SP-Star RedBlue vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star RedBlue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The RedBlue switches are ideal for those who enjoy a medium-light typing experience, characterized by a low-pitched sound profile that is both neutral and mild, providing a thocky and polished feel with each keystroke. This makes them particularly appealing for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a smooth and consistent keypress without distraction. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches excel in delivering a near-silent typing experience that mimics the serene sound of raindrops, making them perfect for quiet environments such as offices or shared spaces. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches are designed for those who desire a light yet tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to different users depending on their specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will serve you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The RedBlue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This makes it particularly suitable for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches, especially when illuminated with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's top housing is made from nylon, a material that typically results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon dampens sound waves, providing a more muted acoustic experience. This distinct difference in materials suggests that each switch would cater to distinct user preferences in sound aesthetics.
The bottom housings of these switches tell a different story, showcasing a similarity in their choice of polycarbonate. Both the SP-Star RedBlue and the Silent Sakura utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. This shared material choice means that while each switch may offer different auditory characteristics from their top housings, the deeper auditory feedback associated with the bottom-out impact will maintain a consistent crispness across both models. The presence of polycarbonate in the bottom housing ensures that users experience a clear sound profile, regardless of the varying sound characteristics derived from their respective top materials.
Ultimately, the combined impact of these varying materials in the SP-Star RedBlue and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches leads to a diverse auditory experience. The RedBlue’s polycarbonate top provides a bright and sharp sound while the Silent Sakura’s nylon top adds a layer of warmth and depth. Meanwhile, the uniform polycarbonate bottom housing resonates with clarity in both cases, ensuring that users will appreciate a level of sonic consistency when bottoming out. Therefore, despite the contrasting characteristics of the top housings, users can expect a similar crisp sound experience when pressing the keys down, making each switch appealing to different preferences while still maintaining cohesive auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The RedBlue switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the actuation force remains unspecified. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch features a 45-gram actuation force and a 53-gram bottom out force. This indicates that the Silent Sakura is overall lighter, offering a softer feel during typing, which can be advantageous for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming without as much fatigue. With the information provided, the bottom out force of the RedBlue switch is slightly heavier than that of the Silent Sakura, suggesting that users might experience a more substantial typing feel with the RedBlue switch, should they prefer that heavier resistance. Thus, for those who enjoy a lighter touch versus those who desire a more robust experience, the Silent Sakura proves to be the more versatile option.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar keystroke feedback and actuation sensation. As a result, both switches can be expected to deliver a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them equally effective for users who prefer consistent key actuation with linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 it comes to sound, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches offer a relatively low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a deep, rich tone often described as "thocky." This bass-heavy quality contributes to a satisfying auditory experience, appealing to users who enjoy the sound of each keystroke without it being overly loud. The neutral nature of the sound also makes the RedBlue switches suitable for various environments, be it for work or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops. This minimalist auditory feedback caters to users who prefer a more subtle engagement with their typing or gaming, ensuring a serene environment without interruptions.
In terms of feel, the RedBlue switches are designed to provide a mild and polished typing experience. The mild response offers a gentle touch that is approachable for typists at any level, while the polished construction ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches feature a consistent actuation force of 53 grams, catering to users looking for a light but satisfying keystroke. Although there are no specific descriptors provided for the feel of the Silent Sakura, their emphasis on whisper-quiet operation suggests a focus on a pleasant touch without disruptive feedback.
Overall, while both the SP-Star RedBlue and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches serve niche preferences, they differ significantly in sound and tactile feedback. The RedBlue switches cater to users who appreciate a deeper, richer sound with a smooth and mild feel, making them versatile for various applications. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switches prioritize a quiet environment and a balanced typing experience suited for those who find peace in silence. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your personal preferences regarding audio feedback and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your preferences for typing feel and sound will play a significant role. If you favor a medium-light typing experience with a slightly higher actuation force of 57 grams, the RedBlue is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a low-pitched and "thocky" sound profile. This makes the RedBlue ideal for both casual and office environments, offering a satisfying and smooth typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter option without sacrificing too much tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura with its 53-gram bottom-out force is designed to deliver a whisper-quiet experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch is perfect for those who want to minimize noise—a fantastic choice for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal typing habits and the environments in which you usually type.
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