Cherry Nixie vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry Nixie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique benefits tailored for different user preferences. The Nixie, a linear switch praised for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, appeals to those who appreciate a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, making each keystroke feel satisfying and robust. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for typists seeking a serene typing environment without sacrificing feel; this switch features a perfectly balanced 53g actuation force that allows for a light yet satisfying keystroke. While the Nixie offers a traditional yet modern blend thanks to its updated materials, the Silent Sakura caters to those desiring a more muted and peaceful typing session. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g share a commonality in their top housing, both constructed from nylon, which is renowned for its ability to provide a rich sound profile during typing. The softness of nylon compared to harder plastics allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This attribute makes both switches capable of delivering a rounded and pleasant typing sound. For users seeking a more subdued acoustic profile, the similarity in top housing material between the two switches ensures that they will encounter comparable auditory characteristics whether they opt for the Nixie or the Silent Sakura.
However, the contrast becomes evident when examining the bottom housing of each switch. The Nixie features a nylon bottom housing, which aligns with the softer and fuller sound profile created by its top housing. In stark contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction means that while the Cherry Nixie emphasizes a snug auditory experience in both up and down strokes, the Silent Sakura's use of polycarbonate adds a more pronounced resonance during bottom-out events. Therefore, typists who prefer a lively keystroke response may find the Silent Sakura more appealing due to its distinctive sound dynamics.
Ultimately, the characteristics of the Cherry Nixie and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g reflect a blend of common and divergent features that cater to varying preferences among typists. While the nylon top housings facilitate a similarly warm sound profile, the bottom housing materials introduce different acoustic experiences. The Nixie's dual nylon construction ensures a seamless, plush typing experience, whereas the Silent Sakura harnesses the sharper qualities provided by polycarbonate for a more nuanced auditory profile upon impact. Typists can thus choose between these two based on their preferred sound appeal—overall providing diverse tactile and auditory experiences rooted in the combination of housing materials.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present a distinct contrast in actuation and bottom out forces. The Nixie features a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, accompanied by a bottom out force of 80 grams, giving it a substantial typing experience that caters to users who prefer a more resistive feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it ideal for those who favor extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without as much finger fatigue. This means that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Nixie is decidedly heavier. While both switches execute their functions effectively, the Nixie's heavier resistance may not suit everyone—especially those looking for a more casual, prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users pressing either switch will experience the same physical distance from the top to the bottom when actuating the key. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the feedback and responsiveness from both switches will feel quite alike, making them suitable for users seeking a consistent pressing experience. As both switches share this characteristic, players and typists can expect equivalent results in terms of key feel and activation, regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie switches deliver a thocky and low-pitched auditory response. This rich and deep sound resonates with users who enjoy that satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when a key is pressed and released, providing an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet performance, resulting in a typing experience that can be likened to the gentle sound of raindrops. While the Nixie offers a more pronounced acoustic feedback, the Silent Sakura prioritizes stealth, catering to users who might find themselves in shared environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also significantly depend on external factors like the keyboard's build and keycap choices.
The feel of the switches also presents distinct characteristics. The Cherry Nixie is known for its textured feel, providing a degree of friction that some typists appreciate, as it enhances tactile feedback during typing. This texture creates a somewhat engaging experience, particularly for users who favor a more intentional key press. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g does not have any specified tactile qualities, suggesting a smoother and more refined keystroke experience. This could make the Silent Sakura more appealing to those who favor lightweight switches with a non-intrusive feel, enabling long typing sessions without the fatigue that sometimes accompanies more textured switches.
In summary, while both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch are designed to enhance the typing experience, they cater to different preferences. The Nixie offers a robust sound profile and textured feel, making it ideal for users seeking tactile feedback and acoustic satisfaction. Conversely, the Silent Sakura is tailored for those prioritizing a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Choosing between them ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, allowing typists to select the switch that best aligns with their individual typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a substantial and textured typing experience and don’t mind the heavier 80g bottom-out force, the Nixie is an excellent choice. It provides a satisfying thocky sound that many enthusiasts adore, making it perfect for a more tactile engagement during typing, especially in quieter environments where that sound can resonate beautifully. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight touch with a whisper-quiet action, the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well. Its medium-light 53g actuation force allows for more effortless typing, which can be advantageous during lengthy sessions or in shared spaces where noise might be a concern. In summary, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a more robust, traditional feel with the Nixie or seek the soft, discreet elegance of the Silent Sakura for your typing needs.
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