HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a pivotal role, and two notable contenders are the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Durock T1. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those seeking a tranquil typing experience, providing a whisper-quiet operation that emulates the soothing sound of raindrops against a window. With a feather-light bottom-out force of just 43g, they cater especially well to light typists who prioritize a serene workspace. In contrast, the Durock T1 offers a more tactile experience, featuring a discernible medium bump that adds a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This switch is celebrated for its polished feel and its low-pitched sound, which also evokes the gentle rhythm of rain, albeit with a richer tactile presence. While the Silent Sakura may appeal to those prioritizing stealth and minimal effort, the Durock T1 is ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Durock T1 each showcase distinct materials in their top and bottom housings, resulting in differing auditory and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer properties of nylon. This material inherently absorbs sound better than harder plastics such as polycarbonate, producing a more muted and rounded audio experience. Conversely, the Durock T1 employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate accentuates the clarity of the keystroke feedback, resulting in a more resonant typing experience. Overall, the contrasting properties of the two materials influence the resulting sound profiles, reflecting the designers’ intent behind each switch.
In their lower housings, the Silent Sakura uses polycarbonate, while the Durock T1 relies on nylon. This inversion creates a scenario where each switch exhibits complementary characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura provides a higher-pitched resonance, aligning with the overall sound profile while reinforcing a tactile responsiveness. In stark contrast, the Durock T1's nylon bottom housing supports a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the bottom-out experience with a rounded output. These differences imply that the interaction between the upper and lower housings shapes the overall tactile response and the acoustic signature of the keystrokes, demonstrating how carefully selecting materials can hone a switch’s performance.
Despite the variations in materials, users can achieve similar results by considering how each housing's unique characteristics interact together. Both switches balance the softer warmth of nylon with the sharper clarity of polycarbonate, albeit in opposite configurations. A typist seeking a more nuanced, fuller sound experience may appreciate the Silent Sakura's combination, while those who prefer an articulate and bright typing experience might lean towards the Durock T1. Ultimately, even though the compositions differ, the end results—a combination of auditory feedback and tactile sensation—can provide satisfying user experiences based on personal preferences and intended applications.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences among typists and gamers. The Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. In contrast, the Durock T1 does not specify its actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating it operates with a medium-heavy resistance. This significant disparity means that while the Silent Sakura's lighter feel may facilitate extended typing sessions and gaming marathons, the T1 appeals to users who prefer the tactile feedback and more substantial push feel that comes with a heavier switch. Therefore, for those prioritizing a softer experience and comfort over longer periods, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while the T1 caters to individuals seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users will experience the same keypress depth when engaging with either switch. This equivalence in travel distance means that regardless of the type of feedback—linear for the Silent Sakura and tactile for the T1—both switches will provide a consistent pressing experience in terms of how far the switch travels. Consequently, players and typists alike can expect similar results in keystroke engagement between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides a remarkably muted auditory experience, akin to the gentle patter of rain, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quiet workspace. This whisper-quiet nature ensures that each keystroke remains discreet, perfect for environments where noise levels are a concern. In contrast, the Durock T1 offers a more textured sound profile, characterized as low-pitched and neutral. This means that while it does generate audible feedback when pressed, it presents a softer, more mellow tone than some of its louder counterparts. This low-pitched sound can become soothing, evoking a similar rain-like ambiance, although it is more pronounced than the Silent Sakura's almost silent operation.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for light typists, providing an ultra-light bottom-out force that contributes to a delicate typing experience. However, the specifics of its tactile feedback are not characterized, suggesting that its primary focus remains on delivering a soft touch rather than a tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock T1 is known for its stepped tactile feel, offering a noticeable bump during actuation that provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. This medium tactile response is accented by a polished finish, ensuring smooth keystrokes. The Durock T1 balances tactile engagement with comfort, making it suitable for both casual and intensive typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g emphasizes a quiet and soft typing experience perfect for serene environments, the Durock T1 offers a comfortable and tactile experience with a rich, low-pitched sound. If you’re looking for a whisper-quiet option, the Silent Sakura excels, whereas the T1 provides a textured feel that many typists find enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your prioritization of sound versus tactile feedback, with both options offering their unique advantages tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and environmental considerations. If you prefer a whisper-quiet typing experience and have a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura switches would likely serve you well. Their 43g bottom out force is ideal for those who enjoy a soft, serene typing environment—perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing when you don't want to disturb others. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more substantial actuation force, the Durock T1 switch is a fantastic choice. With a 67g bottom out force and a medium bump that provides a satisfying tactile response, this switch offers a polished feel that enhances the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the physical connection to their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your personal preference for sound and feel but also your typing habits and the environments in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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