HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your overall typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Silent Sakura switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, making them an ideal choice for light typists who prefer a serene workspace without the distracting clatter found in more traditional switches. With a bottom-out force of just 43g, they offer a gentle touch that caters to those who value a soft, understated feel. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches deliver an entirely different experience, characterized by their Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing sensation paired with a more resonant sound profile. This switch may attract users who appreciate a tactile feel and a slightly more audible feedback, making their keystrokes feel both impactful and engaging. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 features a combination of nylon and polycarbonate materials in its housing, creating a unique acoustic experience. The nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing enhances this performance with a sharper and clearer tonal quality that resonates more distinctly. This interaction between the soft top and hard bottom allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the nylon absorbing high frequencies while the polycarbonate accentuates the overall crispness during key releases, resulting in a blend of warmth and clarity in sound.
On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employs a reversed material configuration with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This combination produces a sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance, especially during key presses, as the stiff polycarbonate amplifies the high pitches. At the same time, the nylon bottom housing serves to soften the bottom-out sound and dampen excess noise during typing, creating a more subdued sound upon key actuation. Consequently, while both switches feature a similar blending of acoustic properties, the primary differences lie in how each material influences sound during both the actuation and release phases, skirting between sharper and rounder tonal characters.
When considering performance outcomes, both switch designs leverage the unique qualities of their materials to achieve satisfying auditory results. Users can expect good sound profiles from both switches, although the Silent Sakura - 43g will provide a more rounded experience due to its softer top housing, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) will give a basis for a sharper and more immediate sound profile through its polycarbonate top. By understanding these nuances in material choices, one can appreciate how similar acoustic outcomes may still be achieved, despite the differing configurations in housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Silent Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a substantially higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial, heavier feel while typing. This means that while the Silent Sakura is designed for a smoother and more effortless experience, the Tomcat provides a stronger push that some users may find more satisfying or tactile. Ultimately, if one values lighter switches for comfort during long use, the Silent Sakura is the better option, whereas the Tomcat will appeal to those who prefer a firmer engagement.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may appeal to users based on their preferences for keypress depth: the Silent Sakura is likely to provide a more pronounced sensation due to its greater travel distance, while the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, facilitates faster response times, catering to gamers and those who prefer a more immediate action. Ultimately, if you seek a more pronounced tactile experience, the Silent Sakura would be the better choice, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) is suited for those who appreciate a quicker, albeit less textured, feedback during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 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 Silent Sakura - 43g is best known for providing a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise can be a distraction, delivering nearly silent keystrokes that allow for focused work without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a resonant sound profile, providing a more prominent acoustic feedback that adds a different character to each keystroke. This resonance can evoke a more tactile and engaging experience, although it may not be suitable for quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to offer a soft and gentle typing experience due to its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, catering well to lighter typists who prefer minimal resistance. This softness provides a smooth and fluid typing experience that promotes speed and comfort during extended use. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) is characterized by its Ly stems, which deliver a super smooth typing experience with a heftier weight that can give a reassuringly solid feel when bottoming out. The increased weight may appeal to those who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience, making each keystroke feel more impactful.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura - 43g excels in providing a quiet and gentle typing experience, perfect for light typists and serene environments, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound and a smooth, substantial feel for those who enjoy a more engaging and tactile experience. Your final choice should reflect the typing dynamics you desire: if lower sound output and light touch are priorities, opt for the Silent Sakura; if you prefer a resonant sound with a heavier feel, the Tomcat will be more to your liking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing style and environment. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, perhaps because you work in a shared space or prefer to game without distractions, the Silent Sakura's ultra-light bottom out force of 43 grams will provide a gentle and almost serene tactile response. This makes it an excellent option for light typists who favor a soft touch and desire a switch that minimizes noise while maximizing comfort. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial keypress for a firmer feel, especially if you enjoy gaming or have a heavier typing style, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64 grams of bottom out force is tailored for you. The super smooth performance of its Ly stems paired with a resonant sound profile can enhance both your gaming and typing experiences, providing the feedback and response you may prefer. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you value a lighter, quieter actuation or a heavier, more tactile response to suit your individual needs and environment.
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