HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Taro offers distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches, known for their ultra-light 43g bottom out force, provide a remarkable whisper-quiet typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who value a serene environment, such as in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches deliver a snappy, tactile feedback coupled with sharp, crisp auditory cues, appealing to typists who enjoy feeling and hearing their keystrokes while still maintaining a softer touch on their fingers. Each switch caters to different typing styles—while the Silent Sakura excels in creating a calm atmosphere, the Taro adds an engaging tactile experience that many find satisfying. 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Taro, distinct differences emerge that highlight both switches' sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, which tends to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer material not only dampens sound waves but also contributes to a more muted sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a rounder, less harsh finish. Conversely, the Jwick Taro employs a polycarbonate top housing; this stiffer plastic yields a sharper, crisper sound that is more resonant. As such, typists looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback will find the Taro's sound profile more suited to their preferences.
Delving deeper into the bottom housing materials of each switch, we again see a contrast that significantly influences the key feel. The Silent Sakura's nylon bottom housing complements its top by maintaining that deeper sound signature, ensuring that the impact of each key press is cushioned and rounded off. In contrast, the Taro uses a nylon bottom housing, which lends further depth to its sound output. This creates a unique dynamic: whereas the Silent Sakura's bottom housing aligns with its top to reinforce a smooth, muted touch, the Taro's dual-use of nylon yields a different but equally rich auditory experience. Thus, while both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, the overall sound profile is intricately shaped by the combination of the housing materials used at both ends.
In conclusion, while the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Taro employ different materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting sound characteristics, their bottom housings introduce a layer of similarity through the use of nylon. This duality in material selection results in subtle yet impactful differences in typing experience: the Silent Sakura offers a plush, soft typing feel with a dulled sound, whereas the Taro delivers a more pronounced auditory response enhanced by the sharpness of polycarbonate at the top. Nonetheless, for users who prioritize sound profile consistency, employing switches with inversely mirrored materials can achieve a balance that provides a satisfying typing experience, regardless of specific preferences in sound character.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we see a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a preferred choice for those who desire a smoother typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro lacks a specified actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a stronger resistance when fully pressed down. This higher force may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Taro presents a heavier choice; thus, individuals seeking ease of use may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas those desiring more tactile feedback and resistance may prefer the Taro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Silent Sakura features a distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel distance caters to those who might prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to individual preference: if you enjoy a hearty depth, the Silent Sakura would be the better option, while those seeking a more responsive experience might lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Taro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is characterized by its whisper-quiet operation, designed to create a typing experience that is reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an excellent choice for environments where silence is paramount. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch produces acute and crisp clacks, providing a more pronounced sound that some typists might find satisfying. The Taro's neutral sound profile is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. However, both switches' final sound will ultimately depend on additional factors, like the keyboard build and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a smooth and light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist response without any unnecessary tactile feedback. In contrast, the Taro switch offers a more tactile sensation, described as snappy with a medium level of tactility. This tactile feedback also features a buttery smoothness in its keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience with a clearly defined bump. The Taro's stepped design imparts a mild sensation of having two distinct stages during the keystroke, allowing typists to enjoy a more nuanced feel compared to the ultra-smooth characteristics of the Silent Sakura.
In conclusion, the decision between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jwick Taro switch ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet, ultra-light linear switch, the Silent Sakura will provide a serene typing environment, while the tactile Jwick Taro offers distinct feedback and a livelier sound profile. By understanding these qualities, you can confidently align your choice with your typing style and environment, leading to an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch should be guided by your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you are someone who enjoys a quiet and serene typing experience, perhaps for late-night work or in shared spaces where silence is appreciated, the Silent Sakura's lightweight 43g bottom out force will provide you with a gentle and almost whisper-quiet keystroke, making it ideal for light typists. On the other hand, if you're looking for a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced yet not overwhelming sound during your typing, the Jwick Taro switch is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy 67g actuation force and snappy tactile response, you'll experience a buttery feel complemented by crisp clacks, making it suitable for a more engaging typing experience whether you're working at home or in a professional environment. Ultimately, consider how you type and where you type when making your selection, as each switch has its own strengths tailored to different preferences.
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