Cherry MX Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is renowned for its subtlety; it provides a tactile bump that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user with noise, making it ideal for environments where discretion is valued. Its slightly textured surface and low-pitched sound allow for a comfortable and engaging typing experience, particularly suited for those who frequently type for extended periods. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who prioritize silence without sacrificing the sensation of a satisfying keystroke. With a whisper-quiet operation and a balanced force of 53g at bottom out, these switches evoke the serene experience of raindrops, making them an excellent choice for quiet offices or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches bring unique advantages depending on your typing habits and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches feature similar top housing materials, both crafted from nylon, a classic choice in the realm of mechanical switches. The use of nylon for the top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is largely due to nylon’s softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Consequently, both switches will yield similar acoustic results when pressed, thanks in part to the shared material traits of their upper housings.
However, the bottom housing of these switches diverges significantly, influencing the overall sound profile and tactile experience. The Cherry MX Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, aligning its acoustic properties with those of its top housing. This dual use of nylon helps maintain the deeper sound characteristic throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate helps produce a clearer and more resonant sound, offering a distinctly different auditory experience, especially when bottoming out.
The differences in bottom housing materials lead to varied tactile feedback and sound characteristics during keypresses. While the nylon bottom of the MX Brown ensures a cohesive auditory experience, the combination of nylon on top and polycarbonate on the bottom in the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g creates a split in sound quality based on the keystroke dynamics. When pressed, the Sakura switch delivers a crisp sound upon bottoming out due to the polycarbonate, while the release sound remains warm and full from the nylon top. Thus, while both switches share similar top housing materials, the contrasting bottom materials play a critical role in defining their individual auditory profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we observe both similarities and differences in actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes, which is favorable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force differs slightly; the MX Brown requires 55 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Sakura bottoms out at 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter option in terms of overall force needed when pressing the switch to its fullest extent. Those who prefer a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas individuals who enjoy a slightly more substantial feel may appreciate the MX Brown’s heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer the same experience when pressing down on a key. This equal travel distance ensures that users will achieve similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch. As a result, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the MX Brown or the smooth operation of the Silent Sakura, you can expect the same travel distance, making both switches comparable in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 it comes to sound, Cherry MX Brown switches are recognized for their bassy and low-pitched acoustic profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This means that typing on MX Browns produces a sound that resonates with a warmth and depth, akin to bass tones, which can be satisfying to many typists. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches focus on providing a whisper-quiet typing experience, designed specifically to minimize auditory distractions. Although the Silent Sakura's sound characteristics weren't detailed, the intent behind their engineering suggests they'll be significantly quieter, making them ideal for shared workspaces or those who prefer a more subdued auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches shine with their slightly textured feedback. This textured sensation adds a tactile element during typing, allowing users to feel each keystroke as they engage the switch, which can be very enjoyable for those who appreciate distinction between key presses. The added friction that comes with MX Browns may not appeal to everyone, especially to typists who prefer a smoother experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches. However, given their linear nature, it's reasonable to expect that they will provide a smooth, frictionless keystroke without the tactile bump that Brown switches offer.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to typists seeking satisfying experiences, they do so in markedly different ways. The MX Browns deliver a rich auditory sensation and textured tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches focus on whisper-quiet operation and a linear feel, perfect for quiet environments. Ultimately, your switch choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Brown and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches ultimately comes down to your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you value a tactile feel and enjoy the subtle feedback of a click without overwhelming noise, the MX Brown switches are an excellent choice. They provide a balanced experience with a satisfying, textured keystroke, making them suitable for both typing and gaming in relatively quiet settings, or when you want to feel the actuation point without a loud auditory signal. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches can’t be beaten. Their smooth, linear action coupled with a whisper-quiet sound profile offers an unobtrusive experience, perfect for long hours of typing or gaming without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, your selection should reflect not only your tactile preferences but also your typical usage scenarios, ensuring that your keyboard enhances your overall productivity and enjoyment.
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