Gazzew LT vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between various options can significantly affect your typing experience. The Gazzew LT switches, with their striking lilac hue, are celebrated for their deep, resonant thockiness that creates a rich auditory feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and full-bodied sensation while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches prioritize a subtly elegant experience, offering a whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of raindrops gently falling, which is ideal for users who prefer a serene typing environment free from distractions. While the LT switches exude a bassy thocky feel, making them perfect for those who relish auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura switches strike a balance with their 53g actuation force, catering to typists looking for a soft yet satisfying response. Both switches have unique advantages depending on your preferences for sound and feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew LT Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$6.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, we see a clear distinction in the top housing materials. The Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary plastic blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which is designed to provide a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. This softer material absorbs sound effectively, leading to a muted auditory experience that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch housing material, is also softer than harder plastics, which similarly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer a softer touch, the way they affect the overall sound characteristic of the switch diverges, stemming from their unique compositions.

The bottom housing of these switches presents an even larger contrast. The Gazzew LT's proprietary Gazzew blend serves as the bottom housing, echoing the benefits delivered by its top counterpart—again focused on creating a rich and deep sound. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which is a notably stiffer material. As a result, this creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, often described as crisper and clearer when compared to softer housing materials. The polycarbonate's stiffer nature provides heightened clarity, making it distinct from the muted tones of the Gazzew's bottom housing. Consequently, the differences in bottom housing materials result in differing auditory experiences when bottoming out the switch.

Despite these contrasts, both switches can yield similar results under certain conditions. The combined effects of the softer top housings in both switches contribute to a satisfactory auditory tone when the key is released, while the Gazzew LT's softer bottom housing tempers the bottom-out sound, leading to a more subdued overall experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura - 53g, while crisper and more resonant, is balanced by the softer nylon top, creating a potentially harmonious output. Ultimately, while the characteristics of their respective materials set them apart in sound production, both switches can offer pleasant typing experiences depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The LT switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, but lacks a specified actuation force. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. Consequently, the Silent Sakura switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the LT switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the LT is favored for a firmer feedback experience, while the Silent Sakura provides a softer touch, catering to different preferences among users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gazzew LT features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Gazzew LT may be more suitable for you, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation with each keypress, as it provides a deeper engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a swift, snappy feel or a more substantial depth in your keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gazzew LT linear switch is characterized by a distinctly deep and resonant thockiness, which contributes a bass-heavy auditory experience during typing. This unique sound quality produces a low-pitched, rich tone that feels satisfying with each keystroke, emphasizing a deep thud that many typists find pleasurable. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for a much quieter experience, designed to mimic the soft sound of gentle raindrops. While the Silent Sakura likely does not produce the same depth of sound as the LT, it caters to users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience, allowing for uninterrupted typing without disturbing others nearby.

In terms of feel, the Gazzew LT switches offer a seamless glide with every keystroke, providing a smooth typing experience that many users appreciate for its fluidity. However, specific tactile descriptions of the LT's feel are not available. The Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a perfectly balanced keystroke force of 53 grams, offering a light yet satisfying feel that typists and gamers can appreciate. This balance allows for comfortable typing over extended periods while still providing enough resistance to avoid accidental key presses.

Considering all the available information, those seeking a more audible typing experience with a rich and deep sound may gravitate toward the Gazzew LT switches, while those on the hunt for a whisper-quiet option that maintains a pleasant feel would likely prefer the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches. Both switches promise their unique qualities, enabling users to choose one that aligns with their preferences in sound and sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a deeper, richer sound profile that resonates with each keystroke, the Gazzew LT is the ideal choice, particularly if you favor a medium-heavy actuation force that provides a satisfying feedback with every press. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience while typing, such as gamers or those who appreciate a more tactile presence in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a typing experience that remains quiet and unobtrusive, the Silent Sakura - 53g is likely the better option for you. Its whisper-quiet operation is perfect for shared or quiet workspaces, allowing you to type with ease without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider the acoustic and tactile sensations that resonate with you and the environments in which you’ll be typing to make the best decision between these two outstanding switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

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HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more