Keygeek Keylin vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the options can be overwhelming, especially when comparing linear switches like the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Keygeek Keylin is celebrated for its use of innovative molds that provide a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a responsive, tactile feel during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, and features a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, appealing to typists who prefer a lighter keystroke without sacrificing satisfying feedback. While both switches offer unique advantages, one prioritizing acoustic quality and smoothness and the other focusing on quiet, efficient performance, it’s important to delve deeper into their individual characteristics to determine which switch aligns best with your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g share a common feature in their top housing: both utilize nylon. This choice in material contributes to a similar acoustic profile for both switches, yielding a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's inherent qualities as a softer plastic help absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This characteristic makes switching between the two models a seamless transition for users who prefer a muted typing experience, where the prominent sound during keystrokes feels rich and satisfying. As such, if you're using these switches in similar setups, you can expect a comparable auditory experience related to the top housing.
However, the contrast between the two switches becomes evident when examining the bottom housing materials. The Keygeek Keylin's bottom housing is also nylon, contributing to a harmonious sound across the entire switch. This unified nylon construction promotes a consistent acoustic signature, ensuring that the fuller sound profile remains intact from both keypress and release. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, alters the sound dynamics by producing a sharper and crisper profile. This stark difference means that while the top of both switches generates a similar sound, the bottom impact diverges, resulting in a more pronounced keystroke feel in the Silent Sakura - 53g.
Ultimately, both switches provide unique tactile experiences despite their shared top housing material. The Keygeek Keylin offers a more uniform sound throughout the typing experience, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g enhances the auditory sensation during bottoming out with its polycarbonate bottom. The tactile differences underscore the influence that the bottom housing material has on the overall performance of each switch. When pressing down on either switch, users will feel the characteristics of the bottom housing, making each typing experience distinct, despite the commonalities in their top housings. Thus, while both switches might deliver a similar auditory experience when key releases occur, the feel and sound upon keypress will differ, allowing users to select based on their preference for a sustained fuller tone or a sharper response.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there's a notable distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, resulting in easier keystrokes ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option and providing a slightly more substantial feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Keylin is 48 grams, while the Silent Sakura's is 53 grams, further emphasizing that the Keylin is generally lighter across both measurements. Therefore, if a user prefers an effortless typing experience, the Keygeek Keylin would be the better choice, while those seeking more resistance may find the HMX Silent Sakura more suitable. Overall, the differences clearly indicate that the Keylin is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who favor less effort in their key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, catering to users who prefer more responsive keystrokes, ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper feel that some users may appreciate for its more substantial feedback during typing. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you favor the quicker responsiveness of the Keylin or the more pronounced depth of the Silent Sakura.
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 - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is characterized by its rich acoustics, suggesting a deeper, more resonant sound profile that can enhance the auditory experience of typing. This can create a more engaging environment when working or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, described as reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This allows for a typing experience that minimizes noise, making it ideal for shared workspaces or situations where sound might be a concern. Both switches will ultimately produce their signature sounds influenced by the choice of keyboard case, mounting style, and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switch is known for delivering exceptional smoothness, providing a fluid typing experience that can significantly enhance both speed and comfort during long typing sessions. This smooth action allows typists to glide from key to key effortlessly. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a perfectly balanced bottom-out force of 53g that caters to those who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke. This balance strikes an appealing middle ground, promoting a tactile feeling without being overly heavy, which can be particularly beneficial for users who type or game for extended periods.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Keylin emphasizes rich sound and smooth keystrokes, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet experience without sacrificing a balanced feel. Depending on your environment and typing style, you can choose the switch that aligns with your needs while still achieving a memorable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter bottom-out force and a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, then the Keylin is the way to go. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a more nimble typing feel and might even prefer the auditory feedback that comes with it, making it suitable for a variety of typing tasks, from gaming to writing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet operation without sacrificing tactile satisfaction, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced medium-light force that caters to typists who prefer a slightly firmer keystroke. This switch is particularly well-suited for quieter environments, such as offices or shared spaces, where you want to minimize noise without compromising the feel of your key presses. Ultimately, assessing your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your overall experience.
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