Gateron Quinn vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Quinn is renowned for its tactile feedback and satisfying sound profile, delivering a crisp, light tactility accompanied by a deep, resonant audio experience. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate an engaging typing experience that combines a tactile bump with a rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura is designed for those who seek a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. With an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, these linear switches provide a smooth and whisper-quiet typing experience, ideal for light typists or those working in noise-sensitive settings. While the Quinn captivates with its snappy and resonant character, the Silent Sakura excels in creating a serene atmosphere that minimizes distractions. 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
59g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-stage gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both utilize nylon for their top housings, which plays a key role in shaping the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The use of nylon, noted for its softer nature compared to harder plastics, results in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This shared material contributes to a similar auditory experience when typing, as both switches will exhibit a duller and more rounded sound, owing to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, regardless of the distinguishing features found in the bottom housing of each switch, users can expect a broadly comparable sound profile when engaging with the top housing of either switch.
However, the contrast becomes pronounced when we evaluate the bottom housings of the Gateron Quinn and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Quinn employs a nylon bottom housing, which carries similar sound-dampening qualities as the top, maintaining the cohesive auditory character of the switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile. This difference in materials means that while both switches will share the soft, absorbent qualities of nylon in their tops, the feel and sound upon bottoming out will diverge significantly. The polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura adds clarity and resonance that enhances the typing experience, particularly for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In summary, while both switches offer a similar auditory experience through their nylon top housings, the diverging materials in the bottom housings lead to distinct overall performance. The nylon bottom housing of the Gateron Quinn complements the top housing for a unified sound experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a brighter, more crystalline sound. This duality illustrates how the combination of materials influences not only the sound profile but also the tactile experience of each switch, thereby making them suitable for different typing preferences and environments.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly impact the typing experience. The Quinn switch features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter switch can be advantageous for users looking for reduced fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, the Quinn switch is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is the lighter choice, catering to fundamentally different preferences in keyboard feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Quinn offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Sakura, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who prefer quicker key presses. The shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm may feel more abrupt to some users, while the longer 4 mm distance of the Silent Sakura can provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper feel when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Quinn would be the better choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura might be preferred by users looking for a more traditional typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 Gateron Quinn switches provide a unique audio experience characterized by a rich, deep, and resonant profile. They deliver a satisfying blend of bassy and clacky tones, making each keystroke not only noticeable but also immersive. Users can expect a low-pitched acoustics that heightens the tactile feedback while typing, creating an engaging auditory atmosphere. The depth of sound generated by these switches adds character to every press, making them appealing for those who enjoy a more robust sound when typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, offering minimal sound disturbance. The delicacy of their design ensures that the typing experience remains subtle, akin to gentle raindrops, which caters well to those who prioritize a serene environment over auditory enjoyment.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Quinn switches are noted for their snappiness and polished action, thanks to their expertly designed mechanics. These switches offer a lively typing experience, incorporating a medium tactile bump that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and smoothness. Users can expect a playful bounce to their keystrokes, providing an engaging interaction that enhances typing speed and accuracy. This results in a refined and enjoyable typing sensation with minimal friction. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches' feel is currently unknown; however, their light 43g bottom-out force indicates they may offer a smooth and effortless keystroke, which could appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch without tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switches and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches cater to different user preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Quinn excels in providing a distinct, resonant sound profile coupled with a lively tactile feel, making it perfect for those who enjoy an auditory and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's whisper-quiet nature is ideal for users who seek a subtle atmosphere, though their tactile feel remains to be fully explored. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or subtlety and quietness in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a robust tactile feedback with a unique sound profile that combines both depth and clarity, the Quinn is a solid option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams creates a satisfying tactile experience that can make each keystroke feel crisp and lively, perfect for users who enjoy a more immersive typing sound and response. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter workspace or tend to type lightly, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for you. This switch's ultra-light 43g bottom-out force promotes a smooth and soft keystroke, making it ideal for those who seek a serene typing environment without the distraction of noise. In essence, choose the Quinn for an engaging auditory and tactile experience, while the Silent Sakura caters to those in need of tranquility and efficiency in their typing endeavors.
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