HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Snow offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura is expertly crafted for those who value a serene and quiet typing atmosphere, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that caters to light typists seeking a gentle touch reminiscent of soft raindrops. This switch emphasizes sound dampening, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or environments where noise can be a distraction. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch introduces a unique tactile experience with its innovative POK material in both the top housing and stem, producing a deeper, thocky sound signature that delivers a smooth linear response. While the Snow caters to users who appreciate a bouncy feel and more acoustical depth, the Silent Sakura shines where quietude is paramount. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Snow switches, distinct differences emerge in both their top and bottom housings. The Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the soft texture of nylon. This material absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Dareu Snow features a POK top housing, which is recognized for its superior smoothness and durability. The smooth feel of the POK material, combined with its slight friction coefficient advantage over nylon, leads to a clackier sound and a different tactile experience, showcasing how the choice of materials affects both performance and acoustics in keyboard switches.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Silent Sakura employs polycarbonate, while the Snow utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate material is inherently stiffer, accentuating sharper, higher-pitched sound profiles and clearer acoustics, making it a favored choice when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Snow brings a fuller sound to the table, creating a striking contrast with the more resonant polycarbonate of the Silent Sakura. The differing sound characteristics of these materials highlight how their individual properties can influence the overall auditory feedback experienced when typing. This interaction between softer and harder plastics is particularly evident in how sound is perceived during both the bottom-out and release phases of keystrokes.
Ultimately, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Snow exhibit characteristics that cater to different user preferences based on the varied properties of their housing materials. While the Silent Sakura's combination of nylon and polycarbonate emphasizes warmth and clarity, the Snow's use of nylon and POK focuses on a smoother tactile experience with a clackier sound. Despite these differences, users can still achieve satisfying results with either switch due to the inherent qualities of each material, as the contrasting features will still enhance the typing experience as a whole. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter touch reduces fatigue. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, lending to a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Dareu Snow is the heavier switch. Those who favor a lighter touch would benefit from the Silent Sakura, whereas those who enjoy a firmer keystroke might gravitate towards the Snow switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, a significant difference is evident. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional switch designs and offers a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Snow switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a more responsive option that caters to gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. For those who appreciate a more tactile experience and hearty depth in their keystrokes, the Silent Sakura stands out with its longer travel distance. Meanwhile, users who prefer the immediacy of shorter travel distances may find the Dareu Snow more to their liking. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 switches are renowned for their gentle acoustics, aiming to create a whisper-quiet typing experience akin to the soothing sound of raindrops. This makes them an excellent choice for users who favor a serene and unobtrusive environment, ideal for late-night typing or in shared spaces where minimal noise is desired. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch boasts a deeper sound signature, characterized by a thocky tone that delivers a rich and satisfying auditory feedback when keys are pressed. Combining a low-pitched sound profile with a neutral quality makes the Snow switch versatile for users ranging from beginners to experienced typists, though it may not reach the same level of subtlety as the Silent Sakura.
Regarding tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to offer a smooth typing experience without any tactile bumps throughout the key travel, emphasizing a linear feel that feels seamless under the fingers. This creates a very light touch that is ideal for those who prefer a softer response. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, which translates to a lively and elastic sensation as you type. This bounciness provides a noticeable rebound effect, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who enjoy a more dynamic feel in their keystrokes.
In summary, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Snow linear switches cater to different preferences, each offers its unique advantages. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a quiet, serene typing experience with a light touch, making it suitable for users who prioritize minimal noise. In contrast, the Snow switch delivers a deeper sound and a lively tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and physical response. By understanding these distinctions, newcomers can choose the switch that best aligns with their typing style and environment for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and find yourself typing softly, perhaps in a shared living space or office, the Silent Sakura's 43g bottom out force and whisper-quiet operation make it an excellent choice. Its design emphasizes a gentle tactile experience, allowing you to type without disturbing others, which is ideal for those who prefer a calm and serene environment. Conversely, if you enjoy a bit more resistance while typing and appreciate a richer auditory feedback, the Dareu Snow switch, with its 60g bottom out force, is likely better suited to you. Its thocky and low-pitched sound profile provides a satisfying acoustical experience, while the bouncy feel adds an additional layer of enjoyment to your typing. You might choose the Snow switch if you want a more robust tactile response and don’t mind a bit of noise as you work. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard and your personal typing habits.
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