Gateron Mountain Top vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top 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 Mountain Top and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are two linear options that cater to different needs within the typing experience. The Mountain Top switches shine in office environments, offering a quiet yet not completely silent typing sound that allows for discreet typing without sacrificing the feel of each keystroke. Their lightweight actuation combined with a bouncy and snappy feel makes them an appealing choice for those who need to maintain productivity without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches provide an exceptionally soft sound profile, akin to gentle raindrops, along with a perfectly balanced bottom-out force of 53 grams. This design is ideal for typists who appreciate a smooth and satisfying keystroke while maintaining a serene atmosphere. Both switches bring their unique advantages to the table, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, a clear similarity exists in their use of nylon for the top housing. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that is generally softer and less harsh compared to switches made with harder plastics. This characteristic arises from nylon’s ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a rounded audio output. Thus, both switches offer a similar acoustic experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down the keys, highlighting the advantages of nylon's softer texture.
However, a significant contrast is found in the bottom housing materials of these two switches. While the Mountain Top employs nylon for its bottom housing—maintaining a consistent audio profile reflective of the top housing—the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate in its lower half. This decision directly influences the overall sound quality produced. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, amplifies higher-pitched sounds, resulting in a crisper and more resonant auditory experience. This distinction means that while both switches provide a soft and muted sound during key presses, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a sharper bottom-out sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, leading to a noticeable difference in the tactile experience.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the different materials in the bottom housings create a split in auditory characteristics as well. The nylon bottom of the Mountain Top enhances the deeper sound generated by the nylon top, allowing for a more cohesive acoustic signature. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g allows for increased clarity and resonance, particularly noticeable when bottoming out the key. This fusion of materials ultimately crafts a distinct yet complementary experience within each switch type. Thus, while the Mountain Top and Silent Sakura - 53g share similarities through their nylon top, the variations in bottom housing material lead to diverse auditory and tactile outcomes in practice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mountain Top switch features a lighter actuation force at 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it the heavier option overall. This means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Mountain Top to be more suitable, while the Silent Sakura may appeal to users who favor a more pronounced push feel. The differences in both actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience various levels of tactile feedback and resistance depending on their choice, ultimately catering to personal preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it is clear that they differ. The Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction in travel distance highlights the preferences of different users: gamers may favor the Mountain Top for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might find the Silent Sakura's deeper press more satisfying. Ultimately, if you're seeking a balance between depth and responsiveness, your choice will depend on your personal typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50.
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 switches are designed for a balanced experience, offering a neutral sound profile that avoids being overly intrusive, making them suitable for office environments and shared spaces. Their subdued sound signature ensures that while typing, it does not disturb others around you, striking a good balance between auditory feedback and discretion. The Silent Sakura - 53g, on the other hand, promises a whisper-quiet typing experience that evokes a more serene atmosphere. While the exact descriptors of the sound profile are not provided, the emphasis on a gentle, raindrop-like sound suggests they are notably quieter than typical switches. Both switches, however, will yield a sound experience that is adjustable based on keycap material and keyboard construction.
When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top switches provide a unique combination characterized by a bouncy and snappy feedback, allowing for lively and responsive typing. Their easy-to-press nature reduces the effort required for each keystroke, promoting comfort during long typing sessions while being mild and subtle enough to accommodate most typists. This makes them a great choice for users looking for a lively yet manageable typing experience. Unfortunately, the Silent Sakura - 53g lacks specific descriptors regarding the feel. However, given the focus on a light actuation force, it's reasonable to infer they also provide a comfortable typing experience, albeit without the same level of feedback as the Mountain Top.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mountain Top and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches are excellent choices for those seeking a tactful, quiet typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Mountain Top switches offer a balanced sound and a dynamic feel that many users will find pleasing, especially in a professional environment. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura switches aim for a serene, whisper-quiet experience, perfect for those prioritizing utmost discretion. The choice between them will largely depend on whether you prefer a more active typing sensation or a muted environment; both will ultimately deliver a satisfying performance aligned with your typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you're predominantly working in an office setting or shared space where discretion is key, the Mountain Top switches are designed to provide a quiet yet engaging typing experience. Their light 50 grams actuation force and bouncy, easy-to-press feel offer a comfortable and fatigue-minimizing option for extended typing sessions, making them an excellent choice for those who value a lively yet unobtrusive switch. On the other hand, if you desire a slightly firmer response with a more profoundly quiet experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is an ideal option. Boasting a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams and delivering a whisper-quiet sound profile, these switches excel in environments demanding utmost silence. Additionally, their satisfying keystroke makes them appealing for those who appreciate a bit of tactile feedback without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a more playful typing experience or a serene, silent keystroke, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard setup to your unique typing needs and surroundings.
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