HMX Perky vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact the typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Perky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Perky sets itself apart with its softer and glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. Its shorter travel distance allows for a more condensed keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a quick and responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who prioritize a quieter environment without sacrificing comfort, featuring a whisper-quiet operation that resembles gentle raindrops. Its balanced 53g bottom-out force caters to typists looking for a light, yet satisfying keystroke. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Perky for speed and responsiveness, and the Silent Sakura for 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.00 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
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Perky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. This shared material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as nylon is known for its softer plastic composition. Both switches will produce a similar auditory experience upon keypress, wherein the nylon top housing helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This commonality suggests that users seeking a satisfying typing sound will appreciate the characteristics of both switches equally when it comes to sound profiling.
However, the differences become pronounced when examining the bottom housings of the two switches. The HMX Perky features nylon for its bottom housing as well, thereby ensuring a cohesive performance that aligns with the top housing's sound. The use of nylon in both top and bottom contributes to a consistent auditory experience, reinforcing the overall deeper sound profile. In stark contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice brings a sharper and crisper sound due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which results in a more resonant and clear auditory output. This fundamental difference means that while the Perky provides a smooth, rounded sound throughout, the Silent Sakura introduces a brighter tonal quality in its sound signature.
The variation in bottom housing materials between the HMX Perky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g also impacts how keypress qualities are perceived during usage. In the Perky, the nylon bottom housing influences the key's bottom-out sound and feel, creating a unified experience that maintains a consistent auditory profile. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom contributes to a distinct, brighter response with a clearer sound upon bottoming out, while the nylon top still retains some of the deeper tones when releasing the key. Ultimately, while both switches share nylon for their top housings and thus deliver a similar auditory experience on release, the differing materials used in the bottom housing yield a unique character for each switch, catering to diverse preferences in typing feedback and sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Perky switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Perky switch might provide a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the slightly heavier Silent Sakura may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial force when pressing their keys. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter typing feel may prefer the Perky, whereas those who appreciate a medium-light switch might opt for the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Perky, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive typing experience, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster reaction times. In contrast, the longer 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, offering a deeper and potentially less abrupt keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize quick response and a lighter touch, the HMX Perky would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a fuller depth in your keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura would serve you better. This comparison underscores the different tactile experiences each switch offers, catering to varying preferences in typing and gaming scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a more muted acoustic profile thanks to its softer nylon housings, creating a typing experience that's characterized by a slight, pleasant thock with each keystroke. This gives users a neutral auditory feedback that resonates with a satisfying depth, making it conducive for both typing and gaming without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a whisper-quiet performance, engineered to produce sounds reminiscent of raindrops. This switch ensures that each press is almost silent, appealing to users who need a discreet environment. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard, keycaps, and the typing style employed.
When we look at the feel of these switches, the HMX Perky linear switch provides a condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation and a more responsive sensation. Users often express satisfaction with the smoothness of the key presses, as the switch is designed to feel neutral and comfortable during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a perfectly balanced bottom-out force of 53g, supporting a light and satisfying keystroke while maintaining the linear smoothness. This balance could be particularly appreciated by typists who prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for comfortable typing without straining the fingers.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Perky and Silent Sakura - 53g switches deliver a smooth linear typing experience, their distinct characteristics cater to different preferences. The Perky impresses with its satisfying sound and a responsive feel, ideal for users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g excels in providing a quiet typing experience paired with a balanced feel, perfect for those who value discretion. Both switches can yield satisfying results in tactile experience, but your choice largely depends on whether you prefer a more expressive feedback or a silent operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your preferences and typing environments play a crucial role. If you are looking for an engaging typing experience that feels soft and satisfying, the Perky switch, with its 50g bottom-out force and shorter travel distance, might be ideal. It's especially beneficial for those who appreciate a quick and responsive feel, whether you are typing long documents or engaging in fast-paced gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter environment—be it in an office setting or shared spaces—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g would be the better choice. With its balanced 53g force, this switch provides a comfortable feel while minimizing noise, making your typing experience smooth and subtle, akin to the sound of gentle raindrops. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your specific use case: opt for the Perky for a lively, tactile feedback experience, or choose the Silent Sakura for a serene and quieter operation.
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