Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options emerge: the Gateron Mountain Top and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. Both linear switches cater to users seeking a quieter typing experience, yet they accommodate different preferences and contexts. The Mountain Top is specifically designed for office environments, offering a well-balanced sound profile that strikes a chord between subtleness and feedback, making it ideal for professional settings where discretion is key. Its characteristics of being bouncy, easy-to-press, and mildly snappy appeal to those who value a comfortable and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches present an ultra-light actuation force, allowing for a gentle and serene feel, perfect for light typists who prefer an airy and serene typing atmosphere. Their whisper-quiet nature resembles the soft patter of rain, making them an excellent choice for quiet home offices or shared spaces. Both switches provide unique advantages, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your individual typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit notable similarities in their top housing materials, both employing nylon to construct this component. This commonality plays a significant role in shaping their acoustic profiles. As nylon is known for being a relatively soft plastic, it tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, which results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This shared nylon upper housing contributes to the mellow auditory characteristics that enthusiasts often seek, creating an overall muted sound profile that enhances the typing experience for users who prefer less sharpness in their keystrokes.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, a divergence between the two switches occurs. The Mountain Top features a nylon bottom housing, which continues the trend of producing a rounded, softer sound profile akin to that of the top housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its sturdiness and ability to create a clearer and more resonant sound. This difference in materials significantly influences the overall acoustic output of each switch. While the nylon bottom of the Mountain Top fosters continuity in sound quality and feel, the polycarbonate of Silent Sakura offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can be particularly advantageous in a gaming context, where clarity and resonance might be prioritized.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Mountain Top results in a consistent auditory experience, characterized by depth and fullness, while the Silent Sakura's unique mix—with nylon on top and polycarbonate below—provides a contrast of warm and cold sound profiles. The qualities introduced by each housing material affect their performance distinctly, leading to different typing experiences. In practice, though, the fundamental typing experience can still be enjoyable for both switches; users might gravitate towards the Mountain Top for a soft, muted typing feel while choosing the Silent Sakura for crisp, clear feedback, particularly when fast key presses and auditory clarity are required.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, both options present a light typing experience that caters to different preferences among users. The Mountain Top features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch overall, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mountain Top, being heavier at both actuation and bottom out forces, may offer a more substantial push feel, which some users might prefer for a tactile experience. Although both switches are relatively light, those who prioritize a lighter touch will gravitate toward the Silent Sakura for easier keystrokes, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance can opt for the Mountain Top.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g features a longer distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the Mountain Top is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker input. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Overall, if you prefer a quicker response time, the Gateron Mountain Top would be the superior choice, whereas those valuing a more pronounced depth might gravitate toward the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 - 43g for $2.99.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is engineered for a balanced auditory experience, offering a subdued sound signature that makes it well-suited for office environments. Its neutral sound profile allows users to type quietly without attracting too much attention, making it an excellent option for those who need to maintain a formal atmosphere. On the other hand, while specific details about the sound profile of the Silent Sakura - 43g switch are not provided, it is described as delivering an ultra-quiet typing experience. This suggests it may be even quieter than the Mountain Top, potentially creating a serene typing environment that minimizes distractions.
When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top switch offers a combination of bounciness and responsiveness, characterized by a gentle actuation force that enables comfortable, low-impact typing over extended periods. The light resistance, combined with a snappy rebound, contributes to a lively typing experience that remains approachable even for beginners. The lack of specific descriptions for the Silent Sakura - 43g means we cannot directly compare the feel, but given its ultra-light actuation force, it is designed to cater to light typists, promoting ease in key presses which may result in a less pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches are crafted for discreet environments, making them ideal for office use. The Mountain Top excels with its balanced sound profile and engaging feel, offering a responsive and comfortable typing experience. While specific details about the Silent Sakura's feel are unknown, its focus on whisper-quiet operation indicates a strong emphasis on providing a tranquil typing atmosphere. If you're looking for a switch that combines discretion with comfort, both options will deliver similar results tailored for quieter workplaces, with subtle differences in sound and feel that may appeal to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself frequently typing in offices or shared spaces, the Mountain Top switches are an excellent option, providing a balanced, quiet typing experience while remaining comfortable and easy to press. Their bouncy feel and mild sound signature offer a pleasant typing experience without being overly disruptive, making them suitable for both novice and advanced typists. On the other hand, if your priority is achieving the utmost silence, particularly in a serene environment where noise is a concern, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed specifically for that purpose. With an ultra-light actuation force and the ability to deliver a whisper-quiet experience, these switches are perfect for light typists seeking a calm and peaceful atmosphere. In essence, if you appreciate a responsive feel with slight sound presence, go for the Mountain Tops; however, if pure silence is your goal, the Silent Sakura switches will serve you better.
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