Durock Piano vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Piano and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both stand out as excellent options, but they cater to distinctly different user preferences. The Durock Piano switch is celebrated for its unique material blend, offering a sumptuous typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a rich, deep sound signature that many enthusiasts relish. With its bassy, frictionless, and silky attributes, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for users who prioritize a quiet workspace. Engineered for serenity, these switches provide a whisper-quiet operation that evokes the soothing sound of raindrops, combined with an ultra-light 43g bottom out force that caters to light typists seeking both comfort and discretion. While the Durock Piano excels in providing a more pronounced acoustic experience, the Silent Sakura ensures a peaceful environment suitable for shared spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal typing style and environment.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, notable differences arise in both the top and bottom housings. The Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which is designed to create a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact specifications of this blend remain undisclosed, it is widely recognized that POM, or polyoxymethylene, is valued for its excellent durability and resilience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer characteristics that tend to absorb sound more effectively. This absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Thus, while both switches aim to provide pleasing auditory feedback, the Piano's POM blend is likely to create a slightly crisper and more defined sound in contrast to the broader and softer tones produced by the nylon used in the Silent Sakura.

In examining the bottom housings, the differences become even more pronounced. The Durock Piano utilizes the same proprietary POM blend as its top housing for the bottom. This consistency reinforces the rich sound profile of the switch, ensuring that both components work harmoniously to produce a velvet-like auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile, contributing to a more resonant sound when the key bottoms out. Consequently, while the Durock's POM blend creates a cohesive deep sound throughout the typing experience, the Silent Sakura's combination of nylon and polycarbonate results in a layered auditory experience, where the nylon dampens the sound from above while the polycarbonate adds sharpness below.

To summarize, both the Durock Piano and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g are designed to offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Although they employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, the distinct characteristics of each can lead to a complementary typing experience. If you were to switch from one to the other, the Piano's constant POM usage might result in a more uniform sound, while the Silent Sakura's contrasting nylon top and polycarbonate bottom yield a diverse tonal richness. Therefore, while the material differences might suggest dissimilarities, enthusiasts could harness these characteristics to achieve a balanced auditory experience across different typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Durock Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Conversely, the Piano’s heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing, as it offers a stronger push feel. Since the actuation force for the Piano is unknown, we cannot make direct comparisons in that regard, but it's clear that users looking for a softer touch would gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, while those favoring a firmer experience might opt for the Durock Piano.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, you'll achieve comparable tactile feedback and overall performance, making them suitable for similar typing experiences. Whether you're playing piano keys or typing away on a keyboard, the consistency in travel distance ensures that neither switch will feel significantly different in terms of key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Durock Piano linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the contrast is quite pronounced. The Piano switches produce a deep, creamy sound signature that has been described as bassy, offering a richer auditory experience during typing. This sound profile fosters a satisfying auditory feedback that typists often crave. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura is designed for a whisper-quiet operation, with sound that is reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment. While the Pianos provide a more resonant soundscape, the Silent Sakura caters to a quieter atmosphere, so if you're looking for auditory feedback, the Pianos will deliver, whereas the Silent Sakura will ensure minimal sound disruptions.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches stand out with their frictionless and silky characteristics, promoting an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The switches facilitate fluid travel, allowing typists to move effortlessly from key to key with minimal resistance. This results in a comforting and engaging tactile experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g does not have defined descriptors for its feel, which leaves it uncertain in comparison. However, the ultra-light 43g bottom-out force suggests it may provide a light and easy typing experience, albeit without the specific attributes that the Pianos boast. Therefore, while the Pianos offer a rich tactile pleasure, the Silent Sakura's feel remains ambiguous but may lean towards a lighter typing experience.

In conclusion, the Durock Piano and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches cater to different preferences based on sound and tactile feedback. The Pianos are perfect for those who enjoy a substantial, bassy audio cue and the engaging feel of frictionless, silky travel. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for a quieter typing experience, suitable for environments where noise levels matter. While both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory and tactile sensation or a serene, whisper-like environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more substantial feel and rich auditory feedback while typing, the Durock Piano will likely suit you best. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy resistance that many typists find satisfying. Their creamy sound signature and frictionless, silky feel can make typing a more enjoyable and immersive experience, especially if you don’t mind a bit of noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and lighter typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch might be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, these switches are perfect for light typists or those in shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The Silent Sakura's design ensures a soft and subtle keystroke, allowing for a serene typing atmosphere that evokes tranquility. Ultimately, evaluate your typing habits, the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, and the sensory feedback you prefer to make an informed choice between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more