HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Bsun Tomcat stand out as compelling options for users who prefer linear switches, each offering unique benefits tailored to distinct typing preferences. The Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who seek a tranquil typing experience, boasting an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that delivers a soft, whisper-quiet response, making it ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat shines with its smooth performance, featuring Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally fluid typing experience, combined with a resonant sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. While the Silent Sakura emphasizes a serene atmosphere perfect for focused work, the Tomcat caters to users who appreciate a more tactile sensation with a touch of acoustic feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Bsun Tomcat diverge in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is accentuated by nylon's characteristic softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate clarity in their keystrokes. Thus, while the Silent Sakura leans towards a rounder, more mellow acoustic signature, the Tomcat aims for a more pronounced, crisp sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a complementary relationship between the two switches, with the Silent Sakura incorporating a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Tomcat opting for nylon. The polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura maintains the trend of clarity seen in its top housing, while the nylon in the Tomcat brings a fuller depth to the overall typing experience. This alteration means that when typing on the Silent Sakura, users will likely experience the clarity of sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom more prominently, while the Tomcat’s nylon bottom will contribute to a warmer, muffled resonance. As a result, the Silent Sakura tends to offer a pronounced acoustic quality that contrasts with the Tonkat's more subdued tonal character.
Ultimately, while the top and bottom housing materials distinctly shape the auditory experience of each switch, they also influence tactile feedback and sound characteristics during key presses and releases. Typing on the Silent Sakura will elicit a deeper sound when bottoming out due to its nylon top, while the moment the key is released will be impacted more by the clarity of the polycarbonate bottom. Conversely, the Tomcat’s bottom housing will mellow the sound on the bottom-out while the polycarbonate top will deliver a sharper sound upon release. Therefore, even though the housing materials are different, using these switches can yield similar results in providing a unique tactile sensation and sound experience, shaped by the interplay of the individual characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user experience. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions or gaming without finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. This difference means that the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Tomcat is the heavier option. Consequently, users looking for quick, responsive keystrokes over long durations may favor the Silent Sakura, while those who appreciate a firmer feel with more resistance might lean towards the Tomcat.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional, deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor a quicker response time, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for enhanced performance. If you prioritize a responsive keypress, the Bsun Tomcat might be the better option, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: whether one desires the more pronounced feedback of a longer travel distance or the swift action of a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50, whereas the Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99.
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 best known for offering an exceptionally quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it an ideal choice for users who seek a peaceful environment, preventing disruption in quieter settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, presenting a contrast to the Silent Sakura's muted performance. This acoustic difference may appeal to typists who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes, though it may not be as conducive to a quiet workspace as the Silent Sakura.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed with an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it particularly suitable for light typists. Its smooth linear action provides an effortless typing experience, promoting a fluid and relaxing engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features Ly stems that are engineered for a super smooth typing experience as well, delivering a distinctively pleasant tactile sensation. However, without further specific descriptions, it remains unclear how the overall feel of the Tomcat compares directly to the Silent Sakura in terms of resistance or travel distance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a serene auditory experience with its whisper-quiet typing, making it perfect for quieter environments. Conversely, the Tomcat's resonant sound profile might cater to users who enjoy more auditory feedback while typing. Both switches ensure a smooth feel, with the Silent Sakura emphasizing lightness and the Tomcat focusing on smoothness through its unique stem design. Depending on personal priorities—sound or tactile feel—typists can select the switch that aligns with their preferences, but they will find similar smoothness in both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you are someone who values a quieter typing environment—perhaps due to shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions—the Silent Sakura's ultra-light 43g actuation force and sound profile that resembles gentle raindrops will likely suit you well, providing a serene typing experience without the distraction of keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more tactile and responsive feedback with a bit more resistance in your keystrokes, the Bsun Tomcat switch, with its 54g bottom out force and super smooth Ly stems, is an excellent choice. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile adds a slight auditory satisfaction that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more traditional keyboard feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize quiet operation and light touch or a bit more weight and acoustic feedback in your keyboard experience.
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