Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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, two popular options stand out: the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its ultra-responsive linear action that ensures rapid keypresses, making it a favorite among gamers who thrive on speed and precision; its full height allows for maximum key travel, and its low spring resistance enhances its quick triggering. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers an entirely different appeal, prioritizing a serene typing experience with its whisper-quiet operation. With an ultra-light actuation force of just 43g, it caters to lighter typists who appreciate a subdued environment without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their unique strengths—Speed Silver shines in fast-paced gaming scenarios, while Silent Sakura excels in quiet, focused settings. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 housing materials used in the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provide a fascinating juxtaposition, particularly when considering their top housings. Both switches feature nylon as the material for their top housing, which is known for its dual capabilities in creating a unique sound profile. The use of nylon tends to yield a deeper and fuller acoustic experience due to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound waves, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory impact. As a result, users of both switches can anticipate a consistent sound response during typing, benefitting from this nuanced sound absorption mechanism that nylon uniquely provides.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly, with the MX Speed Silver utilizing nylon while the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for polycarbonate. Nylon, employed in the bottom housing of the Speed Silver, continues the theme of warmth and fullness in auditory feedback, contributing to a muted yet rich bottom-out sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Silent Sakura's bottom housing is much stiffer, allowing for a clearer and crisper sound profile that is distinctly sharper than that produced by the nylon. Consequently, while the Silent Sakura may create a more pronounced and resonant sound upon actuation, the Speed Silver retains a softer feel, showcasing a divergence in the tactile experience and auditory feedback provided by these two materials.
The overall experience of typing on either switch, however, may have similarities due to the complementary nature of their material choices. Since both switches leverage nylon for their top housing, users can expect a consistent sound quality during the release phase, meaning that whether one is using the Speed Silver or the Silent Sakura, the top housing will offer a similar acoustic profile when the keys are released. This means that despite the differing characteristics of their bottom housings, the experience retains a coherent tonal consistency thanks to the shared material in the top hosing, demonstrating how different materials can work in tandem to create a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces emerge. The MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is on the heavier side, providing a firmer tactile response, while the Silent Sakura requires only 37 grams of actuation force, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, while the Silent Sakura has a clearly defined bottom-out force of 43 grams, the bottom-out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. This inconsistency means that while the Silent Sakura offers a more predictable performance with its bottom-out force, the MX Speed Silver's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In summary, the MX Speed Silver is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is lighter, catering to different preferences based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option between the two switches in question. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence your typing and gaming experience; the Speed Silver is designed for quicker response times, appealing to gamers who favor responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance can provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress but may feel less immediate. Thus, your choice between these switches should reflect your preference for either rapid activation or a more pronounced 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 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Speed Silver is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep and satisfying sound when the keys are pressed. This gives a rich and pleasant auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more substantial tone. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered to provide a whisper-quiet experience, designed to minimize noise akin to gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura ideal for environments where silence is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. While the Speed Silver offers a more robust and auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura focuses on peaceful typing with an emphasis on discretion.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver exhibits a noticeable texture, providing a slight friction that some typists may find engaging, as it adds a tactile quality to key presses that can enhance the typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, designed with smooth actuation in mind, though its specific tactile qualities remain unknown. Therefore, while the Speed Silver may cater to users who appreciate some texture and feedback during their typing session, the Silent Sakura targets those who prefer a gentler and lighter touch.
In conclusion, while both switches serve distinct preferences, they offer different experiences based on sound and feel. The Cherry MX Speed Silver stands out for its rich auditory feedback and textured sensation, making it a choice for gamers and those who enjoy a satisfying sound while typing. The HMX Silent Sakura excels in creating a quiet typing environment, perfect for users who prioritize a serene atmosphere. Depending on your priorities—whether it be sound or a light and unobtrusive feel—both switches can cater to your needs, albeit in remarkably different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should depend heavily on your specific needs and preferences as a typist or gamer. If you're a competitive gamer looking for rapid responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the clear winner with its lightning-fast activation and minimized spring resistance. Its thocky, low-pitched sound provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press, making it ideal for high-pressure gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you prioritize a serene and quiet typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is your go-to option. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, this switch is designed for comfortable, gentle typing, perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value speed and auditory feedback or a soft, silent touch while typing.
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