HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet operation, making them ideal for those who favor a serene typing experience in shared environments or late-night coding sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switches boast a deep and satisfying "thock" sound profile complemented by a bouncy feel, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. This design not only provides auditory feedback but also offers a comfortable typing experience that appeals to a broad audience, especially those who enjoy a more tactile engagement with their keyboard. While the Silent Sakura is perfect for typists seeking tranquility, the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who thrive on a more dynamic and responsive interaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.

By the numbers

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue present an interesting comparison in their housing materials, particularly in regards to sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Silent Sakura utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softness and sound-absorbing nature. This characteristic results in a more muted auditory experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter keyboard while typing or gaming. On the contrary, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, this switch typically yields a clearer resonance, making it desirable for users who enjoy more pronounced key sounds.

When examining the bottom housing, both switches share a commonality, as the Silent Sakura also incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. This consistency in material leads to a comparable sound profile between the switches in terms of their bottom-out sounds, where the polycarbonate's rigidity enhances clarity and resonance. Consequently, both switches manage to achieve an overall crisper sound even with the contrasting materials used in the top housing. Therefore, even with the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a sharper sound characteristic due to the polycarbonate bottom housing in both models.

Ultimately, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of these two switches will affect the tactile and auditory feedback experienced during use. While the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura contributes to a more subdued initial activation sound, the clearly defined higher-pitched sound of the Tourmaline Blue enhances the auditory experience of each keystroke. However, the common material in their bottom housings means that when the switches are engaged, both can deliver similar resonance effects that are crisp and well-defined. This makes each switch uniquely appealing, depending on the user's personal preference for sound profiles and aesthetics when utilizing RGB lighting, with the Silent Sakura delivering a more rounded sound and the Tourmaline Blue providing the option for vibrant translucent visual enhancements.

Weight

The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires a light actuation force of 37 grams, with a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier one. As such, if you're looking for a switch that offers a softer keystroke, the Silent Sakura would be suitable, whereas those who favor firmer feedback should opt for the Tourmaline Blue.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect nearly the same feel during key presses, as both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. With this equal travel distance, typing and gaming experiences on keyboards featuring either switch will deliver similar results in terms of key actuation. Thus, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two; they align perfectly in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Silent Sakura - 43g stands out for delivering an exceptionally quiet typing experience, akin to the soft patter of rain. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a serene and distraction-free environment, whether they are at home or in a shared workspace. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch produces a deeper, thocky sound profile that many find satisfying. This more pronounced audio feedback caters to users who appreciate a richer auditory experience when typing. However, the sound produced by both switches can vary depending on the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used, so there is room for personal customization within their respective sound signatures.

In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a lightweight typing experience with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, making it suitable for lighter typists who prefer a gentle touch. It provides a subtle feedback feel without much resistance, creating a relaxed typing experience, especially for users who may type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy to press, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Its light actuation force ensures minimal effort is required when typing, promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue also create an approachable feel that appeals to a broad audience, making it user-friendly for new and experienced typists alike.

In conclusion, while both the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches cater to different sound preferences and tactile sensations, they each excel in their unique aspects. The Silent Sakura will appeal to those seeking a quiet, smooth experience with an ultra-light touch, whereas the Tourmaline Blue offers a more pronounced audio character with a buttery typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize silence or enjoy the resonant thock of deeper sounds in your typing experience; either way, both switches promise to elevate your mechanical keyboard journey in distinct and satisfying ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you value a quiet, serene typing experience and tend to type lightly, the Silent Sakura switches are your best bet. Their ultra-light 43g bottom out force makes them especially suited for those who appreciate minimal resistance and a whisper-quiet environment, ideal for shared spaces or late-night typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switches may be more appealing. With a medium-heavy 67g bottom out force, they provide a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy feel that many typists enjoy, making them versatile for various contexts—from home use to office settings. In summary, your decision should align with your desired sound level, typing experience, and the amount of force you're comfortable exerting while typing. Both switches have their unique charm, so choose the one that resonates best with your personal preferences!

Mentioned in this article

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more