HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, making it an ideal option for users who prioritize a serene and peaceful typing experience, perfect for quiet environments or late-night work sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a rich, bassy sound profile that transforms typing into an acoustic delight, reminiscent of the soothing tones of mahjong tiles. With its medium weight and unique Ly stem design, the Sunset Yellow is versatile enough to cater to a wide array of typists, providing a smooth and responsive experience. While both switches belong to the linear category, they each present distinct characteristics that appeal to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.50 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow showcase distinctive housing materials that influence their acoustic profiles and typing experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials, leading to a rounder auditory experience when the keys are struck. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM top housing that also contributes to a more muted sound profile but is notable for creating uniquely pleasing acoustics. While both switches aim for a deeper sound, the specific textures of nylon and POM may yield different nuances in audio, with the former offering a slightly warmer tone.

Examining the bottom housing further illustrates the differences in design and resulting auditory feedback. The Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing brings a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile, which helps to emphasize clarity and resonance—especially useful for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. This means that while the top housing affects the sound during key release, the polycarbonate bottom adds a sharper dimension to bottom-out sounds. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing contributes similarly muted characteristics, accentuating the deeper sound profile but lacking the high clarity that polycarbonate delivers. Consequently, the overall feedback from these switches is shaped significantly by their respective bottom housing materials.

Although the Silent Sakura and Sunset Yellow switches utilize different top and bottom housing materials, users can achieve comparable results in terms of a satisfying acoustic experience. Both switches produce deeper, more muted sounds, albeit through different material properties. This intersection enables users to enjoy a cushioned feel while typing, regardless of the differences in material composition. In essence, while tactile sensations and auditory experiences are shaped by the materials' unique characteristics, the overall softer sound and typing efficiency remain a point of similarity between the two switches, which can be particularly appealing for those seeking that fuller sound in their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, distinct characteristics emerge. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it easier to actuate, and a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a soft landing when pressed fully. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, requiring a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is significantly higher at 51 grams. This difference means the Silent Sakura is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Sunset Yellow offers a more substantial actuation and bottoming feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger tactile experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Sunset Yellow is heavier, reflecting their broader appeal to different preferences in keyboard feel.

Travel distance

The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference means that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional keystroke feel, providing a sense of depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. For those who appreciate a profound press, the Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while those who favor a snappier, more immediate feedback might lean towards the Sunset Yellow. Overall, these varying travel distances cater to different preferences, with the Silent Sakura being longer and the Sunset Yellow being shorter.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a remarkably quiet typing experience, ideal for those who seek minimal disruption, making it reminiscent of gentle raindrops pattering against a window. This whisper-quiet profile is perfect for environments where silence is key, such as offices or shared spaces. Conversely, the Everglide Sunset Yellow produces a rich and deep audio profile that resonates with a bassy, thocky quality, much like the sound of mahjong tiles colliding. This offering caters to those who revel in a more immersive and tactile acoustic experience, giving each keystroke a satisfying depth that enhances the overall typing enjoyment. Users looking for a lively sound may find the Sunset Yellow more appealing, while those prioritizing quietness will favor the Silent Sakura.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for light typists, promising a subtle and serene experience that allows for a gentle touch. However, specific descriptions about its smoothness or gliding qualities are not detailed. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch excels with its creamy, frictionless feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The combination of unique materials and factory lubrication ensures that every keystroke feels luxurious and easy, giving users a tangible sense of fluidity. With a short travel distance and long-pole stem, the Sunset Yellow promotes a sharp, responsive typing sensation that most typists will find enjoyable.

Overall, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches largely comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you're looking for an ultra-quiet experience that supports an unobtrusive typing style, the Silent Sakura is your go-to option. On the other hand, if the richness of sound and smooth, frictionless typing are more appealing, then the Sunset Yellow will likely provide the satisfaction you seek. Both switches deliver a unique experience, ensuring that no matter what you choose, you will enjoy a distinct and fulfilling engagement with your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, your typing preferences and environment will heavily influence your choice. If you prioritize a quiet and serene typing experience—perhaps in a shared workspace or during late-night typing sessions—the Silent Sakura's ultra-light 43g force and whisper-quiet operation make it an excellent fit. Its gentle feel is perfect for light typists who value subtlety without sacrificing typing comfort. On the other hand, if you seek a more dynamic and indulgent auditory experience with a slightly heavier touch, the Everglide Sunset Yellow might be your best bet. Its medium-light 51g force provides a satisfying balance of feedback and sound, offering that captivating, thocky bass sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles. The Sunset Yellow’s creamy and frictionless feel adds an engaging responsiveness that many avid typists and gamers would appreciate. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only how you type—whether you prefer a light touch or something more substantial—but also the auditory enjoyment and environment you wish to cultivate while using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more