Keygeek Keylin vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Keylin linear switch is renowned for its premium typing experience, thanks to innovative molds that provide rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize tactile feedback and an engaging sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a whisper-quiet performance, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which can be particularly appealing for users who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a serene typing environment. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura caters well to light typists or those who appreciate a feather-light touch. Each switch offers distinct benefits depending on your typing style and environment, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g keyboards both incorporate nylon for their top housing material, which results in a shared auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves effectively, leading to a typing experience that feels rounder and more muted compared to switches made from harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards offer users a pleasurable experience with a typing sound that emphasizes a rich tonal quality, making them appealing choices for those who prioritize a softer auditory feedback in their typing sessions.
In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin employs a nylon bottom housing, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall softness and depth of sound, enhancing the rounded auditory profile initiated by the nylon top. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer structure. This fundamental difference means that while both keyboards provide a satisfying typing experience, the Silent Sakura introduces a new layer of brightness in sound that is absent in the Keylin, thereby catering to different sound preferences among users.
When considering the overall typing experience, the interaction between the different housing materials in each keyboard creates distinct auditory feedback during operation. The Keylin, with both its top and bottom made of nylon, produces a cohesive sound profile that remains mellow throughout, enhancing comfort for prolonged typing tasks. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura's combination of a nylon top and a polycarbonate bottom ensures that users will experience both the deep resonance from the top and the sharper clarity from the bottom. Therefore, while both switches emphasize rich sound profiles, the differing bottom housings will lead to a discernible contrast in sound and feel when bottoming out, making each keyboard uniquely suited for varying user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are both similarities and differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams, with a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter option overall in terms of actuation force, contributing to a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Keylin's higher bottom out force provides a firmer feel when pressing the keys all the way down. Both switches are designed to cater to users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing and gaming sessions, but the Keylin may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial bottom-out sensation. Ultimately, if you enjoyed the lighter touch of one, you'd likely find the other fairly comfortable as well, though the Keylin provides a slight push on bottoming out, giving a different feedback experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Keylin switch offers a more responsive experience, ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a sense of depth during typing. Thus, if responsiveness is your main criterion, the Keylin switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, while those preferring a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the Silent Sakura. Overall, the Keylin is the shorter switch, and the Silent Sakura is the longer one, leading to different user experiences based on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers rich acoustics that enhance the auditory experience while typing, making it a favored option for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound profile. This distinct acoustic quality often contributes to a more engaging typing environment, especially when paired with the right board and keycaps. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches emphasize a whisper-quiet experience, designed to mitigate noise effectively. They deliver sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making them particularly suitable for environments where quiet operation is paramount. Overall, while the Keylin provides a more vibrant auditory experience, the Silent Sakura focuses on tranquility, resulting in distinctly different sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, creating a seamless typing experience that many users appreciate. This smoothness allows for fast and uninterrupted key presses, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch offers an ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. This lighter feel may be particularly appealing to light typists who seek a less tactile and more effortless experience. While both switches strive for a refined typing experience, the Keylin leans towards a more robust sensation while the Silent Sakura caters to a lighter, quieter feel.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The Keylin is characterized by rich sound and exceptional smoothness, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura provides a serene and gentle sound profile with a lighter actuation force, ideal for quieter settings and users seeking a softer touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as each offers unique advantages that will cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value a smooth typing experience with rich acoustics and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Keylin would be an excellent choice. This switch excels in delivering a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your overall enjoyment, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter operation with an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura is tailored for those who seek a serene and subtle typing experience, perfect for shared spaces or late-night use without disturbing others. Its gentle sound profile truly mimics the softness of raindrops, which can be particularly appealing if you enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you usually type, allowing you to enjoy a tailored keyboard experience that meets your needs.
Mentioned in this article
