HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as notable contenders, each with its unique characteristics. The Silent Sakura switches are specifically designed for those who value a quiet typing experience, offering an ultra-light 43g bottom out force that allows for gentle strokes—ideal for light typists who prefer a serene workspace. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches boast a super smooth action, benefiting from state-of-the-art molds and delivering a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between too quiet and excessively resonant. This makes the Strawberry Latte a versatile choice for typists looking for a more tactile experience without overwhelming noise. Both switches cater to specific preferences, whether you prioritize silence and light touch or a smooth feel with moderate auditory feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This leads to a typing experience that feels pleasantly dampened and subdued, which is particularly appreciated by users who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is equipped with a POK (polyketone) top housing, offering a notably smooth and clacky feel during typing. Although both materials serve to enhance the switch experience, the nylon alternate fosters a warmer sound profile, while the POK housing leans towards a sharper, crisper sound due to its higher coefficient of friction.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches utilize materials that set them apart through their unique acoustic characteristics. The Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched and more resonant sound. This stiffer material enhances the clarity of the sound produced when typing and interacts closely with the RGB lighting aesthetic, making it ideal for users who enjoy visually illuminated keyboards. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, harmonizing its acoustic attributes with the top housing's characteristics to create a cohesive typing experience. The nylon bottom provides a rounded sound that complements the overall feel of the switch, emphasizing comfort over sharpness.
Ultimately, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to varied sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Latte aligns it somewhat with the Silent Sakura in terms of sound absorption and typing experience. As the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both switches may find that they achieve a similarly comfortable typing experience, though the nuances in sound and tactile feedback will differ. By understanding how these materials interact, users can optimize their keyboard setup according to their personal preferences and the desired typing experience, whether they favor a more subdued or a sharper acoustic presence.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both offer a relatively light typing experience, though there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Users who prefer a lower actuation force might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte for a gentler press, while those who appreciate a more substantial bottom out feel may lean towards the Silent Sakura, despite its slightly heavier actuation. Ultimately, if one is seeking a comparable typing experience, both switches provide a light and responsive feel, suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming without causing significant fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper keystroke, offering a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and users seeking quicker response times with less travel needed. While both switches have their unique advantages—depth in the Silent Sakura and responsiveness in the Strawberry Latte—the Silent Sakura is ultimately the longer of the two, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more traditional, hearty keystroke, whereas the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those who prefer a faster and more nimble typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g offers a signature whisper-quiet typing experience that is reminiscent of gentle raindrops, ensuring minimal disruption in quiet environments. This makes them particularly appealing to those who require a serene atmosphere, whether for work or late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a balanced sound profile that is neither quiet nor overly resonant, striking a harmonious middle ground. While it is not designed to be as hushed as the Silent Sakura, it produces a pleasant and controlled auditory feedback that many find satisfying.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g features an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, making them ideal for light typists who prefer a delicate touch. This lightness allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, enriching the typing experience with a subtle ease. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is noted for its super smooth action, capitalizing on the latest molds from Huano to deliver a consistently delightful tactile response. While the specific actuation force is not provided, the focus on smoothness suggests that these switches are also designed for a comfortable typing experience, albeit potentially with a different tactile feedback compared to the Sakura.
In summary, both the Silent Sakura - 43g and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Sakura is the go-to choice for those prioritizing a quiet, gentle typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte appeals to users seeking a balanced auditory feedback with a smooth feel. Both switches, despite their differences, offer compelling reasons to be considered, and they can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on their design characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between them boils down to whether you value a whisper-quiet environment or a pleasant sound profile with impressive smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a near-silent typing experience and prefer something exceptionally light, the Silent Sakura - 43g is a fantastic choice. Its gentle actuation force of 43 grams makes it ideal for light typists who may find traditional switches too strenuous, especially in shared or quiet spaces where noise could be disruptive. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly more tactile experience with a bit more resistance, the Huano Strawberry Latte, featuring a 45-gram bottom out force, strikes a balance between smoothness and sound. Its sound profile adds character without being overwhelmingly loud, making it suitable for both personal and professional settings where you still want to enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard and whether you prioritize sound dampening or a bit more feedback in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
