Cherry MX Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options in the linear category are the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Cherry MX Red is a well-established switch, celebrated for its slightly heftier feel and rich sound profile that creates a robust typing experience. It is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched sound, which many users find satisfying during both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has been thoughtfully engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, making it ideal for light typists or those in shared environments where noise might be a concern. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch offers a gentle touch that allows for prolonged typing with minimal fatigue. While both switches provide a linear feel, they cater to different preferences and environments. 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
45g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both switches feature nylon top housings, which contributes to a similar auditory experience. The nylon, known for its softer composition, allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic quality during typing. This means that users of both switches can expect a more muted sound when pressed, enhancing the overall tactile experience, providing a degree of consistency in auditory feedback. The shared material in the top housing reinforces the fundamental tonal character found in both switches, making them appealing for users who prefer a quieter typing sound.
While the top housings are identical in material, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly, which impacts their overall sound profiles and user experience. The Cherry MX Red utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile consistent with the softer characteristics of the top housing. This nylon bottom enhances the warmth of the sound, contributing to a more unified acoustic experience throughout the switch's operation. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for its greater rigidity and clarity. This variance means that while both switches may deliver rich auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura will produce a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially noticeable during key releases, distinguishing its acoustic behavior from the MX Red.
The differing properties of the bottom housings lead to a unique typing experience for each switch. With the MX Red housing both the top and bottom in nylon, users will experience a consistent sound profile throughout their typing experience. However, the HMX Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom introduces an additional layer of clarity, making the typing experience more dynamic. The enhanced resonance of the polycarbonate amplifies the release sounds and adds an element of brightness to the sound profile. Therefore, while both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience and deeper sound due to their nylon tops, the use of different materials in the bottoms tailors each switch’s auditory identity, presenting users with distinct yet appealing options based on their preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences in actuation force can be observed. The Cherry MX Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the MX Red's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams. This distinction indicates that the Silent Sakura has a defined stopping point with reasonable resistance, while the MX Red's bottoming out characteristics are not defined. Overall, the Cherry MX Red is the heavier switch, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter option, ideal for users looking for a softer touch.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when you press down on a key, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is equal for both switches. This identical travel distance results in a similar key feel and responsiveness during use, making both switches suitable for users who prefer linear switches with smooth actuation. Therefore, whether you choose the MX Red or the Silent Sakura, you'll experience the same travel distance and, consequently, similar results in terms of key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched tonal qualities. Pressing a key results in a deep, rich auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, almost like a soft knock. This robust sound profile contributes to a more engaging typing experience, providing a sense of tactile confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is specifically engineered for a whisper-quiet operation. While detailed sound descriptors are not available, its design aims for an incredibly subdued auditory response, likened to the gentle sound of raindrops. Thus, if you appreciate a more immersive and pronounced sound, the MX Red is an excellent choice, whereas those in search of a quieter, distraction-free atmosphere would favor the Silent Sakura.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red is characterized by a textured sensation during key presses. This texture means that typists can expect a noticeable friction, which provides tactile feedback as they type, potentially enhancing precision for some users. The overall experience is engaging, albeit with a greater physical resistance than smoother switches. In contrast, there is no explicit description of the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, leaving its tactile response unknown. Therefore, those who appreciate a textured typing feel may lean toward the Cherry MX Red for its responsive nature while the Silent Sakura may cater to those seeking a potentially lighter and smoother experience.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer distinct typing experiences. The MX Red reveals its impressive sound and textured feel that can be deeply satisfying but more vocally pronounced, making it ideal for users who enjoy an engaging and substantial typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience with a lightweight actuation. Typists can choose between a more traditional, resilient feel with the Cherry MX Red or the serene environment offered by the Silent Sakura, depending on their personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between Cherry MX Red switches and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a more robust and tactile experience, the Cherry MX Reds with their heavier feel and satisfying thocky sound may be the ideal fit. They are great for those who enjoy the auditory feedback and a deeper typing experience, making them suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you're someone who seeks a quieter, undisturbed typing experience, particularly in shared spaces or during late-night sessions, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed for you. With their ultra-light resistance and whisper-soft performance, they provide a tranquil ambiance, allowing you to type with minimal distraction. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct advantages: choose the MX Reds for a rich, engaging typing experience or the Silent Sakura switches for serene silence and ease of use.
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