HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choices can be vast and sometimes overwhelming. Two notable options in the realm of linear switches are the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky POM. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, perfect for those who prefer a quiet typing experience that resembles the soft patter of raindrops. This makes them an ideal choice for light typists or anyone seeking a serene and focused environment. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out with its entirely POM construction, delivering a buttery, low-pitched, and clacky sound profile, along with exceptional smoothness. This switch offers a satisfying auditory feedback while maintaining an accessible price, appealing to both budget-conscious enthusiasts and those looking for quality. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize silence and subtlety or enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback with your typing. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky POM switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to differing sound profiles that cater to diverse preferences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This absorption of sound in nylon results in a rounded acoustic experience, making it ideal for users who favor a muted typing environment. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM employs a POM top housing, which similarly tends to produce a pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end but retains a level of muting that is characteristic of its material. Both switches offer unique sound signatures, yet they differ in the tactile characteristics provided by their respective materials.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, we gain further insight into their sound dynamics. The Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing boasts a stiffer composition that contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This contrast to the nylon top housing means that the switch can deliver a more pronounced bottom-out feel, making the tactile feedback more distinct. On the other hand, the Sky POM’s nylon bottom housing echoes the qualities of the nylon top—yielding a deeper and rounder sound. This consistency in material generates a cohesive auditory experience throughout the switch, enhancing the muted tonal characteristics without the sharper notes contributed by polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky POM can offer satisfying user experiences, albeit with different acoustic properties. Users of either switch will appreciate the distinctive sound profiles stemming from the interaction of their respective top and bottom housings. Those leaning towards a full and muted sound may find themselves favoring the Silent Sakura, while enthusiasts looking for a cohesive deeper tone will likely enjoy the Dareu Sky POM. Ultimately, both switches provide unique feels and sounds tailored to specific preferences, ensuring that typists can find satisfaction regardless of the chosen material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we can see some distinct differences between them. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which may be more comfortable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Sky POM switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, catering to users who prefer a more robust feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is not available, making it difficult to assess how it would compare in terms of bottoming out to the Silent Sakura’s 43 grams, which is relatively light. Overall, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the lighter option, while the Sky POM offers a heavier actuation force, appealing to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it becomes clear that the Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky POM has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference in distance can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The relatively longer travel of the Silent Sakura may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Sky POM could cater to gamers and fast typists seeking quicker responses and a more direct feel when pressing the keys. As such, if rapid response times are a priority, the Dareu Sky POM would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced key press should lean towards the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, delivering an experience akin to gentle raindrops falling against a window. This switch is designed for users who require a serene typing environment, making it ideal for quiet settings such as libraries or offices where noise levels must be minimized. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is characterized by its low-pitched, clacky sound. This bass-heavy and mellow tone provides a more auditory feedback that many typists enjoy, especially in a gaming or casual typing scenario. Depending on the board and keycaps used, both switches will offer distinct sound profiles that cater to their respective preferences.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch caters to lighter typists, thanks to its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that creates a subtle and soft touch while typing. This switch aims for a fluid experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch shines in its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke. The combination of its premium POM material and thoughtful design allows it to provide an effortless and uniform typing feel, making each keystroke feel like gliding over the keys. While both switches provide distinct experiences, the Silent Sakura focuses more on a gentle touch, whereas the Sky POM emphasizes smoothness and a satisfying tactile response.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Dareu Sky POM switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Silent Sakura excels in creating an ultra-quiet typing experience and a gentle touch sensation, ideal for users who prioritize a serene atmosphere. In contrast, the Sky POM offers a clacky sound profile paired with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether one values a whisper-quiet environment or seeks a more dynamic typing experience enriched with pleasing auditory and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you are a light typist who enjoys a tranquil ambiance while typing, the Silent Sakura - 43g, with its whisper-quiet operation and 43g bottom-out force, is an excellent option. This switch is designed for those who seek a serene typing experience, making it ideal for shared spaces or quiet environments where sound is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and auditory experience with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, you may want to opt for the Dareu Sky POM. This switch, known for its smoothness and low-pitched, clacky sound, is perfect for users who appreciate a richer tactile feedback and don’t mind a bit of noise in their typing. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the noise tolerance of your environment, and the tactile feedback you desire to find the best switch for your needs.
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