HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX SU 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 HMX SU offer two distinct experiences, each catering to different user preferences. The Silent Sakura - 43g is meticulously engineered for those who value a whisper-quiet typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential; its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force ensures a delicate touch that feels effortless under your fingers. In contrast, the HMX SU boasts a full PA12 housing combined with a T5 stem, providing a subtly deeper sound profile that appeals to users looking for a tactile yet harmonious typing experience. While the Silent Sakura focuses on silence and lightness, the SU emphasizes a slightly more robust acoustic without being overly loud. Each switch has its merits, catering to various typing styles and settings, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX SU both utilize nylon as the top housing material, which plays a significant role in shaping the acoustic experience of each switch. The benefits of nylon include a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This quality allows the material to effectively absorb sound, resulting in a sound that is both dull and round compared to switches made with harder plastics. As both switches share this characteristic in their top housing, users can expect similar auditory results when typing, providing that familiar nylon experience that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate.
However, the bottom housings of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX SU differ significantly. The Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffer properties which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, particularly beneficial when utilized alongside RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon bottom housing, which shares the same soft characteristics as its top housing. This results in a deeper and mellower sound profile that aligns with the overall acoustic dampening qualities of nylon. Therefore, while both switches will deliver a different auditory experience based on their bottom housings, the overall sound signature of the HMX SU will remain more muted compared to the crisper output of the Silent Sakura - 43g.
In summation, while the top housing materials of both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX SU are identical, contributing to a consistent typing sound and feel, the contrasting bottom housing materials lead to distinct differences in sound output. Users trying out both switches will notice that the Silent Sakura - 43g produces a sharper and brighter sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, whereas the HMX SU will deliver a fuller yet more subdued sound profile because of its nylon bottom housing. This means that while both switches feel similar on the surface due to the common nylon top housing, their sound characteristics will ultimately diverge based on the performance of the different bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer less resistance and wish to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a stronger push during typing. While both switches are classified as light, the Silent Sakura is distinctly lighter, catering to a different user preference compared to the heavier SU switch. Therefore, users looking for a more responsive and less taxing typing experience may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas those desiring a firmer keystroke might opt for the HMX SU.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional feel, providing users with a deeper keystroke experience that some may prefer for its satisfying depth. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the SU switch caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation during gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy a heartier depth and a more classic keystroke sensation, the HMX Silent Sakura would be the better option, whereas if you prioritize rapid response and a more abrupt feel, the HMX SU would suit you best.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally quiet operation, likened to the soft patter of raindrops. This design emphasizes a serene typing experience, making it suitable for quiet environments where minimizing noise is a priority. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch produces a subtle yet relatively deeper sound profile, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Silent Sakura. However, both switches can vary in sound output depending on the keyboard build and the keycap material used, meaning personal preference will play a significant role in the overall experience.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for light typists, providing a gentle and smooth keystroke that requires minimal effort to depress. This makes it ideal for those who favor a more effortless typing style. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch presents a different tactile experience, though specific details about its feel are unknown. Both switches are linear, meaning they lack tactile bumps or clicky feedback, which should result in a consistently smooth keystroke across both options, but their differences in design may lead to varying experiences in terms of resistance and feedback.
In summary, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX SU linear switches are linear switches that promise smooth keystrokes, they differ in sound profiles and potentially in the feel, with the Silent Sakura focusing on a softer, quieter experience while the SU offers a deeper auditory signature. Your choice will ultimately depend on what auditory and tactile characteristics you find most appealing, but both switches should deliver a consistently enjoyable typing experience within their respective sound and feel parameters.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely comes down to your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you are someone who values a quiet environment and prefers a feather-light touch, the Silent Sakura is your best option. Its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet nature make it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where minimal typing noise is essential. Furthermore, the feel of the Silent Sakura is smooth and gentle, allowing for prolonged typing without finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly more substantial and tactile experience, the HMX SU with its 50g bottom-out force might suit you better. Its PA12 housing and T5 stem provide a subtly deeper sound profile, which can enhance the auditory feedback you receive with each keystroke, making it appealing for both typing and gaming scenarios. Thus, if you're after an engaging and slightly more pronounced typing sound, the SU is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing styles and environments, so consider what aspects are most important to you before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
