HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX Twilight can significantly influence your typing experience. The Silent Sakura - 43g excels in providing a serene and whisper-quiet atmosphere, thanks to its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it ideal for light typists or those working in shared spaces who appreciate a peaceful environment. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers a more tactile feel with a longer 3.85mm travel distance, striking a balance between quiet operation and the familiar, satisfying sound of typist's keystrokes. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to enthusiasts who prefer a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, their subtle differences in force and travel can cater to distinct preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and HMX Twilight both utilize nylon for their top housing material. This choice in material yields a similar acoustic profile, with both switches delivering a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The relatively softer texture of nylon allows for effective sound absorption, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As such, users of either switch can expect a pleasant typing sound characterized by a more muted tone, creating a comfortable typing environment that minimizes excess noise.
However, a notable difference exists in their bottom housing materials; the Silent Sakura - 43g employs polycarbonate, while the Twilight features nylon. This distinction in the bottom housing leads to divergent sound profiles during typing. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance compared to the nylon used in the Twilight, which maintains the same deeper and fuller sound found in its top housing. Consequently, when typing on the Silent Sakura - 43g, users benefit from a unique blend of sounds—a crisper bottom-out tone complemented by the rich auditory characteristics of the nylon top housing.
In practical terms, this means that while both switches will provide a comfortable feel due to their nylon tops, the overall sound experience will vary significantly in the case of a bottom-out. The Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing allows for a more pronounced and articulate sound upon actuation, compared to the Twilight’s softer and more muted tones attributed to its nylon composition. Thus, while both switches share similarities in their top housings, the choice of bottom housing in each affects the acoustic dynamics, offering users differentiated auditory results during their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a preferred choice for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This additional weight might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Twilight is heavier. Both switches are categorized as light, but the differences in their actuation forces may suit varying user preferences based on typing dynamics and comfort.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that if you choose the Silent Sakura, you'll experience a deeper key press, which can provide a more substantial feel and might be preferred by those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker, more responsive key presses, making it a better option for gamers looking for faster response times. Overall, the Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance compared to the Twilight, which could affect the tactile experience and performance depending on personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch delivers a whisper-quiet typing experience that is often likened to soft raindrops tapping against a window, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly quieter sound profile due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, though it still retains the characteristic clacky qualities associated with HMX switches. Overall, while both switches offer subdued acoustic experiences, the Silent Sakura is particularly focused on creating a silent typing environment, whereas the Twilight provides a bit more audible feedback without being overly loud.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed with an ultra-light 43g bottom out force, making it an ideal pick for light typists who prefer a smoother and more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight's extended travel may give it a different sensation during typing, although specific details about its tactile feedback are not provided. Therefore, those who value a feather-light touch may find the Silent Sakura more appealing, while those who enjoy the unique dynamics of longer travel might prefer the Twilight.
In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX Twilight linear switches, you'll find distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in creating an exceptionally quiet atmosphere with a lightweight feel, making it suitable for users who prioritize a serene typing experience. Conversely, the Twilight offers a balance of reduced noise with its extended travel, making it a fine choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced response in their keystrokes. Each switch provides a unique yet satisfying typing experience, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value silence or a bit more tactile engagement in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your typing style and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard. If you are a light typist who values a significantly quieter typing experience, the Silent Sakura's ultra-light 43g actuation force makes it an excellent choice, delivering a serene feel akin to gentle raindrops, perfect for quiet settings such as offices or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a slightly heavier 50g bottom out force while still providing a relatively quiet operation, the Twilight would suit you well. Its extended travel distance adds a satisfying depth to each keystroke, ideal for users who enjoy the feel of strong feedback but want to keep noise levels manageable. Ultimately, your preferred switch will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and quiet operation or a more substantial feel with a signature sound, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific needs.
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