Huano Sakura vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Sakura and the HMX Swift presents a fascinating comparison of tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Huano Sakura switches are celebrated for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them an excellent choice for those who spend prolonged hours typing. With a delicate actuation force, the Sakura is designed to reduce finger fatigue while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switches stand out with their deeper sound profile, thanks to full nylon housings which contribute to a more robust auditory experience. Their silky smoothness combined with a gentle 42g actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes that many users find appealing. Both switches have their unique traits—while the Sakura aims for comfort and less noise, the Swift delivers a clackier and more engaging auditory feedback. 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
35g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing housing materials between the Huano Sakura and the HMX Swift, an interesting dichotomy emerges, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Sakura employs a POK top housing known for its impressive durability, boasting a wear resistance that is 14 times greater than that of traditional POM. While POK offers a smooth typing experience attributed to its low coefficient of friction (0.04), it lacks the sound-dampening qualities of nylon. In contrast, the HMX Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a time-honored choice among switch enthusiasts, particularly for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. Although both materials serve distinct functions—POK enhancing durability and nylon fostering acoustic properties—the ultimate typing experience will differ, with the Sakura providing a crisper, clackier feedback compared to the more muted and rounded sound of the Swift.
In the realm of bottom housings, both the Huano Sakura and HMX Swift adopt nylon as their consistent material choice, providing a commonality that ensures they deliver similar acoustic characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches amplifies a deeper sound profile, as it effectively absorbs vibrations and minimizes harsh sounds inherent to harder plastics. This shared material means that press dynamics and bottom-out sensations will feature the same fullness and richness in sound, regardless of the differences presented by their respective top housings. Thus, while the top housings diverge in composition, the bottom housings contribute a unified auditory experience.
The combination of different top housing materials creates a unique blend of characteristics for each switch, illuminating the importance of housing composition in overall performance. The Huano Sakura's POK contributes a robust and smooth experience, creating a stark contrast with the nylon-rich HMX Swift that leans into deeper sound profiling. Nevertheless, both switches ultimately excel in sound modulation with their nylon bottom housings, ensuring that upon actuation, the user will appreciate a similarly gratifying auditory feedback. This highlights how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials yields distinct typing experiences, while also emphasizing the integral role that each material plays in the performance and acoustic characteristics of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option of the two. In contrast, the Swift has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as the heavier switch. While both are considered light overall, users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel may gravitate towards the HMX Swift due to its increased force requirements. Ultimately, those who appreciate a softer touch for longer typing or gaming sessions might find the Sakura to be more suitable.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This distinction means that the Sakura offers a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key actions, whereas the Swift's travel distance allows for a more traditional typing experience, which some users may find preferable for its more substantial depth. If you're looking for speed and quick responsiveness, the Sakura’s shorter travel distance might be the better choice. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced feedback and less abrupt transitions when pressing keys, the Swift's longer travel distance could be more suitable. Overall, the difference in travel distance reflects the varying preferences between gamers and typists, highlighting the trade-offs between rapid response and tactile depth in mechanical switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
The Huano Sakura 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 Huano Sakura linear switch produces medium acoustics that ensure a pleasant typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended sessions. Its sound profile is neither too loud nor too quiet, striking a balance that makes it suitable for both work and casual use without being disruptive. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch features a notably deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings, giving it a clacky quality. This sound is characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, offering an engaging auditory response as you type. While both switches have their distinct sounds, the Sakura offers a more muted experience compared to the sharper, more resonant tones of the Swift.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch excels in providing an exceptionally light touch, which makes typing feel almost effortless. The combination of light actuation force and medium feedback contributes to a comfortable experience, especially during long typing sessions. It avoids excessive fatigue, allowing users to maintain productivity without the strain often associated with heavier switches. Meanwhile, the HMX Swift is also noted for its feathery and easy-to-press characteristics, requiring minimal force to activate and enhancing the comprehensive experience of typing. The Swift’s bouncy feel adds a sense of liveliness, giving users tactile feedback, while its creamy sensation ensures a smooth and enjoyable glide across the keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to reduce finger fatigue.
Overall, the Huano Sakura and HMX Swift linear switches each provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Sakura's medium sound and feather-light touch promote a quieter, more subdued typing environment, ideal for those who type extensively in shared spaces. In contrast, the Swift offers a vibrant clacky sound and a dynamic, silky smooth feel that many may find fulfilling for gaming and fast-paced typing. While both switches excel in comfort and ease of use, their distinctive sound and feel will cater to different user preferences depending on whether one prioritizes auditory engagement or a more muted experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura and the HMX Swift linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you value a feather-light touch and a balanced acoustic profile, the Sakura switches are ideal, especially for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. With a bottom-out force of 45 grams and medium acoustics, they allow for minimal finger strain, making them perfect for long hours of gaming, studying, or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile along with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the HMX Swift switches might be more suited to you. With their slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, they also offer a clacky sound that some might find more satisfying, combined with a silky smoothness and gentle resistance that can enhance your overall typing experience. In essence, whether you choose the Sakura for its lightweight comfort or the Swift for its distinct auditory feedback and luxurious feel, both switches have their unique advantages that cater to different styles of typing and gaming.
Mentioned in this article
