Huano Sakura vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two contenders worth considering are the Huano Sakura and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Huano Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent option for users who engage in long typing marathons, as it minimizes fatigue while providing a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is specifically designed for those seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing experience; with its carefully calibrated 53g bottom-out force, it delivers a gentle keystroke that evokes the soothing sound of raindrops, therefore catering to environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces. Both options are linear switches, emphasizing smooth key presses without tactile bumps, yet their unique characteristics present different advantages: one focuses on comfort and sound, while the other prioritizes silence and a slightly heavier actuation force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, key distinctions emerge, especially in their top and bottom housings. The Huano Sakura features a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which is lauded for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction at 0.04, POK provides a silky-smooth typing experience, surpassing materials like polyoxymethylene (POM) and nylon in terms of shock resistance and overall wear. This contributes to not only its longevity but also a notable clackiness, making the keyboard sound satisfying during use. On the flip side, the HMX Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing, which, while softer and slightly less smooth than POK, offers a fuller and warmer sound profile. This difference in properties suggests distinct auditory experiences when typing, impacting the overall feel users may have with each switch.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrast and similarities. The Huano Sakura utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, continuing the theme of a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, thanks to nylon’s ability to absorb sound effectively. This quality aids in creating a dampened feel, ideal for users who prefer a softer auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which yields a sharper and more resonant sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more pronounced bottom-out sound when a key is pressed, resulting in a different typing feedback compared to the muted response of the Huano Sakura's nylon setting. Therefore, while both switches have a softer touch courtesy of nylon, the HMX Silent Sakura achieves a more vibrant sound signature due to the polycarbonate presence in its bottom housing.
Despite these differences in materials, there is an overarching similarity that could allow users to achieve comparable results in terms of overall switch performance. Both switches are designed with a thoughtful balance between their top and bottom housing materials to enhance the typing experience. Users can expect a smooth action and tactile feedback from both options, with the POK and nylon of the Huano Sakura offering a unique blend of durability and acoustics, while the HMX Silent Sakura’s nylon and polycarbonate pairing provides a sharper sound and distinct tactile sensations. Ultimately, users may choose between the two based on their personal preference for sound profile and feel, yet both switches can deliver an engaging typing experience through careful material selection and design integration.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit differing actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is ideal for users looking for a low-impact typing experience that enables longer sessions with minimal fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel while typing. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, while the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is slightly heavier, contributing to distinct tactile experiences depending on user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Huano Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Huano Sakura the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial depth with each keystroke, potentially providing a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor speed and responsiveness or a deeper, more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 - 53g 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
The Huano Sakura linear switch is known for producing medium acoustics, creating a sound profile that is pleasant without being overly loud, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. This balance allows typists to enjoy their work without distracting others around them, providing an approachable auditory experience that doesn't become tiresome over long periods. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a distinctly quieter acoustic experience, designed to emulate the soft sound of gentle raindrops. This whisper-quiet characteristic is particularly beneficial in shared workspaces or quiet environments where minimizing noise is a priority. Together, both switches offer enough diversity in sound to cater to different preferences, though the Silent Sakura distinguishes itself with its muted capabilities.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Sakura switch features a feather-light touch that complements its medium sound profile, allowing for effortless keystrokes that reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This light actuation offers a satisfying yet gentle response, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a fast and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed with a balanced 53g bottom-out force, delivering a soft but satisfying keystroke. While the force is slightly heavier than that of the standard Sakura, it still maintains a comfortable typing experience that appeals to users looking for a bit more feedback while enjoying a quieter operation. The difference in actuation force creates a unique typing feel that can enhance personal preference, allowing typists to choose what feels best for them.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches provide valuable qualities suited to different typing preferences. The Sakura is ideal for those seeking a light and balanced experience with medium sound output, while the Silent Sakura caters to individuals who prioritize quietness without sacrificing comfort. While these switches differ in sound and feel, they both enhance the typing experience in their respective ways, allowing users to select the switch that aligns best with their specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preference for feel, sound, and typing environment. If you lean towards a feather-light touch and enjoy an acoustic profile that offers a moderate level of sound during typing, the Huano Sakura will likely suit you well, especially for long typing sessions where comfort is a priority. Its 45g bottom out force allows for easy actuation, making it a fantastic choice for those who value speed and responsiveness without the need for quietness. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience—perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night use—the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent option. Its 53g bottom out force strikes a balance that provides satisfying tactile feedback while ensuring each keystroke is subtle and peaceful. This makes it a good choice for environments where the sound of typing could be disruptive. In essence, your decision should reflect not only your tactile preferences but also the contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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