Huano Sakura vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can greatly enhance your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Huano Sakura and the HMX SU, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Sakura is renowned for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. Its smooth actuation offers a gentle, effortless response ideal for both typing and gaming enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX SU features a full PA12 housing and is paired with a T5 stem, resulting in a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that provides a more tactile auditory experience compared to the Sakura's lighter acoustics. While both switches cater to users seeking linear feel, the Sakura emphasizes comfort and ease, while the SU leans towards a slightly richer auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Sakura and HMX SU switches display both notable similarities and distinct differences that impact their performance and sound profile. The Sakura's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), which is characterized by a low coefficient of friction, giving it an edge in smoothness compared to the nylon used in the SU’s top housing. POK's impressive durability, demonstrated by its wear resistance and shock absorption attributes, makes it a leading choice for those seeking longevity and performance in their switches. Although the POK material doesn’t absorb sound like nylon, it contributes to a sharp, clacky sound, creating a striking auditory contrast to the deeper, more muted tones typically associated with nylon.
In contrast, both the Sakura and SU feature nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in similar sound signatures, albeit with slightly different overall effects due to their respective top materials. The nylon in both cases enhances the switches' sound profile by creating a fuller, rounder auditory experience, absorbing sound effectively. This shared characteristic means that both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience; however, it’s worth noting that the depth of the sound produced will be different with the top housing materials influencing the final outcome. As a result, when typing on either switch, the bottom’s nylon housing will yield a rich sound while the distinct qualities of the top housing will alter the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Sakura and SU lead to varied tactile and auditory interactions. The POK material in the Sakura promotes sharpness and smoothness, enhancing both the typing feel and resulting sound when the key is released. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the SU fosters a sound profile that aligns with its classic nature, delivering a softer and richer output when typing. Therefore, while the bottom housings of both switches promise a uniform sound experience due to their nylon composition, the interaction with the differing top materials culminates in diverse overall typing experiences.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams, resulting in a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a lighter touch suited for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX SU switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which corresponds to a bottom out force of 50 grams. This heavier feel may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches are categorized as light, the Huano Sakura is the lighter of the two, providing a softer keystroke, whereas the HMX SU offers a slightly firmer response that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the weight and feedback of the keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch is the same at 3.6 mm. This uniform travel distance means that users will experience a similar key feel and actuation when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals can expect comparable performance in terms of responsiveness and feedback, making them suitable for similar applications in mechanical keyboards.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Huano Sakura linear switch delivers medium acoustics, making it suitable for a quieter typing experience during prolonged use. This characterizes the Sakura as a versatile option, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the surrounding environment while still providing some auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch presents a subtly deeper sound profile, attributed to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This creates a more distinct auditory signature compared to the Sakura, lending itself to a richer, albeit still restrained, sound that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Sakura is well-known for its feather-light touch, which promotes effortless typing, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions. This light actuation requires minimal force, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable experience. Conversely, the SU linear switch, while not explicitly detailed in this regard, is likely to provide a distinct feel due to its construction and design, potentially offering a bit more resistance or a different tactile experience that might appeal to those who prefer something with more substance in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Huano Sakura's light touch and medium acoustics make it ideal for users looking for comfort and quietness, especially during extended use. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch, with its deeper sound profile and potentially different tactile feel, appeals to users who may prioritize auditory richness along with a heavier actuation. Each switch serves its niche effectively, and your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a lighter, quieter experience or a slightly deeper auditory engagement with your keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing style and preferences. If you favor a feather-light touch that provides a smooth actuation with a moderate sound profile, the Sakura switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it great for long typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for writers, programmers, or anyone who spends hours at their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and a deeper, more subdued sound profile, the HMX SU, with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, could be more suited to your taste. The SU's full PA12 housing and T5 stem contribute to a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more solid feedback during keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how much you type, your sound sensitivity, and your tactile preferences when making your decision between these two switches.
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