Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Red switches are celebrated for their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to their single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation. This model is perfect for users seeking a polished and consistent typing feel, enhanced by softer backlight effects that add an aesthetic touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches stand out for their ultra-light actuation force of 43g, creating a whisper-quiet typing experience that mirrors the soft sound of raindrops. This makes them an excellent choice for those who favor a serene atmosphere, particularly in shared workspaces or quiet environments. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you prioritize a smooth, robust feel or a delicate and quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, one can observe a clear differentiation in the composition of their top and bottom housings. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which brings a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This material allows for a clear and higher-pitched auditory experience, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g uses a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in top housing materials suggests that when both switches are utilized, the Jupiter Red will produce a more pronounced and crisp sound on release, while the Silent Sakura will create a rounder sound that may feel less aggressive.

Looking at the bottom housings, we find a reversal of this trend. The Jupiter Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound effectively to create a duller and rounder sound profile upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Silent Sakura comes with a polycarbonate bottom housing that produces a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. This discrepancy reinforces the idea that the overall auditory experience when using these switches is a balance of the two housing materials working in conjunction. For instance, with the Jupiter Red, users can expect a smooth typing experience with more emphasis on the release tone, whereas the Silent Sakura’s bottom-out feedback may feel more tactile and pronounced.

Ultimately, despite their contrasting housing materials, both switches can deliver solid performance, albeit in different ways. The combination of a softer nylon top and a firmer polycarbonate bottom or vice versa means that each switch expresses its material characteristics in unique manners. When pressed, the tactile experience and sound profile will be influenced by both the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate in their respective locations, leading to distinct yet complementary typing sensations. Thus, while the Jupiter Red and Silent Sakura - 43g exhibit different housing materials, they can achieve a balanced auditory and tactile experience, allowing users to find joy in the act of typing on each distinctly designed mechanical switch.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to those who favor a lighter touch, which can reduce fatigue during extended use. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Jupiter Red is the heavier option. These differences in force characteristics may lead to varying typing experiences; users of the Jupiter Red might appreciate the resistance in the switch, while those with the Silent Sakura could enjoy a quicker response with less effort. Overall, users should consider their personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two options.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a similar keypress experience when using either switch. The consistent travel distance means that both switches will provide a comparable feel from the top to the bottom, allowing for a uniform depth of press regardless of the choice between these two options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the Jupiter Red exhibits a neutral sound. This balanced sound means that it won't be overly loud or too quiet, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its moderate actuation force aligns well with the sound characteristics, providing a fine balance for typists of all levels. In contrast, while specific sound characteristics for the Silent Sakura switch are unknown, it is designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience. This suggests it likely produces a notably softer sound, ideal for those seeking a serene atmosphere while typing, akin to the gentle tapping of raindrops.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red is exceptional, featuring descriptors such as polished, creamy, silky, and mild. These characteristics highlight a meticulously engineered switch that promotes a smooth and refined typing experience. The factory lubing and quality materials contribute to a sensation where fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, offering a subtle yet fulfilling tactile feedback. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is not described in detail; however, the low actuation force suggests it may be less physically demanding, potentially catering to lighter typists seeking to enjoy a softer and gentler typing experience.

In summary, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jupiter Red provides a neutral sound and luxurious typing experience, making it suitable for a wide audience. The Silent Sakura, while its sound and feel specifics remain unknown, promises a quiet and gentle experience, likely appealing to those who value discretion while typing. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a refined tactile experience or a serene, whisper-quiet operation during use.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and usage environment. If you value a smooth and consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy resistance, the Jupiter Red is an excellent option. Its polished, creamy, and silky feel allows for a more refined typing experience, making it suitable for both casual typing and heavier workloads. However, if you’re someone who prefers a quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Silent Sakura should be your go-to choice. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, it's designed for users who seek a serene and subtle feel while typing, perfect for quiet settings like shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, so consider your typing habits and environments to make the best choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more