HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, two outstanding options to consider are the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both of which are linear switches but cater to different user needs. The Silent Sakura is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, mimicking the soft sound of raindrops, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a serene typing experience. With an ultra-light actuation force of just 43g, it appeals particularly to lighter typists or those in shared spaces. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are tailored for gamers, combining a light actuation force with a shorter travel distance to ensure rapid response times—a critical factor in competitive gaming. Furthermore, this switch produces a rich, bassy sound with each keystroke, offering a tactile delight that enhances the gaming experience. While both switches present unique benefits, including the Silent Sakura’s focus on quietude and the V3 Silver Pro’s emphasis on performance, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g uses a nylon top housing, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This design absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its more rigid nature, which allows the vibrations to resonate more clearly. This fundamental difference in materials impacts the overall experience, with the Silent Sakura favoring a muted auditory feedback and the V3 Silver Pro promoting a more vibrant sound whenever keys are pressed or released.
When examining the bottom housings, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs polycarbonate to achieve a clearer sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro utilizes nylon. The transition to polycarbonate for the bottom housing in the Silent Sakura replicates the high pitch and resonant aspects contributed by the top housing, enhancing the overall sound clarity. Conversely, the use of nylon in the V3 Silver Pro's bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller response that predominates when a key is bottomed out. This juxtaposition between the bottom houses of each switch indicates that the audible characteristics may be less predictable, as the nylon bottom of the V3 Silver Pro is expected to create a more muted feel in the context of key presses, compared to the sharper feedback of the Silent Sakura.
In summary, these differences in housing materials between the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro influence both their sound profiles and the tactile feedback experienced during use. The Silent Sakura's combination of nylon and polycarbonate allows for a balanced auditory experience with a fuller response, while the V3 Silver Pro's switches create a engaging contrast with its nylon and polycarbonate blending to emphasize clarity and resonance. Although each switch has distinctive auditory characteristics due to the various materials used, users can achieve a tailored typing experience that aligns with their preferences by understanding the roles of each housing material. Aiming for similar results in terms of sound, individuals may consider their specific priority—whether it be a deeper sound or a sharper clarity—while opting for switches based on these material differences.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has slightly higher values with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura switch is the lighter option, favored for long typing sessions or gaming due to less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro, while still on the lighter side, provides a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Silent Sakura edges out as the lighter choice, allowing for longer use with minimal fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their design and intended user experience. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and may appeal to those who appreciate a hearty depth while typing or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to users who favor faster response times and a more abrupt feel. Consequently, if you prefer a switch that offers more noticeable feedback with a deeper press, the Silent Sakura is the better choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy quicker key presses and a more responsive typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would likely be more suitable. Overall, the Silent Sakura provides a longer travel distance while the V3 Silver Pro is the shorter of the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches, they offer distinctly different auditory experiences. The Silent Sakura is designed to deliver a whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a serene typing environment. This results in minimal noise, making it suitable for quiet settings. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switches provide a sharper, high-pitched sound that produces a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This crisp quality may appeal to those who appreciate a more dynamic keystroke sound but might not be suitable for quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer an ultra-light typing experience, ideal for light typists. However, details about the specific tactile feedback are not provided. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches present a variety of tactile characteristics, such as an easy-to-press action that requires minimal force, resulting in a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Additionally, they are described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, all of which contribute to a smooth and effortless actuation that enhances the overall typing feel. This makes the V3 Silver Pro switches particularly appealing for extended typing or gaming sessions, as they reduce finger fatigue and provide a refined tactile sensation.
Overall, when considering both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches, each has its strengths based on their intended applications. The Silent Sakura excels in delivering a quiet environment perfect for light and serene typing, while the V3 Silver Pro shines in offering a smooth and responsive experience, especially beneficial for gamers thanks to its light actuation and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, actuation force, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches, your specific needs will guide your decision. If you value a quiet, serene typing experience, particularly in environments where noise is a concern, then the Silent Sakura - 43g is your ideal choice. Its ultra-light 43g bottom out force caters to light typists who appreciate gentle keystrokes that mimic the soothing sound of raindrops—perfect for an office setting or late-night work sessions. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or someone who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro might be the better option for you. With a slightly firmer 45g force and specialized design for quick actuation and minimal travel distance, these switches offer an easy-to-press, creamy feel that enhances both comfort and performance during those fast-paced gaming moments. Your preference for sound profile also matters: choosing the Silent Sakura means embracing a more subdued, whisper-like click, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a high-pitched, sharper sound for those who enjoy a bit more audibility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard, whether for work, gaming, or a mix of both.
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