Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that combines a traditional keystroke feel with modern innovations, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring for a satisfying tactile bump on every press. Its high-precision molds also enhance backlight effects, making it visually appealing while ensuring reliable performance. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a linear typing experience that prioritizes a quiet, smooth keystroke, reminiscent of raindrops falling softly on a window. This switch’s 53g bottom-out force strikes a balance between lightness and satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for those who value a discreet yet enjoyable typing experience. Each switch has its advantages; the Jupiter Brown is perfect for typists who enjoy tactile feedback and a classic feel, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for users seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, significant differences emerge between their top and bottom housings. The Jupiter Brown uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its clarity and stiffness, yielding a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is beneficial for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience, especially when using RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing that is softer and more sound-absorbent, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that can provide a muted, pleasant auditory feedback during typing. Such distinct characteristics in the top housings imply that the overall typing experience will vary significantly, catering to different user preferences.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of each switch presents a contrasting dynamic. The Jupiter Brown uses a nylon bottom housing, leveraging nylon's sound-dampening qualities to create a richer, rounder sound upon bottoming out. This aspect of the switch design enhances the tactile feedback while reducing the sharpness of the overall sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing, which adds to the sharpness of the auditory feedback. The stiffer polycarbonate contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound during actuation, emphasizing the nuances that can attract users who favor a more pronounced auditory response. As each switch utilizes a unique material in the bottom housing, the impact on sound and feel during key presses showcases contrasting auditory profiles.

While both switches employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately manifest their unique auditory and tactile experiences influenced by these materials. For instance, the combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom in the Jupiter Brown leads to a sharper sound when releasing a key and a fuller sound upon bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with a nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, provides a deeper sound during action and a more resonant sound upon release. The interplay between the materials results in varying sound profiles that cater to those who either favor a crisp typographical feedback or a deeper, more cushioned experience. Thus, regardless of the individual preferences, users can expect distinctive auditory results that enrich their overall keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown boasts an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a lighter touch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight can significantly affect typing experience; the lighter Silent Sakura may be preferred for extended sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier feel of the Jupiter Brown appealing, thanks to its greater actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Jupiter Brown is heavier than the Silent Sakura, which could guide users in selecting a switch tailored to their personal typing style and preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer the same distance when pressed down. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable key feel and actuation experience between the two switches. The tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown may provide a distinct sensation when pressed, whereas the Silent Sakura's linear design will allow for a smoother key press. However, in terms of travel distance, both switches are equal, ensuring that keyboard enthusiasts will achieve similar results with regard to the depth of their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches produce a subtly audible thock when pressed, characteristic of tactile switches. This sound is more subdued compared to clicky switches, making it ideal for environments where quietness is appreciated but still offering enough auditory feedback for satisfying typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are engineered to provide a whisper-quiet experience, akin to gentle raindrops. The smooth actuation of these switches ensures that keystrokes are almost silent, minimizing any noise during use, which makes them suitable for office settings or shared spaces. However, it is important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate material and keycap design.

When considering the feel, the Jupiter Brown switches present a mild tactile sensation, allowing for a gentle and approachable typing experience that can cater to both newcomers and seasoned typists. These switches feature a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel with reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. The stepped tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown provides clear but gentle sensations that mimic the feel of traditional mechanical keyboard switches. In comparison, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches focus on delivering a lightly balanced feel with their structured 53g bottom-out force. The smooth linear travel gives the sensation of fluidity without the tactile bumps, creating a seamless experience which allows for fast typing without distraction, yet it lacks the distinct tactile bump that the Jupiter Browns offer.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different preferences among typists. The Jupiter Browns feature mediated tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile, striking a balance between traditionality and modern design. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switches excel in providing a near-silent experience with a smooth actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a tactile presence and mild sound or prefer a smooth, quiet keystroke. With both options, you can achieve satisfying performance, albeit through different tactile and auditory experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Jupiter Brown could be the right choice for you. This switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with a gentle, yet noticeable bump that appeals to those who appreciate a classic keystroke feel. This switch's aesthetic appeal, combined with its balanced sound profile, makes it an excellent option for typists and gamers alike who value both performance and an engaging tactile sensation. Conversely, if you prefer a whisper-quiet, smooth experience with a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force and focus on silence, this switch caters to typists working in shared or noise-sensitive environments while still providing satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your ergonomic needs and whether you want the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the silky smoothness of the Silent Sakura.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more