Bsun Olive vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can greatly affect your typing experience, and two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Bsun Olive and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Bsun Olive switches are renowned for their pronounced tactile feedback and resonate deep sound, thanks to their all-POM construction and unique long pole stem design. This tactile quality provides a "snappy" and "sharp" sensation, making it ideal for typists who enjoy clear audio cues and physical feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer a serene and quiet typing experience, featuring a balanced 53g bottom-out force that caters to those who prefer lighter keystrokes without sacrificing satisfaction. While the Olives emphasize tactile feedback and auditory stimulation, the Silent Sakura focuses on a smooth, whisper-quiet experience, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a distinct difference can be observed in their top housing compositions. The Olive utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is known for creating a unique sound profile characterized by a deeper and more muted quality. In contrast, the Silent Sakura opts for nylon in its top housing. The nylon material, while still capable of producing a rich sound, is noted for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than POM due to its softer nature. This results in a fuller sound profile for the Silent Sakura, highlighting the nuanced differences in auditory experience between the two switches. Overall, while both materials lead to satisfying auditory results, the Olive emphasizes a deeper, muted sound, whereas the Silent Sakura aims for a rounder acoustic impression.
Exploring the bottom housing, the distinctions continue, with the Bsun Olive again featuring POM while the HMX Silent Sakura employs polycarbonate. POM, as seen in the Olive, contributes to a similarly muted sound profile and pleasant auditory experience similar to the top housing. On the other hand, polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, offering a higher-pitched and crisper sound quality, making the bottom-out experience more pronounced. The sharper sound from the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing contrasts with the Olive's muted character, creating a refined experience when typing. Thus, while the Olive's cohesive composition leads to a consistent sound profile, the Silent Sakura's combination of nylon and polycarbonate divided between the housing parts adds a layer of sound complexity and brightness.
Harmonizing the effects of both the top and bottom housings, we witness how the overall typing experience is shaped by these materials. Despite their differences, both the Olive and the Silent Sakura can result in satisfying performance, with the Olive delivering a more uniform sound experience due to the same material used for both housings. Conversely, the Silent Sakura leverages the contrasting effects of nylon and polycarbonate, resulting in distinct characteristics for bottoming out and releasing keys. Users desiring a balance between deeper tones and clarity might find each switch catering to varying preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, ultimately allowing for a tailor-made typing experience based on personal sound profiles and desired feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the contrast lies in their bottom out forces; the Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is significantly heavier, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a bottom out force of only 53 grams, providing a lighter and less demanding experience upon bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches are equally responsive to actuation, the Olive offers a heavier and more pronounced tactile feedback, making it more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Olive a shorter switch compared to the Silent Sakura. If you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Olive's shorter travel distance may cater to your gaming needs, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Silent Sakura with its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced keypress, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive switches deliver a resonant and deep auditory experience that distinguishes them from many other switches. This distinct sound profile enhances the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are designed for a completely different soundscape; they aim to facilitate a near-silent experience that evokes the soft, soothing sound of gentle raindrops. While the Olives create a bold sound when typing, the Silent Sakura emphasizes tranquility and discretion, making them a preferable choice for quieter environments. It's important to note that both switches will still be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which can affect how their respective sounds are perceived.
Focusing on the feel of each switch, the Bsun Olive is characterized by its pronounced, firm tactile feedback, making it an invigorating choice for typists who enjoy a more engaged experience. Descriptors such as "accents," "snappy," and "sharp" aptly capture the Olive's medium tactile profile, providing a satisfying and responsive typing sensation. This level of tactility ensures that users will distinctly feel their keypresses, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switch offers a light, whisper-quiet feel that caters to those who prefer a softer actuation without sacrificing the overall typing satisfaction. Although it is not specified as tactile or linear, the balance in its design highlights a smoother experience, making it less tactile and more suited for a subtle typing style.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive and the HMX Silent Sakura switches present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Olive offers a bold, tactile feedback and a deep sound, great for those who enjoy a lively typing environment. In contrast, the Silent Sakura excels in providing a serene typing experience with a feather-light touch and minimal sound. Depending on your personal style and typing needs, you can choose between these switches to achieve either a pronounced and engaging experience or a quiet and gentle one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a more tactile experience with prominent feedback and enjoy a deeper sound profile while you type, the Olive switch, with its 65g bottom-out force, will provide that invigorating and snappy sensation, making each keystroke feel satisfying and responsive. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a bit of resistance and a distinctive auditory feedback to enhance their interaction with the keyboard. Conversely, if you value a quieter environment and prefer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the better option. Its whisper-quiet operation and balanced 53g force create an almost serene typing experience, making it perfect for more focused work or shared spaces where noise may be an issue. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth, quiet typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
