Gateron Mars vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that frequently come up for consideration are the Gateron Mars and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Mars switch is appreciated for its innovative design, featuring a POK stem paired with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which results in a smooth keypress and a durable feel ideal for gamers and heavy typists. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, catering specifically to users who desire a whisper-quiet typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or late-night work sessions. While the Mars is known for its robustness, providing a more tactile presence, the Silent Sakura emphasizes tranquility and ease of use, ideal for those who value a softer touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, we find that both switches share the same type of top housing, namely nylon. This classic material is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon also contributes to a more muted acoustic response, absorbing sound waves that would typically resonate in harder plastics. Since both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, users can expect similar auditory experiences when typing, characterized by a warm and rounded sound that minimizes the chance of high-pitched noise interference.
The distinction arises when examining the bottom housings of these switches. The Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience with a plush and pleasing sound signature. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This material is inherently stiffer, leading to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. Consequently, the differing materials in the bottom housings introduce contrasting acoustic characteristics, with the Mars emphasizing a rounded sound experience and the Sakura delivering a sharper auditory feedback.
Overall, the combination of different bottom housing materials will affect the typing feel and sound profile when the switches are actuated. While the shared nylon top housing harmonizes their upper sound characteristics, the POM and polycarbonate bottom housings will influence the bottom-out sounds distinctly. This means that users will encounter a full-bodied experience when typing with the Gateron Mars, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g will offer a more resonant and lively bottom sound. Thus, while both switches provide similar results in aspects influenced by the top housing, the overall typing experience diverges due to the bottom housing materials, emphasizing the role of each component in shaping the final sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Mars features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that users might find the Mars switch requires more effort to register a keystroke, which could appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel, while the Silent Sakura would be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura provides a known weight of 43 grams when fully pressed down, but the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars remains unspecified. Consequently, while the Silent Sakura is lighter and offers a defined bottom out experience, the lack of information about the Mars's bottom out force prevents a direct comparison in that respect. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer use may lean towards the Silent Sakura, whereas the Mars caters to users who appreciate a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Gateron Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Mars switch the shorter option, which may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer distance provides a more traditional feel that might be preferred by users looking for a more pronounced keypress experience. Thus, your choice between the two switches will hinge on whether you value responsiveness or a more hearty depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Mars switch is designed to produce a sound profile that is generally smooth and unobtrusive, thanks to its innovative POK stem and specialized material composition. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch focuses heavily on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. While both switches are engineered to minimize audible feedback, the Silent Sakura takes it a step further with its emphasis on silent typing, resulting in a significantly quieter experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the Mars switch has a distinctive smoothness that many users appreciate, enhancing the enjoyable experience of typing. The combination of its unique stem and durable housing materials contributes to a fluid keystroke that promotes a satisfying typing rhythm. The Silent Sakura - 43g, on the other hand, is particularly tailored for those who prefer a lightweight typing experience, with its 43g bottom-out force making it feel even more effortless. This switch caters to users who enjoy fast, gentle keystrokes without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches.
Overall, both the Gateron Mars and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches present appealing characteristics for different user preferences. While the Gateron Mars offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a relatively pleasant sound profile, the Silent Sakura excels in providing near-silent operation and featherlight touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on an individual's prioritization of sound and feel in their typing experience. Both switches can deliver satisfaction, but they cater to distinct typing environments and user sensitivities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering mechanical keyboard switches, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific typing needs and environment. If you value a unique design and potentially have a preference for an undefined bottom out force, the Gateron Mars could be the switch for you, especially if you enjoy providing a smooth and responsive feel in your keystrokes. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, and are an individual who prefers a lighter actuation with a bottom out force of 43 grams, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be the better option. Its whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions without disturbing others. In essence, choose the Mars for its intriguing build and responsiveness and the Silent Sakura for a serene and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with the typing feel and noise level that best suits your personal and professional environment.
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