can expect a satisfying tactile response. In comparison, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches are geared towards typists who prefer an ultra-light touch, resulting in a subtle and serene feeling when typing. Both switches offer a smooth experience, but the Gravel provides a bit more substance in response to keystrokes, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who favor a lighter, more delicate interaction.
Overall, both the HMX Gravel and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to distinct preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gravel offers smoothness and a medium-light feel that appeals to a wide variety of users, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes quietness and an ultra-light actuation, making them perfect for those who type lightly and value a serene environment. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize a smooth, medium weight experience or a lightweight, whisper-quiet environment while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch depends largely on your typing style and environment preferences. If you value a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Gravel switch is an excellent choice, offering a refined feel with its 50g bottom out force that leans toward the lighter side, making it great for all-day typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet ambiance—perhaps due to shared workspaces or late-night typing—the Silent Sakura - 43g is ideal for you, providing an ultra-light 43g force that ensures every keystroke is gentle and unobtrusive, mimicking the soft sound of rain. Ultimately, if you want a balance of smoothness and a bit more tactile feedback, go for the Gravel. But if silence is golden in your typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g will prove more suitable. Choose based on what resonates more with your needs, and you'll be well on your way to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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