Akko Penguin vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko Penguin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires. The Akko Penguin switch offers a tactile response that is both satisfying and subtle, making it an excellent option for office environments where noise minimization is essential. Its rounded tactile bump provides a delightful feedback with each keypress while keeping the sound level down, complemented by a medium weight that enhances comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch delivers a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by a whisper-quiet operation that is perfect for those who value a serene atmosphere, reminiscent of raindrops softly tapping against a window. With a lighter actuation force, the Silent Sakura ensures ease of keypress while still providing a rewarding feel. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize a tactile feedback or a seamless linear journey, both are ultimately designed to enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Akko Penguin and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both switches employ nylon for their top housing, which fundamentally influences the overall sound profile and tactile experience produced during typing. The nylon material is known for its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience when pressed. This characteristic is shared across both models, indicating that users can expect a similar sound when activating the switches. The uniformity in the top housing material suggests that if one is accustomed to the typing experience of the Penguin, they may find the same inviting sound dynamics in the Silent Sakura - 53g.
However, a notable difference arises with the bottom housing materials employed in each switch. The Penguin utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which complements the top housing's sonic qualities to promote a rounded and rich sound profile as the switch bottoms out. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that offers a sharper and crisper tonal quality. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound when the key is fully pressed, which may introduce a distinct auditory experience compared to the softer nylon housing. Therefore, while both switches showcase similar sound characteristics from the top, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly, creating an opportunity for differentiation in the typing experience.
In summary, the combined effect of different bottom housing materials results in a duality of sound profiles that highlights the strengths of each switch. With nylon in the top housing, both switches promise a rich sound that envelops the user in a pleasant auditory backdrop. However, the Penguin's all-nylon construction allows for a more unified sound and feel, while the Silent Sakura - 53g's polycarbonate bottom introduces a sharper contrast at the bottom-out moment. Users looking for a full-bodied sound will find satisfaction in both options, but those seeking nuanced auditory differentiation may appreciate the unique offerings of the Silent Sakura - 53g, especially as they experience the interaction of softer and stiffer materials across both housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Penguin tactile switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Penguin has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Silent Sakura’s actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Penguin may provide a marginally easier keystroke, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions. However, the Penguin also has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the actuation feels lighter, the Penguin requires more effort to fully bottom out, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Users seeking a lighter overall experience might lean towards the Penguin for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a less aggressive bottoming out feel may find the Silent Sakura more to their liking due to its lighter bottom out force. Overall, while both switches offer medium to medium-light actuation forces, the Penguin is the lighter switch in terms of actuation, whereas the Silent Sakura provides a more gentle conclusion when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional feel with more depth during key presses, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin switch may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced activities. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the Akko Penguin is the better choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura might suit those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 comparing the sound of the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, the Penguin is specifically designed to offer a muted sound profile that is ideal for maintaining a quiet environment, making it suitable for office settings. Its sound is neutral, which keeps it versatile enough for various uses, whether at home or work. On the other hand, while the Silent Sakura is crafted for a whisper-quiet experience characterized by a soft and gentle sound reminiscent of raindrops, it lacks specific descriptors beyond that. Thus, while both switches prioritize quietness, the Penguin excels in versatility, while the Silent Sakura is aimed at a serene typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, combining a smooth finish with a gentle tactile bump. This switch strikes a balance between feedback and ease of use, ensuring comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Moreover, the Penguin's feathery and subtle qualities contribute to a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the Silent Sakura switches are unspecified in this context, leaving key aspects of their tactile feedback and response unknown. This indicates that while the Penguin provides a comprehensive and enjoyable experience in terms of tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura may not offer as much detailed evaluation without further information.
Considering all available information, the Akko Penguin tactile switch stands out for its muted sound and polished, mild feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quiet and comfortable typing experience, especially in shared spaces. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, while promising a gentle and quiet experience, requires further details to offer a complete comparison in terms of tactile feedback. Thus, if sound level and certain qualities are of utmost importance, the Penguin might be a safer and more well-rounded option for newcomers seeking both versatility and comfort in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko Penguin tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you find yourself in an office or shared space where noise must be minimized, the Akko Penguin is an ideal choice due to its muted sound profile and satisfying tactile feedback. This switch's medium weight and polished feel provide a balanced and comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and desire an ultra-quiet typing experience reminiscent of soft raindrops, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is your go-to option. With its medium-light actuation force, this switch offers a more effortless keystroke, ideal for casual typing or gaming without making a sound. In essence, your decision should align with your typing style: choose the Penguin for tactile feedback in quieter settings, and opt for the Silent Sakura for an unobtrusive yet responsive experience.
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