HMX Hibiscus vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Huano Sakura present compelling options tailored for different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus switches stand out for their unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, which easily positions them among the top tier of linear switches. This allows for a satisfying typing experience characterized by a distinctly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that can enhance the overall enjoyment of your typing sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches offer an equally feather-light touch but with a focus on medium acoustics, making them particularly suitable for users who seek to engage in longer typing marathons without fatigue. Both switches cater to different typing styles and sound preferences, making the choice between them uniquely personal. 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
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Huano Sakura, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing materials. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. This softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. In stark contrast, the Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is characterized by its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a low coefficient of friction and enhanced resistance to wear and shock, the POK material leads to a clackier sound with a more distinct typing feedback, emphasizing responsiveness over the warmth of sound that nylon offers.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both the Hibiscus and the Sakura will produce similar sonic qualities when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing’s softer nature contributes to the overall sound signature, ensuring that both switches offer that deeper and fuller audio effect when a key is fully pressed. In terms of tactile feedback, the bottom housing’s influence is similarly felt in both models, providing a consistent typing experience despite the divergent characteristics of the top housings.
Overall, the combined effects of the housing materials create a unique typing experience for each switch. The Hibiscus, with its nylon top, emphasizes warmth and sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory profile. Contrastingly, the Huano Sakura’s POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, produces a crisper and more pronounced sound with its clacky quality. Nevertheless, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect comparable performance in terms of sound absorption and feel during key presses, highlighting how varied materials can yet yield shared results in certain aspects of keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus requires a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Sakura's lighter 35 grams, making the Sakura the easier option for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Furthermore, while both switches are categorized as light, the Hibiscus has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which again is heavier than the Sakura's 45 grams. This means that, while both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Sakura might be more suited for users looking for a softer feel, whereas the Hibiscus will provide a bit more resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer key press. Overall, the Hibiscus is the heavier of the two switches while the Sakura is the lighter option, with their different actuation and bottom out forces impacting the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Hibiscus due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Sakura offers a marginally increased depth, potentially appealing to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Although the difference in travel distances is minimal—only 0.1 mm—the Hibiscus is definitively the shorter option, providing an edge for gamers or individuals seeking fast response times, while the Sakura is better suited for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
The Huano Sakura 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 Hibiscus linear switch boasts a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, standing out in its ability to offer an engaging auditory experience while typing. This distinct acoustic profile is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a keyboard that provides audible feedback. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch leans towards a more subdued sound with medium acoustics, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter environment or extended typing sessions without the distractions of pronounced key sounds. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound can vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice, meaning that both switches might produce different auditory results on different setups.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its ultra-light actuation force, allowing for an unbelievably smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch caters to those who value a satisfying tactile feedback without the resistance found in heavier switches. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch also features a feather-light touch; while it may not be explicitly detailed in terms of smoothness, it is tailored for comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant experience, though the Hibiscus is particularly highlighted for its unmatched smoothness that enhances overall typing satisfaction.
In conclusion, the HMX Hibiscus and Huano Sakura linear switches each offer unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Hibiscus is perfect for those prioritizing an engaging sound and unmatched smoothness, while the Sakura caters to users seeking quieter operation with a focus on comfort. Depending on your typing style and environment, both switches will provide a satisfying experience, but the Hibiscus may stand out for those who enjoy a more audible feedback alongside its smooth activation. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on whether you value acoustics or a more subdued typing sound in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Hibiscus and Huano Sakura linear switches really depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience combined with a satisfying auditory feedback—characterized by a clacky, poppy sound—the Hibiscus switch may be your best bet. With its light actuation force of 48 grams, it allows for rapid keystrokes, making it suitable for both gaming and typing, especially if you enjoy the tactile response of each keypress. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that excels in comfort during extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura, with its even lighter actuation force of 45 grams and medium acoustics, may be more appealing. The Sakura’s softer feedback encourages long hours of typing without fatigue while maintaining a pleasant auditory environment. Ultimately, choosing the right switch is about aligning them with your typing habits and sound preferences; therefore, you should consider how each switch feels under your fingers and how they fit into your workflow for the best overall experience.
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