Jwick Semi-Silent Linear vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences. The Semi-Silent Linear stand out for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound coupled with a clacky bottom-out experience, which gives typists the tactile feedback they crave without excessive noise. Its silky smooth texture, described as subdued and mildly snappy, ensures a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is meticulously engineered for those seeking a near-silent operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for quiet environments or late-night typing sessions. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it delivers a fine blend of lightness and satisfaction in keystrokes. While both switches are linear and emphasize smoothness, they cater to different needs: whether one values a bit of auditory feedback or seeks a truly silent experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison of the housing materials of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g reveals distinct characteristics that significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic enhances the overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a sound profile that is clear and resonant. Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing makes it particularly advantageous for setups that involve RGB lighting, allowing light to shine through more vividly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, which promotes a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This more muted acoustical quality results in a typing experience that feels warm and rounded, catering to users who prioritize a softer tactile response.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals an interesting switch in materials that leads to distinct auditory effects. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which accentuates the deeper sound profile typically associated with nylon. This contributes to a more foundational punch to the typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel significantly. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g includes a polycarbonate bottom housing, adding to its overall crispness. The harder plastic presents a sharper, more resonant sound when hitting the bottom of the switch, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more definitive acoustic feedback during their typing sessions.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in these switches offers players unique auditory experiences. While the top and bottom housings have different compositions, the qualities each material brings to the overall sound is balanced and complementary. Users can expect that when typing on either switch, the sound and feel will be influenced primarily by the bottom housing during the keypress, while the top housing will affect the release sound. If a user prioritizes a vibrant and resonant sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may be preferred; however, those who favor a more subdued and rounded typographic experience might gravitate toward the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. In both cases, users will find that their selections can lead to delightful typist interactions, albeit with different overall auditory profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Semi-Silent Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, but its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch features a clearly defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura lighter overall, appealing to users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick switch, with its heavier bottom out force, may cater to those who seek a more substantial feel when typing. However, without knowing the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear, it's challenging to provide a complete comparison regarding the initial keystroke feel. Overall, if you're inclined towards lighter switches, the Silent Sakura would be the better option, while the Jwick may attract those who appreciate a firmer keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel when pressing keys. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more pronounced depth that some users might prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding the feel of key presses, with the Semi-Silent Linear being more suited for those favoring speed and responsiveness, while the Silent Sakura - 53g caters to users who appreciate a deeper key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a nuanced auditory experience. Its design ensures a subdued topping-out sound, which minimizes noise while typing, complemented by a clacky bottom-out sound that adds an engaging tactile feedback without being overly disruptive. This sound profile makes it suitable for a variety of environments such as offices or shared workspaces. While the characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch are less clearly defined in terms of sound, it is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, likening the keystrokes to gentle raindrops, indicating a significant reduction in sound during keypresses. The combination of these switches could still achieve a relatively quiet typing experience, depending on the factors like the keyboard's design and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch excels with its intriguing blend of characteristics. It provides a mild, approachable typing experience, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The combination of snappy responsiveness and buttery smoothness allows for fluid, consistent keystrokes, while its polished finish enhances overall keystroke precision and comfort. The Silent Sakura - 53g, while lacking detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feel, is designed for a light yet satisfying keystroke, suggesting a pleasant typing experience but leaving much to interpretation regarding its overall tactile feedback and responsiveness compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to those seeking quieter and more refined typing experiences, albeit with different unique attributes. The Semi-Silent Linear stands out with its nuanced sound profile and rich feel, offering versatility for a variety of typists. The Silent Sakura's emphasis on a light touch and quiet operation positions it well for those prioritizing minimal noise. Together, these switches provide flexibility, allowing users to select one or the other based on their fitted sound and feel preferences, ensuring that similar results can be achieved in the realm of quieter, more satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches depends greatly on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a slightly heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a subdued yet clacky sound when typing, the Semi-Silent Linear is your go-to option. Its unique combination of a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and its buttery, polished feel caters well to both home and office settings, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly distracting. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more gentle keystroke and prefer typographical subtleness, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g would be ideal. With its lightweight actuation, it’s perfect for those who type for long periods and seek a serene typing experience reminiscent of raindrops, reducing auditory distractions. Ultimately, consider your specific use case: for a vibrant typing experience that remains quietly refined, opt for the Semi-Silent Linear; for a tranquil and gentle touch, go with the Silent Sakura - 53g.
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