Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options showcase contrasting experiences: the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Moyu Black switch, categorized by its sharp tactile feedback and hypertactile sensation, provides an exhilarating typing experience with its strong tactile bumps that are both punchy and pronounced. Its unique construction, featuring a premium PBT housing, contributes to a satisfyingly responsive sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is designed for those who prefer a whisper-quiet environment. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it allows for smooth and serene keystrokes, making it ideal for light typists or anyone working in noise-sensitive areas. While the Moyu Black excels in creating a resonant and impactful feel, the Silent Sakura prioritizes subtlety and ease of use. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it becomes apparent that the Moyu uses a combination of PBT for its top and bottom housings, while the Silent Sakura features nylon for the top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom. The use of PBT in the Moyu Black provides a neutral sound profile that neither leans towards crispness nor dullness, striking a balance that appeals to many users seeking a versatile typing experience. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Silent Sakura is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to be rounder and less sharp.
On the bottom housing front, the Moyu Black's PBT once again leans towards a neutral sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes a notably sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This leads to a more resonant audio profile, making the bottom-out sound on the Silent Sakura feel more pronounced. The differences in material here highlight a significant divergence in the overall auditory experience you can expect from these two switches: while the Moyu Black maintains a consistent sound throughout, the Silent Sakura offers an interesting contrast between the deeper top and brighter bottom sounds.
Despite these contrasting materials, both switches can still provide satisfying results, albeit with different characteristics. Users who appreciate the neutrality of PBT might prefer the Moyu Black for its balanced sound and typing feel. Meanwhile, those who favor a richer auditory experience with a defined bottom-out sound might lean towards the Silent Sakura due to its combination of nylon and polycarbonate. Ultimately, while each switch has distinct housing materials, they can both create enjoyable typing experiences depending on user preference and desired sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Moyu Black requires a 50-gram actuation force and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which characterizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This difference means that the Moyu Black provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Silent Sakura caters to users who favor a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Moyu Black is the heavier switch, whereas the Silent Sakura is the lighter option. Since the actuation and bottom out forces are different between the two switches, users will experience varying levels of resistance and feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is 4 mm, indicating that they have the same travel distance. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With both switches offering a 4 mm travel distance, they provide similar tactile feedback and keypress experiences, making them suitable for users who appreciate a consistent actuation feel across their keyboard setup.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches emit a resonant and sharp auditory profile, offering a punchy and impactful sound that encapsulates an immersive typing experience. The character of the sound is clean and crisp, making each keystroke feel distinct and pronounced. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered for a muted and whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes them ideal for environments where noise is a concern, as they minimize the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a subtle typing experience that maintains a tranquil atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches provide an accented and sharp tactile response, characterized by a pronounced tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity. The strong tactile sensation is accentuated by a brisk bottom-out, making every keystroke feel impactful. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer a polished and subtle feel. Their smooth key travel benefits from a refined finish, which, combined with light resistance, makes typing effortless and comfortable. This gentle yet responsive feel is ideal for users who prefer a low-impact experience, especially during long typing sessions.
In summary, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are ideal for those who appreciate a resonant sound and a sharp, accentuated tactile response, providing a stimulating typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to users who prioritize quietness and a smooth, easy-to-press feel. Depending on your typing preferences, both switch types can serve distinct purposes, and understanding their varying sound and feel qualities will help you make an informed decision when selecting switches for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style, environment, and personal preferences. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a strong and snappy response, the Moyu Black is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a medium-heavy feel that can provide a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. These switches are particularly suited for those who value a sharp and engaging typing experience, and they thrive in environments where sound is less of a concern. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quieter, more serene typing experience or you tend to type lightly, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch will serve you well. Its ultra-light actuation force and muted sound profile make it ideal for use in shared spaces or for extended typing sessions where comfort and reduced noise are essential. In essence, the Moyu Black is for the more tactile aficionado, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a smooth, subtle touch without the distraction of noise.