Cherry MX Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g each offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Black switch is renowned for its robust build and textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a stiff, low-pitched feedback and enjoy the classic sound profile that accompanies each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a serene typing experience, characterized by its whisper-quiet operation that resembles gentle raindrops. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, these switches cater to users who prefer lighter keystrokes without sacrificing satisfaction. Both switches have their merits—whether you’re looking for the reassuring weight and sound of the MX Blacks or the stealthy, comforting touch of the Silent Sakura. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both switches exhibit the same material for their top housing—nylon. This commonality in using nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as both switches share the characteristic of employing a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. The use of nylon in the top housing creates a duller and rounder auditory experience, making these switches particularly appealing to typists who prefer a more subdued and rich sound when typing. This similarity indicates that for both switches, if one were to conduct typing tests or sound profile analyses with the top housing in focus, they would likely achieve comparable results in terms of sound depth and overall auditory quality.
However, the differences arise in the bottom housing materials, where the Cherry MX Black continues to use nylon while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates polycarbonate. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile compared to the softer nylon. This divergence means that while both switches share a consistent sound profile when pressing down, as dictated by their similar top housings, the bottom-out sound experience varies. The nylon bottom housing of the Cherry MX Black will lead to a thumpier and less pronounced sound during the bottom-out action, whereas the polycarbonate of the Silent Sakura - 53g delivers a clearer and crisper sound, influenced greatly by its material properties.
Additionally, the aesthetic implications of using polycarbonate are notable in the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, particularly regarding the visibility of RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for more vibrant lighting effects compared to the opaque properties of nylon. Thus, while both switches may provide a similar auditory experience due to their top housing material, the overall experience when typing and visual impact of the switches can differ significantly due to the bottom housing material. The choice between these two switches could come down to personal preference on sound characteristics and visual customization, as users might favor the Cherry MX Black for a more muted experience or the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g for clarity and illumination.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and the bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Cherry MX Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial and resistant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of just 53 grams, appealing to users who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. Consequently, for those who seek a lighter and more responsive feel, the Silent Sakura provides an advantage, while the Cherry MX Black is better suited for individuals who appreciate the control and feedback of heavier switches. Overall, if users prioritize weight and fatigue reduction, the HMX Silent Sakura would be the preferable choice, while the Cherry MX Black meets the needs of those desiring a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience a similar tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, typing and gaming experiences with these switches will feel quite comparable in terms of key travel. This equal travel distance allows for consistent results when considering either switch for keyboard use, making them both suitable options for those who prefer linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, 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
When considering the sound profile of the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is characterized by a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone, providing a deep and mellow auditory experience while typing. This can be appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback from their typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g aims for a quieter experience, designed to evoke the gentle sound of raindrops. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Silent Sakura are not detailed, making it challenging to directly compare it to the MX Black. Overall, while the Cherry MX Black offers a more resonant and immersive sound, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a subdued typing environment.
Regarding the tactile feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Black is notable for its textured and stiff characteristics. The textured nature introduces a certain amount of friction, which some users might find satisfying, while the stiffness means that more force is needed to actuate each key, providing a distinct resistive feel. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, by contrast, is designed for a lighter touch with its 53g bottom-out force, which suggests a smoother typing experience. The lack of additional feedback information about the Silent Sakura means that we cannot definitively state how its texture compares to that of the Cherry MX Black, but its intent appears to be geared towards an easier keystroke.
In summary, the Cherry MX Black linear switch presents a rich, low-pitched sound and offers a textured, more resistant typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback and a deeper acoustic profile. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its quiet operation and lighter activation force, caters to those who prefer a serene typing environment without sacrificing the satisfaction of each keystroke. While both switches provide distinct experiences, if a user values a quieter sound and less required effort, the Silent Sakura may be the preferable choice despite the uncertainties regarding its textural feel compared to the MX Black.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between Cherry MX Black linear switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier switch and enjoy a textured typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black is an excellent choice. Its 80-gram bottom-out force is particularly beneficial for users who favor deliberate keystrokes, such as gamers or those who like a more robust feedback from their typing. Conversely, if you’re looking for a quieter option that allows for fast typing without the distraction of noise, the Silent Sakura - 53g is tailored for you. With its 53-gram bottom-out force, it strikes a balance between lightness and satisfaction, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a smoother, less strenuous experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your tactile and auditory preferences as well as the context in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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