Huano Sakura vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Huano Sakura and the HMX Twilight, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and moderate acoustics, which make it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and reduced fatigue are priorities. In contrast, the HMX Twilight offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a subtly muted sound that still retains the distinct clackiness characteristic of HMX switches. While each switch caters to different preferences—be it the Sakura’s comforting lightness or the Twilight’s unique travel feel—both offer a satisfying typing experience. 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
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and HMX Twilight switches both exhibit a rich acoustic profile thanks to their use of nylon in the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures that both switches share a similar auditory experience, as nylon's inherent softness effectively absorbs sound, producing a duller and rounder sound signature. This characteristic is crucial for users who value a more muted keystroke sound, as both switches leverage the benefits of nylon's sound absorption properties to enhance their overall typing experience.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches set them apart significantly. The Sakura employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which provides a smooth, clacky sound and a more durable structure. Compared to the nylon used in the HMX Twilight’s top housing, POK's lower coefficient of friction allows for a snappier key release and a crisper sound profile upon releasing the key. The enhanced wear and shock resistance of POK over other materials like POM and Nylon further solidifies its status as a premium material choice, potentially leading to a longer lifespan for the switch and a different tactile experience during use.
In summary, while both the Huano Sakura and the HMX Twilight switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing similarities in sound profile, their top hosing materials significantly affect their overall performance and feel. The crispness and durability of the POK in the Sakura contrasts with the softer nylon of the Twilight, leading to distinct typing dynamics. Those seeking a more responsive key release might favor the Sakura, while those who prefer a consistent and rounded typing experience might lean towards the Twilight due to its uniformity provided by nylon in both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch to the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's clear that there are distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura has 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 Twilight features a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it as the heavier choice. Both switches are considered light by general standards, but the Sakura's lower forces may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or lengthy gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the heavier Twilight could attract users who favor a more substantial feel while typing, providing a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that allows for effortless keystrokes, the Sakura might be the better fit, whereas the Twilight would be suited for those who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that they differ. The Sakura switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Sakura the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Twilight's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your individual preference for either responsiveness or depth during key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by medium acoustics, making it a balanced choice for those who prefer a little feedback without being overly loud. This makes the Sakura suitable for extended typing sessions in shared environments where noise levels matter. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a slightly quieter sound profile while still retaining the clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. This means that, while both switches produce relatively muted sounds compared to some others on the market, the Sakura leans towards a more balanced noise level, whereas the Twilight may offer a quieter experience with its travel distance.
When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch is known for providing a feather-light touch that makes typing feel effortless and smooth. This lightweight feel is particularly appealing for users who might experience fatigue during longer typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Twilight features a longer travel distance, which can influence the tactile journey of each keystroke. While my information does not provide specific details on the tactile feedback of the Twilight, the extended travel can impart a unique sensation that some typists may find preferable, especially if they enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to specific preferences, particularly focusing on sound and feel. The Sakura delivers a medium acoustic profile paired with a feather-light touch, making it ideal for prolonged usage, while the Twilight offers a quieter sound with an extended travel distance that may appeal to users who enjoy a characteristic depth in their keystrokes. If you are seeking a blend of quiet operation and a smooth typing experience, either switch could work well depending on your specific preferences, allowing you to enjoy similar results while still appreciating their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a quieter but still engaging experience, the Sakura is an excellent choice, especially for those long typing sessions. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it feel almost effortless to type on, while providing a delightful medium acoustic profile that suits a variety of settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke with a notably extended travel distance and a more pronounced clacky sound, the HMX Twilight may be more appealing. The 50-gram bottom-out force combined with its 3.85mm travel ensures tactile feedback, making it a satisfying choice for both gaming and typing. Therefore, align your choice with your personal comfort and the desired auditory experience to find the switch that best complements your style.
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