Haimu Neo White vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options to tailor their typing experience. The Haimu Neo White switches, recognized for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, provide a unique feel, enhanced by the rare use of a Ly stem that ensures a remarkably smooth actuation with each keystroke. They are designed for those who appreciate a mild and neutral typing experience, making them versatile for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer a whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, perfect for those who need to keep noise levels low in shared spaces. With a balanced 53g bottom out force, these switches cater to typists seeking a light yet enjoyable keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions. While the Neo White excels in tactile feedback and smoothness, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a serene typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches showcase a notable difference in their housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, which result in a more resonant audio experience, particularly beneficial for users seeking clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. Moreover, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally recognized for offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs sound more efficiently, yielding a dulled, rounded auditory experience that some users may prefer for quiet typing environments.
Examining the bottom housings, the Haimu Neo White adopts nylon, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes polycarbonate. In this juxtaposition, the softer nylon in the Neo White contributes to an overall deeper sound, influencing the bottom-out sensations that users experience during typing. On the other hand, the presence of polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura's bottom housing injects a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This distinctive combination of housing materials creates diverse auditory profiles depending on the key presses, appealing to varying user preferences. While one switch leans into warmth and fullness, the other offers clarity and brightness, showcasing how the choice of housing alters the auditory characteristics.
Ultimately, the distinction between these two switches lies in the interaction formed by their housing materials, where the top and bottom contribute diversely to the overall sound experience. If users appreciate the positive aspects of both switches, they can still find ways to achieve similar results by recognizing how sound properties are affected by the combination of different housing types. For instance, pairing a switch with a nylon top with a polycarbonate bottom or vice versa can create a unique balance, allowing for a hybrid experience that incorporates the desired sound qualities of both materials. This adaptability in switch design showcases the nuanced relationships that housing materials play in crafting personalized typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neo White has an unspecified actuation force, but it exhibits a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that the Silent Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Neo White may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer different tactile experiences, the Silent Sakura is well-suited for users who favor a lighter touch, while the Neo White caters to those who prefer a sturdier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Neo White features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Sakura - 53g has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is the longer switch between the two. This difference may affect the user experience significantly; the Neo White’s shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Silent Sakura may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you're inclined towards more responsive typing or gaming, the Haimu Neo White could provide an advantage, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura offers a traditional and potentially more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50.
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 Haimu Neo White switch is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. This means you can expect a well-rounded auditory experience that doesn't clash with either quiet or noisier atmospheres. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience. While the specific sound profile isn't detailed, the design hints at a more muted acoustic footprint, reminiscent of gentle rain, which may make it perfect for settings where discretion is valued.
When considering the feel, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a mild experience, providing a gentle typing sensation that balances accessibility with satisfaction. This makes it approachable for most users, whether they're beginners or seasoned typists. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch remains unspecified, which leaves some mystery regarding its specific characteristics. However, its design aiming for a light, yet satisfying keystroke might suggest a similar smoothness to the Neo White's actuation.
In summary, both the Haimu Neo White and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The former offers a neutral auditory experience with a mild tactile response, making it versatile for various users and contexts. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura provides a silent operation that may appeal to those seeking a quieter work environment, though its tactile feel is still unknown. Both could potentially lead to satisfying typing experiences, but the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize sound levels or the tactile feedback each switch offers.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with a balanced weight and a neutral sound profile, the Neo White is likely your best option. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 58 grams caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, while its mild feel will suit both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed specifically for that purpose, with its 53g bottom-out force offering a light and satisfying keystroke. This makes it particularly suitable for quiet environments, such as offices or shared spaces, where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, choosing the right switch will enhance your typing comfort and efficiency, so consider your primary typing conditions and preferences before making your decision.
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