Cherry MX Orange vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct options for users who favor linear switches. The Cherry MX Orange, reintroduced with enhancements from the original Hirose design, offers a balanced actuation force and a tactile experience that many enthusiasts cherish. It’s renowned for its satisfying feedback while maintaining a smooth key press, making it a great choice for both typists and gamers who seek both precision and pleasure in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, designed specifically for those who typists favor a more subdued work environment. With an ultra-light actuation force of only 43g, these switches cater to lighter typists or those who prioritize silence over sound, allowing for a serene atmosphere without sacrificing comfort. Each switch has its own merits, depending on whether you value feedback and tactile satisfaction or a quiet, delicate typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Orange and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches both feature nylon as their top housing material, which leads to similar sound profiles during use. Nylon's properties as a softer plastic allow it to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This absorption contributes to a rounded sound quality during key presses, making both switches feel more subdued and pleasant for typists who prefer quieter environments. The similarity in the top housing material suggests that users of both switches will enjoy comparable sound profiles when typing, leading to a similar auditory experience that emphasizes a smooth, cushioned feel.
However, the bottom housing of the two switches presents a contrasting scenario that significantly influences the overall sound and feel. The Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which continues the theme of sound absorption, producing a harmonious, muted auditory signature. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This difference arises from the properties of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic, allowing sound to travel more freely and creating a crisper auditory feedback during key presses. Thus, while the top housing yields similar results for both switches, the bottom housing differentiation leads to contrasting experiences regarding sound clarity and typist feedback.
Overall, the diverging materials in the bottom housings highlight the nuanced impact of housing composition on typing dynamics. Users will find that while the Cherry MX Orange's all-nylon design results in an even, muted experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides an enhanced clarity with its polycarbonate bottom, making each keystroke feel sharper. The balance between the two types of housing materials ensures distinct experiences that cater to different preferences; users seeking a muted yet warm sound will favor the MX Orange, while those desiring a more pronounced acoustic response will lean towards the Silent Sakura - 43g's design. This contrast underscores the critical role of housing materials in shaping tactile feedback and auditory experience, which can significantly influence a typist's preference in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force at 55 grams, compared to the 37 grams of the Silent Sakura, making the latter the lighter option. This lighter actuation force of the Silent Sakura can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register a key press. However, the MX Orange offers a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. While the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable, the Silent Sakura features a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating that it provides a defined resistance when pressed fully down. Thus, for individuals seeking a light, responsive switch for prolonged use, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is the recommended choice, whereas those favoring a firmer feel would lean towards the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a consistent keypress depth when engaging either switch. This similarity in travel distance contributes to a comparable tactile experience, ensuring that the activation and bottom-out feel will be alike. As a result, those accustomed to the feel of one switch will likely find the other switch just as comfortable and familiar to use. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that offers a consistent travel distance, either the MX Orange or the Silent Sakura would yield similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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.
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
The Cherry MX Orange switch is characterized by a smooth and consistent sound profile, producing a softer click that is less noisy than traditional tactile switches, making it a decent choice for office environments. While it isn't completely silent, it certainly does not have the sharp clacking noise often associated with other switch types. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a truly muted experience, designed for those seeking an extremely quiet typing encounter. The sound can be likened to the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops, creating an atmosphere perfect for quiet settings, such as libraries or shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the MX Orange switch provides a linear experience that is satisfying for typists who appreciate a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Its design encourages fluid typing, which can be beneficial for those who type quickly. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered with an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, catering specifically to light typists who prefer minimal resistance. This switch is designed to create a subtle touch feel, making it easy on the fingers and excellent for extended typing sessions without fatigue.
In summary, while both the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches excel in their respective categories, they cater to slightly different preferences. The MX Orange offers a balanced, quieter typing experience without being completely silent, providing a good option for casual users who enjoy a smooth feel. The Silent Sakura prioritizes silence and light key actuation, making it ideal for those who want an exceptionally quiet keyboard. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening or a more traditional linear feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you are looking for a switch that offers a solid and responsive feel, the MX Orange is ideal, especially if you enjoy typing with a little more heft and engagement. It’s particularly suited for users who appreciate a tactile feedback that connects them with the keystrokes, and the history behind the switch adds to its character, making it appealing for those who value the heritage of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, perhaps in a shared or noise-sensitive environment, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet operation, it caters to light typists or anyone who seeks a serene atmosphere while working or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs for sound, feel, and typing comfort, guiding you toward the switch that will enhance your typing experience.
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