HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Venus can significantly impact your typing experience. The Silent Sakura stands out for its whisper-quiet operation, designed for those who prefer a peaceful typing environment, with an ultra-light actuation force of just 43g, making it well-suited for light typists. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers an interesting blend of smoothness and a plush "Q-texture," delivering a tactile sensation akin to biting into mochi, while also featuring a muted sound profile that caters to users looking for a more subdued experience. While both switches cater to individuals seeking a quieter mechanical feel, their distinct traits make them appealing for different preferences—whether you prioritize the lightweight feel of the Silent Sakura or the unique tactile feedback of the Venus. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Venus each employ distinct materials for their top housings, which directly influence their sound profiles during usage. The Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its deeper and fuller sound due to its soft, sound-absorbing properties. This allows for a warm auditory experience, creating a more muted and rounded sound. In contrast, the Venus employs a POM top housing, which also produces a deeper sound but emphasizes a unique and muted profile that slightly differentiates it from the full-bodied sound of nylon. Although both materials contribute to a deeper auditory experience, the nylon in the Silent Sakura offers a softer touch compared to the slightly crisper sound produced by POM in the Venus.
When examining the bottom housings of these two switches, they both utilize polycarbonate, which leads to a more consistent tonal resonance. The polycarbonate's stiffer composition facilitates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and brightness when keys are pressed down. Since both the Silent Sakura and Venus share polycarbonate as their bottom housing material, their sound profiles during key presses will likely be similar, focusing on the crispness associated with polycarbonate. This commonality provides a pleasurable auditory response that is clear, resonant, and well-suited for those who favor a pronounced sound when typing or gaming.
Overall, the interplay between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of both switches creates nuanced sound profiles that can lead to very comparable results despite the differing top materials. When typing on the Silent Sakura, users will experience the soft, absorbing qualities of nylon mixed with the clear and sharpness of the polycarbonate bottom. Conversely, the TTC Venus will combine the muted, unique sound of POM with the clarity of polycarbonate below. While they each present unique characteristics, the foundational similarities in their bottom housing result in an overall comparable auditory experience across both switches, particularly during bottoming out. This makes each switch appealing to users seeking distinct sound experiences driven by material selection while also appreciating the resonant clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Venus features a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a heavier feel that might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option overall, while the TTC Venus is the heavier choice. This difference means that users seeking a more effortless typing experience will likely gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, while those desiring a more pronounced resistance might prefer the Venus. The variance in force requirements suggests that each switch caters to different user preferences and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it's clear that they differ, with the Silent Sakura featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Venus has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Silent Sakura the switch with the longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress feel, as it allows for a deeper and potentially more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, often preferred by gamers for faster actuation. In summary, if you favor a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Silent Sakura is the way to go, whereas the TTC Venus offers a more responsive experience for those who prioritize speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a nearly silent experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for those who prioritize noise reduction in their typing environment. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch features a low-pitched, muted sound profile that delivers a soft and subdued auditory experience. It leans towards a thocky characteristic, producing a deep, rich sound when pressed. Both switches aim for quieter operation, but the Silent Sakura excels in minimizing noise almost entirely, while the Venus offers a low-mellow sound that some may find satisfying, albeit with more audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed for a light touch with a 43g actuation force, promoting an effortless typing experience that caters well to light typists. Although specific descriptions for the feel of the Silent Sakura are not provided, it can be inferred that it offers a smooth experience similar to the TTC Venus. The Venus itself is characterized by its frictionless glide and a buttery smoothness that makes each keystroke feel fluid and enjoyable. The combination of its "Q-texture" adds an interesting tactile element, promoting a typing sensation akin to compressing chewy mochi. While the overall experiences differ, both switches aim for a smooth and responsive action that can keep users comfortable during extensive typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Venus switches cater to those looking for a subtle and smooth typing experience. The Silent Sakura boasts an extremely quiet operation perfect for office settings or shared spaces, whereas the Venus offers a slightly more audible yet muted typing experience backed by its unique internal design. Although their approaches to sound differ, both deliver a smooth, pleasurable feel for typists. Users will find that, while each switch has its distinct characteristics, both can provide an enjoyable and efficient typing experience, affording similar benefits in terms of tactile feedback and sound dampening.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, your personal typing preferences and environment will significantly guide your decision. If you prioritize a feather-light responsiveness and an exceptionally quiet operation, the Silent Sakura might be your best choice. Its 43g bottom-out force is ideal for light typists who seek a tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. The serene feel and sound profile, coupled with a smooth yet soft typing experience, can create a less intrusive environment that contributes to concentration and productivity. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly more robust feel with a 52g bottom-out force, the TTC Venus might better suit your needs. It offers a delightful balance of a smooth, frictionless glide and a muted, low-pitched sound, which can enhance your typing experience without being overly disruptive. The Venus also provides more pronounced springiness and textural feedback, which can appeal to those who appreciate a bit more substance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards a truly silent and ultra-light action or a more balanced and versatile typing sensation.
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