Gateron Melodic vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence both typing experience and performance. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, breathes new life into the traditional category by incorporating advanced features such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, resulting in a satisfying tactile feedback alongside a distinctive click sound. This invigorating and resonant switch is ideal for those who appreciate a classic auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a linear alternative, designed for quiet and effortless keystrokes. With an ultra-light 43g actuation force, this switch caters to users who prefer a more subdued typing environment, making it a great choice for shared spaces or late-night sessions. While the Melodic delights the senses with every click, the Silent Sakura promises a serene typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
The Gateron Melodic and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are composed of different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This characteristic enables a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting because of the translucency of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, a stark contrast to the Melodic's sharper sound.
Analyzing the bottom housings further highlights the differences in these switches. The Melodic's bottom housing is made of nylon, which echoes the characteristics of the top housing in the Silent Sakura - 43g. Thus, it also contributes to a deeper sound, promoting a more subdued bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, introducing the crisper and more resonant properties of polycarbonate, thereby influencing the sound profile as the key is released. This unique combination of materials in the bottom housings results in a more dynamic sound experience if the switch allows for a contrasting top and bottom material.
Ultimately, while both switches feature differing materials for their top and bottom housings, they balance each other out to provide a distinctive typing experience. If one were to live in a context where sound quality is pivotal, choosing the Melodic may yield a sharper response especially beneficial for RGB setups, while the Silent Sakura - 43g may better serve users who prefer a softer, less intrusive auditory feedback. Regardless, the distinct combinations mean that the bottom housing can heavily impact the bottom-out feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound upon release, creating a symbiotic relationship between the components that allows users to experience a diverse range of auditory sensations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range, suggesting a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience ideal for long work or gaming sessions. Given that the Silent Sakura is lighter overall, users looking for a lighter touch will favor it. In comparison, the Melodic switch, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Thus, users seeking comfort during extended typing may lean towards the Silent Sakura, while those who favor a more tactile experience might opt for the Melodic.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you'll experience the same level of key travel, resulting in a similar tactile sensation during use. As such, users can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance and overall feel when using either switch, making them equally suitable for different typing preferences despite their differing actuation mechanisms.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers an engaging auditory experience characterized by its resonant and crunchy tones. Users can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, providing a satisfying click that evokes the crispness of stepping on autumn leaves. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed for tranquility, offering a whisper-quiet typing experience that resembles the subtle sound of gentle raindrops. This stark contrast between the two means that typists seeking a lively, feedback-rich environment would likely gravitate toward the Melodic, while those prioritizing a discreet typing experience would prefer the Silent Sakura.
Regarding feel, the Melodic switch boasts a buttery smoothness that allows for effortless typing, complemented by invigorating feedback that enhances the actuation experience. This combination delivers a snappy and responsive sensation that encourages a more engaging typing rhythm. The Silent Sakura - 43g, however, does not have described characteristics in terms of tactile feedback or feel, leaving its exact typing experience less defined. For typists seeking a soft and subtle feel, the Sakura may offer smoothness aligned with its whisper-quiet nature, but the lack of specific descriptors means that it could vary significantly from the Melodic’s more pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is a vibrant option for users who appreciate audible feedback and a tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging and expressive keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g caters to individuals seeking a serene and quiet environment, though its tactile feel remains undefined. Choosing between these two options hinges heavily on personal preference for sound and typing experience, with the Melodic creating an immersive auditory landscape while the Silent Sakura promotes a peaceful typing atmosphere.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch will depend largely on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory typing experience, the Melodic switch is an excellent option, as it combines a satisfying clicky sound with a smooth keystroke thanks to its factory lubing and dual-railed design. This switch, with its medium actuation force of 60 grams, is ideal for those who appreciate clear, resonant feedback while typing—perfect for a lively home office or gaming setup where sound is welcomed. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed specifically for that purpose. Its lightweight actuation and whisper-quiet sound profile make it a superb choice for shared workspaces or late-night typing, allowing you to focus on your tasks without disturbing others. Ultimately, your decision should take into account your typing style, your sound preference, and the setting in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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