HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky V4 offer two distinct yet appealing options for typists. The Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who value a whisper-quiet environment, featuring a feather-light actuation force of just 43g that ensures a seamless and tranquil typing experience. Its gentle feedback makes it especially suited for light typists or anyone who wishes to minimize noise during use. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 caters to those who appreciate a more robust tactile experience, utilizing innovative POK material in its top housing to produce a deeper, 'thocky' sound signature while maintaining a smooth linear action. This switch may appeal to users looking for a richer auditory feedback combined with a satisfying, bouncy feeling. Both switches present unique advantages—whether it’s the Silent Sakura’s serene, quiet operation or the Sky V4’s engaging acoustic profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Sky V4, the differences in their housing materials significantly affect their acoustic and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, leading to a fuller, deeper sound profile during typing. In contrast, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing, which is characterized by its smoothness and durability due to its exceptional friction coefficient and wear resistance. Thus, while both switches aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience, the Silent Sakura leans towards a deeper sound, whereas the Sky V4 is geared towards a smoother and clackier typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, the two switches take a different approach as well. The Silent Sakura boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, offering clarity and resonance, which is especially beneficial for RGB aesthetics due to its translucency. Conversely, the Sky V4 has a nylon bottom housing that complements its top housing by contributing to a deep, rounded sound profile. This creates an interesting dichotomy wherein the Sky V4’s sound is influenced by both its top and bottom housings, producing a balanced typing experience that is smooth yet full-bodied.
In summary, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Dareu Sky V4 utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, each switch ultimately offers a unique typing feel and sound profile. The Silent Sakura emphasizes depth and warmth, particularly through its nylon top housing, whereas the Sky V4 presents a smoother and crisper experience thanks to its POK top housing combined with a versatile nylon bottom. Therefore, users can expect an enjoyable typing experience from both, albeit with distinct characteristics due to their unique material selections.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the slightly heavier 45 grams of the Sky V4, making it more suitable for users who favor prolonged typing comfort or extended gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura also has a lower measurement at 43 grams, while the Sky V4 reaches a heavier 55 grams. This means that while both switches facilitate smooth key presses, the Silent Sakura provides a notably lighter touch overall, contributing to a less tiring typing experience. Those who prefer a more substantial feel might thus find the Sky V4 more appealing, although they would sacrifice some comfort for added resistance. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option with a more forgiving actuation and bottom out experience, while the Sky V4 offers a sturdier typing feel, making the choice dependent on individual user preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this comparison, the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Sky V4, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times due to its shorter actuation. Thus, if you value a deeper, more pronounced tactile experience, the Silent Sakura would be the ideal choice, while the Dareu Sky V4 is better suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
The Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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 switch is renowned for creating a whisper-quiet typing experience, which adds to its appeal for those who prioritize a serene and distraction-free environment. This switch has an almost ethereal quality, reminiscent of raindrops softly landing on a surface. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch provides a deeper, more resonant auditory profile, described as "thocky" and low-pitched. Its sound is characterized by a satisfying, rich thud that can be highly enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustics when typing. The weight of the sound produced by the Sky V4 gives it a substantial quality that contrasts sharply with the ultra-quiet nature of the Silent Sakura.
When considering the feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g is specifically designed for lightweight typing, making it exceptionally smooth and easy to press, catering to typists who prefer a gentle and effortless touch. Its light actuation force allows for long sessions of typing without fatigue. Conversely, the Sky V4’s bouncy feel adds a lively characteristic to each keystroke, creating a more engaging and dynamic typing experience. The elastic feedback sensation invites a playful interaction with the keyboard, enhancing the overall tactile enjoyment compared to the serene ambiance provided by the Silent Sakura.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to different preferences and environments, they each offer unique qualities that can significantly impact the typing experience. The Silent Sakura - 43g excels in delivering a quiet, light touch ideal for tranquil settings, whereas the Dareu Sky V4 provides a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more hearty interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a serene typing environment or a more engaging, audible experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you find yourself in a quiet environment, such as an office or shared workspace, and prefer a subtle yet effective typing experience, the Silent Sakura is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet operation are ideal for light typists who value discretion while typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Sky V4 switch would better suit your needs. With its medium-light 55g bottom-out force and thocky sound profile, it offers a deeper, richer typing experience that enhances your overall interaction with the keyboard. Furthermore, the bouncy feel of the Sky V4 adds a springy responsiveness that can make typing feel more engaging, making it a great option for gaming or high-paced typing tasks. Therefore, consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
