Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Sakura stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different user needs. The MX Speed Silver is renowned for its swift actuation and low spring resistance, providing an ideal experience for gamers who require lightning-fast responses and precision in their gameplay. Its full-height structure ensures that every keystroke registers without delay, making it the quintessential choice for those whose performance hinges on milliseconds. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura caters more towards typists, offering a feather-light touch and medium acoustics that invite longer periods of comfortable typing without fatigue. While the Speed Silver excels in gaming scenarios where quick reflexes are paramount, the Sakura is perfect for users seeking a pleasant typing experience for extended durations. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Sakura switches, notable differences in their top housing emerge. The MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon, a traditional material recognized for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder tone when typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a POK top housing, known for its high durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides a silky typing experience while producing a distinct clacky sound. Thus, while both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, the MX Speed Silver leans towards a more muted auditory feedback, whereas the Huano Sakura offers a sharper and potentially more satisfying sound profile.
On the other hand, the bottom housings for both switches share a common ground as they are both made from nylon. This similarity in material means that both switches will have a comparable impact on the bottom-out experience, with the nylon’s inherent softness contributing to a fuller sound profile when the key is pressed down. The consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that typists will experience a similar tactile feel and auditory feedback during bottoming out. This commonality suggests that, despite the differences in the top housings, users will find a level of consistency in how the key switches respond when fully pressed.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Huano Sakura switches highlight the varied auditory and tactile experiences offered by each. With the MX Speed Silver's nylon top creating a softer sound profile, paired with the nylon bottom for sound consistency, it appeals to those who prefer a subdued keypress. In contrast, the Huano Sakura, with its POK top, delivers an exceptionally smooth and durable switch experience that enhances the overall feel of typing while producing a more pronounced sound. The shared nylon bottom housing between both switches illustrates how the bottoming-out experience remains vital, ensuring that while the character and sound may differ due to the top housing, the fundamental keypress experience is anchored in a common material.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation force highlight their unique characteristics. The Cherry MX Speed Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Huano Sakura's actuation force is lighter at 35 grams. This makes the Sakura switch more suitable for users seeking a lighter key press, which can contribute to reduced fatigue during long typing sessions or extended gaming. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unavailable, the Sakura switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully depressed. As a result, those who prefer a less forceful typing experience may gravitate towards the Huano Sakura, while users desiring a stronger push and more substantial feel may favor the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its higher actuation force. Overall, if the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force were known and found to be equal to that of the Sakura, users could expect a similar experience at full depression, but the distinct actuation forces will lead to differing preferences between the two options.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the MX Speed Silver having a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Sakura's 3.6 mm. This difference means that users of the MX Speed Silver will experience a more responsive feel when pressing down on keys, which is particularly beneficial for gamers looking for quick reaction times. Conversely, the Huano Sakura's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more traditional and satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver for $4.00.
The Huano Sakura 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 Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched tone, characterized by a deep, rich sound that resonates well when pressed. This audio profile gives a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users enjoy, particularly in gaming scenarios where every click counts. The Huano Sakura, however, offers no specific details on its sound characteristics, leaving the auditory experience somewhat uncertain. It's worth noting that sound quality can greatly vary depending on the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, so one might achieve somewhat similar aural experiences with the right setup regardless of the switch type.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is recognized for its textured sensation, which provides a distinct tactile encounter due to noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can be favored by users who appreciate feedback while typing or gaming, even if it may not be universally preferred. The specifics of the Huano Sakura's feel remain unknown, meaning we can't draw direct comparisons here. This lack of information may lead to differing preferences depending on user sensitivity to switch texture and resistance.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is specifically designed for rapid response and offers a distinctive auditory and tactile experience, making it particularly suitable for gamers. The sound is low-pitched and thocky, while the feel is textured, providing feedback during use. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura's sound and feel qualities are not clearly outlined, leaving room for personal exploration. For an interested newcomer, experimenting with both switches could yield unique insights, and one can likely achieve satisfying results with the appropriate setup for each.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're an avid gamer seeking ultra-fast response times and a switch that allows for rapid key presses without any tactile interference, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your best bet. Its instant actuation, combined with its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, provides an immersive gaming experience where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort during extensive typing sessions and prefer a softer tactile feel, the Huano Sakura's lighter bottom out force of 45 grams makes for a more forgiving experience, perfect for long hours at the keyboard. The Sakura's medium acoustics are also beneficial for those who enjoy a quieter workspace. Ultimately, you should choose the Speed Silver for competitive gaming and quick actions, while the Sakura is ideal for everyday typing with a focus on comfort and decreased fatigue.
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