Akko Rosewood vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of different options, such as the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, is renowned for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it a favorite among those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g also falls into the linear category but is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, designed for users who desire a more subdued typing atmosphere reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura aims to provide a light, yet satisfying keystroke, ideal for focused work environments. While both switches offer smooth keystrokes, they cater to distinct preferences that can significantly enhance your 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches both utilize nylon for their top housing, resulting in a shared characteristic sound profile that defines the typing experience. The nylon material's inherent softness allows for a deeper and fuller sound as it absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. This feature creates a unique auditory profile that many users appreciate for its warm and muted characteristics. Thus, whether one chooses the Rosewood or the Silent Sakura for their keyboard, the top housing will consistently deliver a duller and rounder sound, making both switches appealing to those who enjoy engaging in quieter, yet satisfying typing sessions.
However, the differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches create a notable contrast in their overall auditory experience. The Akko Rosewood employs a nylon bottom housing, paralleling its top counterpart and thus maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is considerably stiffer. This distinction leads to a sharper, more resonant sound that can be perceived upon bottoming out. Users of the Silent Sakura might find the experience livelier and crisper, while fans of the Rosewood might prefer its more muted and rounded sound profile, stemming from a complete nylon configuration.
Ultimately, the mix of materials brings varying experiences despite the commonalities found in both switches. The Akko Rosewood achieves a cohesive sound journey thanks to the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a richer typing experience through its combination of nylon and polycarbonate, leading to a more complex sound profile that amplifies notes upon completion of a keystroke. Despite these differences, users can still achieve satisfying results tailored to their preferences, whether they lean towards the unified depth of the Rosewood or the contrasting interplay of sounds in the Silent Sakura.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option, while the HMX Silent Sakura is heavier, aligning with individual preferences for force sensitivity in a keyboard. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences that cater to different user needs in terms of comfort and responsiveness, making the choice dependent on personal typing style and usage.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and overall feel during typing or gaming. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of key depth and responsiveness, making either switch an excellent choice for those seeking a linear typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch delivers a deep and satisfying thocky sound, which is enriched by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances acoustics right out of the box. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, offering a robust auditory experience without being obtrusive. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed with a focus on quiet operation, producing a whisper-quiet typing sound that evokes a gentle, soothing ambiance, reminiscent of raindrops tapping softly against a window. This switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where minimizing sound is crucial. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that both switches could deliver varying auditory results depending on these factors.
When considering feel, the Akko Rosewood switches are typically characterized by a smooth linear action that provides a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for effortless actuation with a satisfying weight. This combination can create a delightful typing experience where the user feels engaged with each keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a perfectly balanced actuation force of 53 grams, resulting in a light yet satisfying keystroke that caters to typists who favor a softer touch. The smoothness and linear nature of both switches contribute to a cohesive typing experience, though the Rosewood may feel slightly more pronounced due to its heavier, thockier build compared to the lighter action of the Sakura.
In conclusion, both the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood emphasizes a deeper sound profile with a more pronounced feel, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value sound presence or a whisper-soft experience, but both switches share a smooth linear action that ensures an enjoyable typing experience across the board.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a lighter bottom out force for a more effortless, quick typing experience, and you value a tactile and satisfying auditory feedback with a deep “thock” sound, the Rosewood switch is the way to go. It’s particularly great for those who enjoy a bit of personality in their keyboard, making it an excellent choice for casual typing or gaming sessions where the sound can add to the excitement. On the other hand, if you find yourself in quieter environments or need to be mindful of noise—like in shared office spaces or late-night gaming—the Silent Sakura - 53g with its medium-light bottom out force is designed for you. Offering a whisper-quiet experience, it combines a smooth keystroke with reduced sound, ensuring that you can type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard most, and choose the switch that aligns with your needs for both sound and feel.
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