Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provide two compelling yet distinct options for users seeking speed and silence, respectively. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it a favorite among gamers where split-second timing is crucial. With its textured, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, it offers a tactile feedback that can enhance gameplay dynamics. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering a tranquil typing experience, designed for those who value a light touch and whisper-quiet performance. Its 53g bottom-out force provides a satisfying keystroke that is perfect for long typing sessions without disturbing others around you. While the Speed Silver is ideal for competitive gaming, the Silent Sakura caters to typists needing a peaceful environment. 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
1.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both switches feature a nylon top housing. This consistency in material usage means that users can expect a similar acoustic performance when typing on both switches. Nylon's inherent properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is appreciated by many typists for its warmer acoustics. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory feedback, making both switches similar in their top housing performance.
However, the bottom housings of these two switches differ significantly, with the MX Speed Silver utilizing nylon while the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate. This distinction leads to contrasting sound profiles that can affect the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver maintains the consistent deep sound characteristic of the top housing, producing a smooth key press experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer material properties. This results in more resonance, which might be preferred by users looking for clarity in their key presses.
The differences in housing materials also affect how each switch behaves during use. The nylon in the Speed Silver's bottom housing emphasizes that linguistic fullness and depth found throughout the switch, contributing to a cohesive auditory experience. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura affects the overall sound by introducing a more pronounced pitch during key presses, enhancing the switch's tonal qualities. In summary, while the top housings breed similarity in sound output due to their shared nylon construction, the bottom housings bring unique characteristics to each switch, resulting in distinct auditory profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar ease of triggering keystrokes with both switches. This can be advantageous for those seeking a balance between speed and comfort, particularly during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces. While the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, the Silent Sakura has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which indicates a more considerable resistance when pressing the key all the way down. This makes the HMX Silent Sakura the heavier option overall, likely appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver may provide a lighter feel due to its unspecified bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who favor prolonged usage without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, the differences become quite apparent. The MX Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a more traditional and longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you favor quicker response times—common among gamers—the Cherry MX Speed Silver might be the better choice for you due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance could provide the depth you desire. In summary, the shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver caters to a more responsive feel, while the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance might appeal to those seeking a more traditional 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 - 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a relatively thocky and low-pitched auditory feedback, characterized by deep, rich tones akin to a soft thud or knock. This sound profile, which many gamers appreciate, adds a tactile element to the keyboard experience without being excessively loud. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation, delivering a typing experience that is notably subdued, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. While the Silent Sakura is clearly designed for silence, the absence of specific sound descriptors hints at its purpose of minimizing disturbance and creating a serene typing atmosphere. Therefore, while both switches engage the user audibly, they cater to vastly different preferences—one for those seeking pronounced feedback and the other for those prioritizing tranquility.
Feeling the difference between these switches presents a similar divide. The MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured sensation, which conveys some level of friction upon keypress, creating a slight resistance that can enhance tactile feedback during rapid typing or gaming scenarios. This textured feel offers a certain satisfaction for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stands out with its perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, designed to cater to typists who prefer a smooth and lighter keystroke without any additional texture. The lack of specific feel descriptors for the Silent Sakura suggests a focus on delivering fluidity and ease during use, making it suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Speed Silver excels in providing rapid response with auditory feedback that enhances the gaming experience, while the Silent Sakura focuses on creating a quiet and smooth typing environment ideal for those who type frequently. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you value the tactile sound and texture of a more responsive switch or the serene efficiency offered by a quieter, linear option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences, particularly in the realms of gaming versus typing. If you are a gamer seeking rapid response times and maximum speed, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your best bet, offering instant actuation with its low spring resistance and full-height design, essential for those clutch moments in competitive play. Its thocky and low-pitched sound profile may provide a satisfying auditory feedback that keeps you engaged during intense sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter workspace and a more satisfying typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is ideal for you. Its 53g bottom-out force balances a light touch with a gentle yet responsive feel, ensuring that your typing remains unobtrusive while still being enjoyable. In essence, while the Speed Silver excels in speed and auditory feedback suited for gamers, the Silent Sakura caters to those who value tranquility and comfort in their typing experience. Select the switch that aligns best with your primary use case, and you will undoubtedly enjoy a more tailored and satisfying keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
