HMX Gravel vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Gravel switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, with a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy quick and linear strokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, and features a balanced 53g bottom-out force, appealing to typists who seek a light yet satisfying keystroke without the noise. While both switches lean toward linear performance, their distinct emphasis on feel and sound highlights the variety available to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g, we see a significant difference in their top housing compositions, which in turn affects their auditory characteristics. The HMX Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. This quality allows for a clear and resonant sound that shines when RGB lighting is utilized, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and user experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g uses a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, leading to a duller yet rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches may offer satisfying acoustic feedback, the Gravel tends to lean towards a brighter sound, whereas the Silent Sakura focuses on warmth and depth.
Moving to the bottom housings of the two switches, the materials are again different, which introduces further contrasts in their performance. The HMX Gravel has a nylon bottom housing, which amplifies the softer tones and contributes to a more muted and rounded sound profile when bottoming out. This complements the sharper top housing made of polycarbonate by providing a balanced auditory experience that blends clarity with fullness. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing that maintains that crisp sound quality, ensuring a sharper and clearer bottom-out experience. This duo of materials provides a unique blend of sound characteristics: the Gravel presenting a robust yet vibrant profile, while the Silent Sakura aims for a clean, high-pitched resonance that is distinctly different.
Despite these differences in material composition, both switches can deliver comparable results in terms of functionality and performance, particularly when it comes to user experience. The interaction between the distinct characteristics of each housing material offers an engaging tactile and auditory experience that caters to different preferences. Users who appreciate a brighter, more resonant sound might favor the Gravel, while those looking for a warmer and softer typing experience may lean towards the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual auditory and tactile preferences, but both switches can undoubtedly provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences tailored to the needs of their users.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, which is ideal for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, they differ in their bottom out forces: the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Silent Sakura provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer feedback during key presses. Thus, while both switches aim for a light actuation experience, the Gravel is the lighter option overall, and the Silent Sakura offers a heavier bottom out feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gravel switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it preferable for users who seek quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional and hearty depth with its 4 mm travel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience when pressing keys. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances between the two switches suggests that users can choose between a more responsive, shorter travel or a deeper, more deliberate feel based on their personal preferences.
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 - 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 HMX Gravel switch tends to offer a more standard linear experience, which typically means it's relatively quiet, but specific acoustic characteristics are not described. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is deliberately engineered to minimize noise, providing a near-silent typing experience that is evocative of gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura an excellent choice for users who prioritize sound dampening in their mechanical keyboards, particularly in quiet environments or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch shines with its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that lends itself to a responsive typing experience. It evokes a satisfying and fluid keystroke, making it appealing for those who appreciate a refined tactile sensation while typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, ensuring a light yet satisfying keystroke as well. Both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience, but the Gravel may lean toward a more effortless feel, while the Sakura provides robust feedback without the sound.
Overall, when considering these switches, the HMX Gravel offers a smooth and slightly lighter touch, making it enjoyable for general typing and gaming, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g caters more to those looking for a quiet yet tactile experience. Both options provide satisfying qualities—whether it’s the refined feel of the Gravel or the whisper-quiet operation of the Silent Sakura—enabling users to find a suitable switch based on personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch hinges on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience with a lighter feel, the Gravel switch is ideal due to its 50g bottom-out force and exceptional smoothness. This makes it perfect for spirited typists who enjoy rapid key presses and efficient typing, especially in casual or gaming settings. On the other hand, if you find yourself working in quieter environments or simply prefer a more subdued typing sound without sacrificing feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is the better option. With a slightly heavier 53g bottom-out force, it delivers a satisfying keystroke while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and preferred atmosphere, whether you lean towards a lively engagement with the Gravel or a serene, focused experience with the Silent Sakura.
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