Cherry MX Orange vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences for users who appreciate the nuances of typing feedback and sound. The Cherry MX Orange switches are a revival of the original MX Orange switches, cherished for their tactile feel and enhanced responsiveness thanks to the MX2A generation improvements. They offer a satisfying typing experience ideal for both gamers and typists who enjoy a noticeable yet not overly loud keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are designed for those prioritizing a quiet environment, making them perfect for office settings or late-night typing sessions. With their gentle yet responsive touch and a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, they provide a light and satisfying keystroke without the distraction of noise. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs, making them compelling choices for various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style and usage best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches both utilize nylon for their top housings, which significantly influences the typing experience. Nylon is known for its softer texture, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic helps absorb vibrations, creating a muted tone that enhances the overall auditory experience. Since both switches employ nylon in the top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics—both switches will produce a rounded sound, contributing to a pleasant typing experience that many users find appealing.
However, a notable distinction arises in the bottom housing materials, where the MX Orange features a nylon housing while the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate. This difference plays a critical role in how the two switches perform acoustically. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Orange will maintain the softer and more subdued sound profile throughout, while the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a sharper, crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for more resonant acoustics, which can enhance the clarity of keystrokes. Therefore, when typing, the Silent Sakura - 53g is likely to provide a more distinct auditory feedback due to its materials.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the combination of housings creates a dichotomy between these switches. The MX Orange's consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom allows for a homogenous sound with less variation, resulting in a muted typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will exhibit more dynamic sound qualities, creating a noticeable difference in the feedback when bottoming out versus releasing the key. Ultimately, while the top housings share a common material and sound profile, the differences in the bottom housings significantly shape the auditory and tactile feedback, leading to unique experiences with each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both metrics. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is heavier than the Silent Sakura's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura is lighter and may provide a more comfortable typing experience for extended use, appealing to those who favor lighter switches for prolonged sessions. In terms of bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura also has a specified bottom-out force of 53 grams, while the bottom-out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown. This leaves a gap in comparing the bottom-out experiences; however, one can expect that the Silent Sakura’s bottom-out force aligns with its overall lighter feel, suggesting a smooth transition from actuation to bottoming out. Therefore, for those who appreciate a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is the better option, while the Cherry MX Orange provides a heftier feel, potentially appealing to users who prefer a stronger keystroke experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Consequently, users can expect equivalent performance in terms of key actuation between the two switches, making them suitable for those who prioritize consistent travel distance in their keyboard feel.
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 - 53g 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
The Cherry MX Orange switch produces a sound profile that is generally muted and unobtrusive, making it suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered specifically for quiet operation, delivering a sound akin to gentle raindrops, allowing for a near-silent typing experience that emphasizes discretion. Both switches offer a subdued acoustic footprint, but the Silent Sakura is particularly focused on minimizing noise even further, which might make it the preferred choice for ultra-quiet settings.
When it comes to feel, the MX Orange switch is characterized by a smooth and linear keystroke, providing a consistent resistance without tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a straightforward typing experience. The Silent Sakura - 53g, meanwhile, also offers a linear feel but has a carefully calibrated bottom out force of 53g, designed to create a light, yet satisfying keystroke. The difference in bottom out force may lead to a slightly different tactile sensation during extended typing sessions, where the Silent Sakura might feel lighter to some users while still maintaining that linear smoothness.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Orange and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches present muted sound profiles, they cater to different preferences when it comes to typing feel. The MX Orange is ideal for those seeking a classic linear switch experience, while the Silent Sakura prides itself on whisper-quiet operation with a unique light pressure point. Ultimately, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, but personal preference regarding sound level and actuation force will guide the best choice for your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch that brings a nostalgic yet enhanced tactile feel, the Cherry MX Orange is a solid option; it's ideal for those who enjoy a smooth keystroke without audible feedback and can thrive in both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter experience—perhaps for use in a shared workspace or at night—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is tailored for you, providing a wonderfully soft sound profile and a medium-light actuation force that results in a satisfying but discreet typing experience. Essentially, if you need a vibrant yet subtle switch for gaming or everyday use, the MX Orange stands out. Conversely, if you desire a quieter keyboard without compromising tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura is undoubtedly the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific typing habits and environmental considerations, allowing you to select the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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