HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a linear switch that ensures an ultra-light touch with a bottom-out force of only 43g, making it an excellent option for light typists who value a serene, whisper-quiet environment. Its design is reminiscent of gentle raindrops, providing a smooth typing experience without the distraction of audible clicks. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 brings a tactile feel to the table with its sharp and exhilarating bump, coupled with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. While it maintains a muted and low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who appreciate subtlety without sacrificing tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different styles of typing—whether you prefer the fluidity of a linear switch or the responsive feedback of a tactile one, both have their unique advantages. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4, it’s clear that both switches utilize distinct plastic blends that influence their acoustic performance, albeit in complementary ways. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic enhances the overall auditory experience, creating a warmer, more dulcet tone. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing, which also aims to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. Though they use different materials, both switches are designed to produce a similarly satisfying auditory output, thanks to the inherent softness of the materials used.
The bottom housing further differentiates these two switches. The Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucency, enhances sound clarity and is particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is incorporated into the keyboard design. In comparison, the Gazzew U4 shares its bottom housing material with its top, consisting of the proprietary boba plastic blend. This selection ensures that the U4 maintains a rich and deep sound across both housing components, similar to the Silent Sakura's sound characteristics but without the high-pitched clarity provided by the polycarbonate.
Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4 differ in their material compositions, the resulting sound profiles reflect their intended use—each offering a unique tactile and auditory experience. The softer nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura fosters a duller sound while the stiffer polycarbonate below adds clarity, resulting in a well-rounded acoustic performance. The Gazzew U4 is more unified in its material selection, allowing for a homogenous sound that remains rich and full-bodied throughout. Users can expect satisfying results from either switch, enjoying a nuanced auditory experience whether they choose the varied materials of the Silent Sakura or the cohesive design of the Gazzew U4.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer, more effortless typing experience, perfect for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4 tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback as they type. This variance in force may influence user preference based on their typing style; lighter switches facilitate longer typing periods with less fatigue, while heavier switches offer a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Thus, the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter switch overall, while the Gazzew U4 is the heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, in contrast to the U4's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference highlights the Silent Sakura's more traditional feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 caters to users who favor quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who thrive on speed. Ultimately, if one prefers a more pronounced keystroke, the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura would be ideal; conversely, if a quicker response is desired, the shorter travel distance of the U4 might be more suitable.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 linear switch is characterized by its ultra-quiet operation, akin to the gentle tapping of raindrops on a window, creating a muted ambience that is perfect for those who prefer subtlety in their typing experiences. In comparison, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch also boasts a whisper-quiet performance with a low-pitched sound that provides a bass-heavy, mellow tone. While both switches are designed for a tranquil typing atmosphere, the Silent Sakura leans more towards a gentle sound experience, whereas the U4 maintains a slightly richer sound profile due to its low-pitched nature.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a softer, linear experience that allows smooth keypresses without any tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for light typists who prefer a seamless transition between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, providing strong feedback with each keystroke. This distinct tactile sensation is prominent enough to engage typists who appreciate a more interactive typing experience. Therefore, while the Silent Sakura caters to those seeking smoothness and subtlety, the U4 delivers a more dynamic and responsive feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gazzew U4 switches offer unique experiences suitable for different preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in creating a serene, whisper-quiet typing environment with a smooth feel, ideal for those who dislike tactile feedback. Conversely, the U4 offers a muted yet rich sound combined with a sharp tactile response for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize silence and smoothness or prefer having tactile feedback and the excitement of a pronounced bump with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use cases. If you value a lightweight and whisper-quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura is ideal for you. Its 43g bottom-out force makes it an excellent option for light typists who need to minimize noise in shared environments like offices or libraries; the sound profile is subtly calming, akin to gentle raindrops. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a stronger feedback sensation, the Gazzew U4 is your go-to choice. With a medium 62g bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying tactile bump that adds an exhilarating feel to each keystroke, making it well-suited for gamers and typists who thrive on feedback without sacrificing a muted acoustic profile. In summary, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a light and silent operation or a pronounced tactile response, ensuring your new keyboard provides the best experience for your unique typing style.
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