Cherry MX Silent Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially in the realm of linear switches. The Cherry MX Silent Red offers a classic linear feel that mirrors the popular MX Red while prioritizing a quieter typing experience. Its muted, thocky sound profile makes it an excellent option for those in noise-sensitive environments, allowing for an engaging typing experience without disturbing others. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its unique design, provides a lightweight keystroke with a beautifully subtle sound reminiscent of raindrops. Its precisely balanced 53g actuation force makes it ideal for typists seeking a delicate yet fulfilling touch. Both switches cater to users who value a silent operation, but they deliver different tactile experiences that can significantly affect typing enjoyment and efficiency. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches share a similar design philosophy, particularly in their top housing material, both utilizing nylon. This choice of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience by absorbing sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience from the top housing regardless of the specific switch. This commonality indicates that typists will enjoy a smoother, more muted sound when keystrokes are engaged, leading to quieter typing sessions that are particularly favorable in shared or quiet environments.
Contrastingly, the material composition of the bottom housings diverges significantly between the two switches. The Cherry MX Silent Red employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, providing a uniform sound profile throughout the actuation and bottoming-out of the switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing. While the nylon bottom maintains a softer and rounder sound, the polycarbonate bottom enhances the acoustic properties by delivering a sharper, crisper outcome upon bottoming out. This difference suggests that the Silent Sakura - 53g may result in a more pronounced sound differentiation between the press and release phases of typing, appealing to users who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the two switches combine to create unique typing experiences, emphasizing different aspects of sound profile and tactile feedback. While the nylon top housing in both ensures a level of acoustic consistency, the switch’s bottom housing material plays a crucial role in crafting the overall typing sensation and sound. The Cherry MX Silent Red's all-nylon construction fosters a cohesive auditory profile, while the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g leads to a more complex sound experience. Thus, typists might find that while similarities exist, the distinct characteristics of each switch result in unique engagements worth exploring.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity in actuation force suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness while typing or gaming with either switch. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown, while the Silent Sakura has a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. Because of this, the HMX Silent Sakura can be considered heavier overall, as users will encounter a firmer feel when fully depressing the key. For those who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the MX Silent Red is likely the better option, while the Silent Sakura may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g extends slightly longer at 4.0 mm. This means that those who prefer a more responsive keypress may gravitate towards the MX Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance, which can offer quicker response times beneficial for gaming. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and comfortable typing experience for users who enjoy a deeper key press. Therefore, should you choose between the two, the MX Silent Red is the shorter option, while the Silent Sakura - 53g is the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches, the MX Silent Red stands out with its uniquely muted and thocky sound. This means it produces a soft yet satisfying noise with a deep, rich tone that many find enjoyable, especially in quieter environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. In contrast, the sound profile of the Silent Sakura is not explicitly described, making it difficult to evaluate its acoustic qualities relative to the MX Silent Red. Nevertheless, both switches are designed with noise sensitivity in mind, suggesting they will both maintain a relatively quiet operation in practical use.
In terms of feel, the MX Silent Red portrays a textured experience, characterized by a certain friction that typists may either appreciate or find bothersome, depending on preference. This texture adds a tactile feedback element to the keystroke, enhancing the overall engagement while typing. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Silent Sakura are not provided, leaving a gap in the comparison. For typists who enjoy a rich tactile experience, the MX Silent Red may be the preferable choice; however, without specific attributes listed for the Silent Sakura, it remains an unknown factor in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Silent Red is well-defined in terms of both sound and feel—with its muted, thocky acoustics and textured keystroke—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g lacks described characteristics that would provide a fuller comparison. If you're looking for a quiet linear switch with engaging tactile feedback, the MX Silent Red presents a clear choice. However, the Silent Sakura might also deliver a good experience but would require personal testing to ascertain its unique qualities. Ultimately, both switches aim for a whisper-quiet operation, ideal for those who prioritize a low-noise environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches, you should consider your typing environment and preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared living space, the MX Silent Red is an excellent choice due to its whisper-quiet operation and satisfying feel reminiscent of the classic MX Red. Its muted sound profile and thocky characteristics provide a pleasant typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Silent Sakura switch may be the better option. This switch offers a balanced tactile feedback that caters well to typists who enjoy a light but still engaging keystroke, making it suitable for longer typing sessions while keeping noise levels minimal. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the extremely quiet operation of the MX Silent Red or the tactile satisfaction and medium-light actuation of the HMX Silent Sakura, ensuring you select the best switch to enhance your typing experience.
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