Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Jupiter Red is renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who value a seamless and consistent typing experience. Its polished and silky feel also pairs well with its softer backlight effects, appealing to users who enjoy aesthetic customization alongside functionality. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who prioritize a quiet environment while typing. With a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches provide a light yet satisfying keystroke that evokes the calming sound of raindrops, making them ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback, ensuring that there's a suitable option for various typing styles. 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 Red Linear

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 Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, one can see a distinct difference in their construction and resultant sound profiles. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for users seeking a more resonant and clear auditory experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting from nylon’s softer nature that absorbs more sound. Consequently, the contrasting materials lead to differing auditory results during usage, shaping the overall typing experience for each switch.

When considering the bottom housing, the differences between these switches continue. The Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing mirrors the Silent Sakura's material choice for this section. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, providing a deeper and rounder sound profile as a result of nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This similarity in material can lead to a more aligned bottom-out feel and sound between the two switches, as the bottom housing would dominate the overall auditory signature when a key is fully pressed down. Hence, while the top housings shape the sound upon release, the bottom housings unify their output during actuation, producing a consistent tactile experience despite the differences in top housing materials.

Overall, the combination of materials for the Jupiter Red and Silent Sakura - 53g illustrates how switch design intricately balances sound and feel. The contrasting materials—polycarbonate for the Jupiter Red's top housing versus nylon for the Silent Sakura's—create two distinctive auditory experiences when typing, while their shared nylon bottom housing offers some consistency in sound upon key bottoming out. This nuanced approach means that users of both switches will find unique traits that define their experiences, rooted in the materials chosen, while still enjoying certain overlapping qualities that enhance the overall functionality of both offerings.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for similar ease of keystrokes during typing or gaming sessions. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Sakura's is lower at 53 grams. This means that, although both switches require the same effort to register a keystroke, the Jupiter Red provides a heavier feel when pressed all the way down, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, being lighter at the bottom out stage, may be more comfortable for extended use, making it well-suited for users who favor longer typing or gaming sessions. In summary, while the actuation forces are equal, the bottom out forces highlight the differences in feedback and typing sensations provided by each switch.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable keypress experiences in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom when pressed. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and responsiveness during use, making them suitable options for those who prefer a short linear feel in their typing or gaming setups. Overall, with both switches having the same travel distance, users can anticipate equivalent performance in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch has a neutral profile that caters to a wide audience, making it suitable for both casual typists and serious gamers alike. It produces a moderate sound level which does not distract from typing or gaming, allowing it to blend seamlessly into home or office environments. This balanced acoustic signature makes it versatile, ensuring you won't feel out of place whether you're using it in a quiet office or at a coffee shop. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered to provide a whisper-quiet experience, characterized by a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This unique quality significantly reduces noise, making it ideal for environments where stealth is paramount, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Overall, while both switches operate quietly enough for various settings, the Jupiter Red offers a balanced sound experience, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes near silence.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switch excels with its polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics, delivering an exceptionally smooth and refined experience. These qualities enhance the overall typing experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with reduced friction and a silky sensation that makes each keystroke feel satisfying. The result is truly immersive, ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is less documented, but one can infer that it likely provides a gentle typing experience given its whisper-quiet focus. However, without more specific descriptions, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison regarding the tactile sensations one can expect when using this switch.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Jupiter Red is a well-rounded choice with a neutral sound profile and a beautifully smooth feel, making it versatile for a variety of tasks. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura prioritizes silent operation, ideal for users seeking minimal noise while maintaining a pleasant keystroke. Depending on your specific needs, whether for sound or feel, you will find that each switch can provide a rewarding typing experience, allowing you to personalize your keyboard setup to your liking.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and the typing environment you are in. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, the Jupiter Red would be ideal. Its neutral sound profile and polished, creamy, and silky feel make it particularly suitable for both home and office settings. You'll appreciate the satisfying feedback it provides during longer typing sessions, making it an excellent option for gamers or writers who engage in intense keyboard usage. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared workspace or prefer a quieter typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is the way to go. Its lighter actuation force and whisper-quiet operation allow for comfortable, discreet typing without disturbing others around you. This is perfect for those who value subtlety and a gentle touch in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the key is to reflect on your specific needs and preferences, as both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing experiences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more