HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is celebrated for its ultra-light bottom out force of just 43g, delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience that echoes the tranquility of gentle raindrops. This linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize a serene environment, making it perfect for light typists or anyone looking to minimize noise in shared spaces. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet offers a distinct tactile experience with its gentle yet satisfying actuation point. This switch features a pleasingly poppy tactility and a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate feedback as they type but do not want the loud "click" typically associated with mechanical switches. While the Silent Sakura promotes a quiet and fluid approach to typing, the Violet offers a balanced, engaging interaction that many users find enjoyable. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jerrzi Violet feature contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the differences in materials yield distinct auditory experiences, both switches retain high levels of quality that serve various user preferences; for those who enjoy a rich and muted typing experience, the Silent Sakura is ideal, while the Violet caters to those seeking clarity and resonance.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals a reversal in material choices. The Silent Sakura's bottom is made of polycarbonate, offering a clear and resonant sound that complements its nylon top housing's deep tones. This integration creates a balanced auditory experience, where the top and bottom qualities harmonize, resulting in a typing experience that is satisfying on multiple levels. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes a softer, rounder sound to its otherwise crisp top. Here, the combination of the materials offers a duality that results in a more complex sound profile, with the nylon bottom rounding out the clear notes projected by the polycarbonate top.
Given that the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jerrzi Violet each blend nylon and polycarbonate in their construction—albeit in different arrangements—users can expect a fusion of tonal qualities from both models. The top housing primarily dictates the sound when releasing the key, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when bottoming out. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials, players can achieve various auditory results through their individual typing styles, benefiting from the qualities that both nylon and polycarbonate bring to the overall experience. Whether one prefers the dampened sound of the Silent Sakura or the lively notes of the Violet, both offer a competent and enjoyable typing experience rooted in their unique material characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, notable differences in actuation forces highlight their suitability for different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option, beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Violet switch requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for their tactile feedback, although its bottom out force remains unspecified. Therefore, users who favor a lighter switch for comfort during extended use should opt for the Silent Sakura, while those who appreciate a heavier push for enhanced tactile response may find the Jerrzi Violet more appealing. Ultimately, the Silent Sakura's lower actuation force caters to those seeking ease of use, while the Violet’s higher actuation force may resonate better with those who like to feel more resistance while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we see a clear distinction: the Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper key press, appealing to those who appreciate a noticeable depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive experience, favored by gamers seeking quick key acts. Overall, for users who prefer a more substantial key feel, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while those looking for quicker response times might lean towards the Violet.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 is engineered to create an incredibly quiet typing experience, akin to the soft patter of raindrops against a window. This whisper-quiet operation makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise can be disruptive, allowing for a tranquil typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a neutral sound signature. This means it produces a moderate sound profile that is neither overly loud nor too subdued, making it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office. While the Silent Sakura focuses on silence, the Violet maintains a balanced auditory presence, making both switches appealing for slightly different reasons.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g stands out for its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, ideal for typists who prefer a gentle touch and a smooth, linear action without tactile feedback. This results in a fluid keystroke that doesn’t interrupt the flow of typing, perfect for those who enjoy a softer experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a noticeable tactile bump that is described as “stepped.” This tactile feedback allows typists to feel two distinct stages during the key press, providing a sense of satisfaction and confirmation with each keystroke. While the Silent Sakura offers a more understated feel, the Violet caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and the nuances of a multi-stage keypress.
In summary, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Jerrzi Violet switches cater to different typing preferences through their sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Sakura promises an ultra-quiet experience perfect for focused environments, while the Violet switch delivers a balanced sound with satisfying tactile feedback. Each switch has its unique advantages, and ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference in terms of quietness versus tactile response. Typists seeking a serene environment may gravitate toward the Silent Sakura, while those who prefer a tactile sensation will likely appreciate the Jerrzi Violet.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and environment. If you prioritize a quiet, serene typing experience, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive settings, the Silent Sakura is an excellent choice with its whisper-quiet actuation and lightweight 43g bottom out force. It's particularly suitable for light typists or anyone who prefers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without disruptive noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a slight sensation of the key pressing through different stages, the Jerrzi Violet switch might be more to your liking. Its gentle tactile feedback combined with a neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various typing tasks, whether you are working from home or in an office environment. In summary, consider your typing preferences, the noise requirements of your setting, and whether you lean towards a smooth, linear feel or a more tactile experience when making your choice.
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