Durock Piano vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Piano and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique material blend, producing a smooth gliding push feel along with a deep, creamy sound signature, making them ideal for users who enjoy a bassy, frictionless typing experience that is both satisfying and acoustically pleasing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a quieter typing session, featuring a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force. This switch delivers a light yet satisfying keystroke that mimics the tranquil sound of raindrops, catering to typists who prioritize a serene environment without sacrificing the pleasure of tactile feedback. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, they cater to different needs—whether you prefer an audible, luxurious feel or a discreet, smooth encounter. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Piano and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches feature distinctly different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Sakura uses nylon for its top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and therefore provides a rounder acoustic experience. Both options aim for a satisfying sound, but while the Piano’s POM blend emphasizes a density that contributes to a rich sound, the nylon of the Silent Sakura focuses on dampening and warmth.

When examining the bottom housing materials, the contrast becomes even more pronounced. The Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend, similar to its top housing, reinforcing its deep sound characteristics. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to polycarbonate's stiffness. This difference means that while both switches can produce satisfying acoustic responses, the Piano excels at a consistently deep sound profile, whereas the Silent Sakura contrasts with a brighter, more resonant one, attributed to the clearer character of polycarbonate.

Overall, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to the tactile and auditory experiences they provide. Though they yield differentiated sound profiles, with the Durock Piano advocating for a deeper, fuller sound and the Silent Sakura catering to a sharper acoustic, you can achieve a certain level of similarity. If the Piano’s top and bottom housing successfully harmonizes the qualities of its POM blend, it could result in a balanced sound, while the diverging traits of the Silent Sakura’s nylon and polycarbonate can still deliver a rich typing experience, albeit with a crisper tonality. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will cater to the specific auditory preferences of the user, whether they lean towards a more cohesive deep sound or a clearer, resonant typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Piano features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the HMX Silent Sakura employs an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, making it preferable for users who enjoy a softer touch that can enhance typing endurance during long sessions, whether for work or gaming. Conversely, the Durock Piano, being heavier in terms of bottom out force, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel when typing. As a result, users who favor a lighter touch should consider the Silent Sakura, while those seeking a stronger feedback experience might gravitate towards the Durock Piano, assuming they can navigate the uncertainty surrounding its actuation force.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide a similar feel in terms of keypress depth, making them comparable in performance and user experience for those who prefer a linear switch. Since their travel distances are equal, users can choose either switch without worrying about differences in the travel distance impacting their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Durock Piano switches deliver a deep and creamy auditory experience with a bassy sound signature. This provides a richer and more resonant feedback with each key press, reminiscent of lower frequency tones that can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate deeper sounds. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are specifically engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the soft patter of raindrops. While the Silent Sakura is designed to minimize sound, it is important to recognize that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap material chosen.

Regarding feel, the Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their frictionless and silky attributes, offering an ultra-smooth typing experience that allows for very little resistance during key presses. This results in a fluid and effortless transition when typing, making it an enjoyable experience for both gaming and typing tasks. The Silent Sakura - 53g switches, while possessing their own unique smoothness and tactile profile, are less described in terms of their feeling; hence, it is unknown how they compare directly in this regard.

In summary, while the Durock Piano switches provide an enjoyable bassy sound and a remarkably smooth typing feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering a quiet performance with a balanced force. If sound and tactile sensation are particularly important to you, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a richer auditory experience or a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, both switches present unique advantages tailor-made for different typing preferences, which means you'll enjoy a good experience with either selection based on your priorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch should ultimately align with your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a heavier feel and appreciate a rich, deeper sound profile while typing, the Durock Piano switches might be the perfect fit for you. Their smooth, frictionless action and creamy sound signature make them an appealing option for both gaming and extended typing sessions where tactile satisfaction is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke that allows for rapid, quiet typing, the Silent Sakura - 53g would likely serve you better. Designed for a whisper-quiet experience, they cater to those who work in shared spaces or simply enjoy a more subdued typing atmosphere without compromising on the satisfaction of the keystroke. Therefore, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience to make the right choice that complements your unique style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more