Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences suited for different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who seek an auditory punch in their typing — a feature that can enhance the sensory enjoyment of the typing experience, especially for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is a linear switch designed for a more muted interaction; its whisper-quiet operation mimics the soothing sound of raindrops, appealing to users who prioritize a tranquil environment or work in shared spaces. The Silent Sakura’s balanced 53g bottom-out force provides a light but satisfying feedback, making it ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Each switch offers unique advantages depending on your priorities—whether you crave a dynamic sound profile or a serene, smooth experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the differences manifest clearly between their top and bottom housings. The Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This results from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance when a key is released. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's more absorbent and softer characteristics. As such, the sound profile experienced varies significantly between these two switches based on the materials employed in the top housing, catering to two distinct preferences for auditory feedback.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials contribute equally to the switches' overall sound experience. While the Magnetic Jade has a nylon bottom housing that enhances the depth of sound with its soft texture, the Silent Sakura - 53g comprises a polycarbonate bottom housing that delivers a clear and resonant bottom-out sound. Here, the nylon in the Magnetic Jade effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller but fuller auditory experience, whereas the polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura sharpens the bottom-out sound for a more pronounced key press sensation. Thus, the interaction between materials in the bottom housings further distinguishes the tactile and auditory feedback provided by each switch.
Overall, while both switches adopt an amalgam of materials that yield different characteristics, they also exhibit overlapping qualities in their respective nylon and polycarbonate components. Both designs aim to deliver distinct auditory experiences based on their combined housing setups; therefore, users might find comparable results in terms of sound depth and resonance even though the materials differ. Ultimately, this interplay between distinct housing materials shapes individual preference and subjective experience, allowing typists to choose the switch that best aligns with their desired sound profile, whether they seek clarity or fullness in the auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade switch requires an actuation force of 30 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches are in the medium-light range, the Magnetic Jade switch allows for easier and less tiring typing over prolonged periods due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Considering these differences, users who favor a lighter feel for extended usage may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those who appreciate a stronger feedback might prefer the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm distance provides a deeper and more traditional tactile experience for those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Overall, if you choose the Magnetic Jade, you can expect a snappier response, whereas the Silent Sakura may deliver a more satisfying, robust keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade switch produces a bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an audibly satisfying typing experience. This switch's acoustic profile is particularly well-suited for enhancing the overall sound quality of a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to create a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops on a window. Its muted acoustics cater to those who prefer a more subdued environment while typing, making it ideal for quiet office settings or late-night work sessions. While both switches can offer distinct auditory experiences, the Magnetic Jade leans towards a lively and pronounced sound, whereas the Silent Sakura emphasizes discretion.
Regarding the feel, the Magnetic Jade switch is engineered to deliver a superior typing sensation, offering a responsive experience that users can easily appreciate with each keystroke. It excels in providing tactile feedback that enhances typing confidence and accuracy. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is meticulously crafted to provide a light yet satisfying keystroke, with a balanced bottom-out force. This makes it a great choice for typists who favor a softer touch without sacrificing responsiveness. Although both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, the Magnetic Jade leans toward a more tactile and engaging feel, while the Silent Sakura focuses on comfort and reduced noise.
In summary, if you're drawn to an expressive and lively sound profile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch will meet your needs with its bright clacky tones. Conversely, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g is crafted for that purpose with its soft, muted acoustics. Feel-wise, Magnetic Jade offers an engaging tactile sensation, while Silent Sakura emphasizes a comfortable, whisper-quiet resilience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your preferred auditory and tactile experiences, so consider your typing environment and personal preferences when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches, you should consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a lively auditory experience and enjoy a brighter, clackier sound profile, the Magnetic Jade switches are an excellent choice. They're particularly suited for environments where sound is not a significant concern, and they can provide a more engaging typing experience, especially if you're looking to enhance your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter setup—maybe you're in a shared workspace, or you simply dislike the noise created by traditional switches—the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well. Their whisper-quiet operation mimics the gentle sound of rain, allowing you to type without distraction while still enjoying a satisfying feel. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound and engagement or quiet and comfort in your typing environment.
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