HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct experiences, catering to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who prioritize a peaceful environment, boasting an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that allows for an almost silent typing experience—perfect for light typists or those in shared spaces where noise is a concern. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch is engineered for speed, featuring a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem that enhances the overall typing feel, all while delivering a smooth—and unusually creamy—sound signature. While the Silent Sakura switches focus on delivering a serene typing experience, the Splash Brothers emphasize a more dynamic and responsive interaction. Both switches have their unique advantages; the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a quiet, gentle touch or a snappy, engaging feedback as you type. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Splash Brothers showcase distinct housing materials that contribute uniquely to their overall typing experience, highlighting the audible and tactile differences users can expect. The Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper, rounder sound profile that many typists find pleasing. Conversely, the Splash Brothers employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, crisper sound. This material's stiffer nature allows for more acoustic resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a clearer auditory response, particularly when using RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings of these two switches reveals a reversal of materials, further diversifying their acoustic properties. The Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to the overall clear and resonant sound profile when the key is bottomed out. This pairing with the nylon top results in a balanced sound experience, where the nylon dampens sound on actuation, and the polycarbonate provides clarity upon release. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and duller sound during bottoming out. This alteration enriches the tactile experience without overpowering the auditory notification of key actuation, creating a unique combination where the bottom housing accentuates a more muted sound.
Through this contrasting design, users looking for a specific sound profile can find their preferences met by assessing both switches. While the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a combination of immersive sound depth and clarity, the Jwick Splash Brothers focuses on providing a polished auditory experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect satisfying results regardless of choice; the nylon material can create a fuller sound, while polycarbonate can contribute brightness and clarity. Thus, whether one prefers the complete resonance of nylon or the sharpness of polycarbonate, both switches fulfill distinct auditory needs, allowing for a tailored typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch with a 37-gram actuation force and a 43-gram bottom out force to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 48 grams, notable differences emerge. The Silent Sakura is clearly the lighter option overall, as its actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke, potentially making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Splash Brothers, with its heavier bottom out force of 48 grams, may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Since the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, it's difficult to make a direct comparison; however, if it is equal to or greater than the actuation force of the Silent Sakura, it could contribute to a heavier overall typing experience. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, while those who enjoy a firmer resistance could lean towards the Splash Brothers, recognizing the distinction in their bottom out forces as a key factor in their decision.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the more traditional option that offers a deeper and more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to users who may favor quicker response times, as shorter distances have become increasingly popular among gamers. Ultimately, if you prefer a more robust feel with a hearty depth, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while those seeking a more responsive experience might opt for the Splash Brothers due to its reduced travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed to provide an exceptionally muted typing experience that’s as calming as raindrops on a window. Its whisper-quiet operation is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, making it a favorite for those who type in shared spaces or prefer a less intrusive sound while working or gaming. Contrarily, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch exhibits a neutral sound profile, which balances moderately in volume and timbre. This makes it versatile and suitable for various environments. Both switches will produce a unique auditory experience, but the Silent Sakura leans heavily towards silence while the Splash Brothers offers a more grounded sound suitable for everyday use.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g delivers an ultra-light touch that appeals to beginners or light typists looking for a gentle typing experience. This switch provides a subtle resistance without being feather-light, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches stand out with a combination of characteristics that provide a snappy, bouncy, and polished feel. Their shorter activation point and unique pole design give users a responsive and lively typing experience. While the Silent Sakura offers a gentle and serene response, the Splash Brothers deliver a dynamic, engaging sensation that caters more to those who enjoy a tactile and energetic typing style.
In summary, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to different user preferences through their distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Sakura excels in quietness and gentle feedback, making it perfect for light typists and shared environments. In contrast, the Splash Brothers offers a more versatile and lively typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a bit more feedback and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific typing habits and the atmosphere in which you intend to use your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a whisper-quiet experience and tend to type lightly, the Silent Sakura is an excellent option. Its 43g bottom out force makes it particularly suited for those who enjoy a serene workspace or need to minimize noise in shared environments. The gentle feedback and subtle sound profile ensure that you can type comfortably without disturbing others around you. On the other hand, if you seek a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch would be the way to go. With its slightly higher 48g bottom-out force and a mildly snappy feel, it provides a lively, bouncy response that enhances your typing speed and accuracy. Its moderate sound signature strikes a balance, making it versatile for different settings, whether at home or work. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you value silence and light touches or responsiveness and a more energetic feel in your typing experience.
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