HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present two distinct yet appealing options, each catering to different preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their ultra-light actuation and whisper-quiet operation, making them an excellent choice for light typists who crave a serene typing experience, akin to the soothing sound of raindrops. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between firmness and subtlety, featuring a medium tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overpowering. This makes them an excellent "Goldilocks" choice for those who appreciate a tactile sensation without excessive noise. Each switch has its unique advantages, catering to diverse typing styles and environments. 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
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer an interesting contrast in both sound profiles and tactile feedback during use. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, allowing for a more resonant audio experience. The differences in sound characteristics of these two switches highlight the important role that housing materials play in shaping the overall typing experience.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, a reversal occurs in the materials used, further accentuating the varied sound profiles they offer. The Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing which aligns with its top housing in delivering a clear and high-pitched sound, contributing to a consistent typing auditory experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, which complements its top housing's crispness with a deeper, fuller auditory element that provides a more grounded typing sound. The tactile response felt during key presses will thus vary based on the unique characteristics of each material used in the switches, with the bottom housing having a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out feel.
Despite the differences in materials, users can anticipate a blending of sound profiles when using either switch, as the distinct qualities of each housing type will be felt and heard during operation. The Silent Sakura offers a rounder sound on the bottom-out, paired with a softer auditory experience upon release due to its nylon top. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro presents a sharp, clear sound profile upon pressing down, balanced with a deeper resonance once the key is released. When paired together in either configuration, these switches will still echo certain similarities in how the different housing materials contribute to the user's auditory experience, ensuring that both will deliver unique yet satisfying results based on their specific compositions.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch present a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long working hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. While the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, the Silent Sakura’s bottom out force is measured at 43 grams, which is still relatively light. Consequently, users looking for a lighter tactile experience may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas those who appreciate a firmer keystroke might prefer the Dareu Violet Gold Pro due to its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and a favorable choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, which can feel more satisfying and less abrupt. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter and may appeal more to gamers seeking faster response times. While both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance, the Silent Sakura’s greater depth can provide a more pronounced typing experience, whereas the Violet Gold Pro’s shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, catering to users who prioritize speed over feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for typing depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 linear switch offers an exceptionally quiet typing experience, akin to the serene sound of gentle raindrops; this makes it particularly well-suited for environments where minimizing noise is essential. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings, from casual home use to professional office environments. While the Sakura excels in quietness, the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance that accommodates a wider range of typists, ensuring that it’s neither too noisy nor excessively muted.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the Silent Sakura - 43g is characterized by its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, catering to light typists who appreciate a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro displays a medium tactile bump that provides a stepped feel, distinguishing itself with a noticeable difference at the actuation point, yet without overwhelming tactile feedback. This creates a pleasant sensation for those who prefer distinct feedback without the harshness often associated with highly tactile switches. Consequently, while the Silent Sakura offers a softer, linear experience that glides smoothly, the Violet Gold Pro adds a moderate tactile response that can enrich the typing experience for those seeking a bit more interaction.
Overall, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and environment. The Silent Sakura aims to create a peaceful typing atmosphere, ideal for quiet settings, while the Violet Gold Pro serves as a balanced option for those who desire a touch of tactile engagement without excessive noise. Depending on personal preference, one can achieve a memorable typing experience with either of these switches, and your choice will ultimately hinge on whether you value silence or discerning tactile feedback more highly.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a whisper-quiet experience and prefer a light touch, the Silent Sakura is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force makes it ideal for a serene atmosphere, whether you’re typing late at night or in a shared space where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile feel and appreciate a balanced sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro may suit you better. Its medium tactility provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, making it perfect for both work and leisure typing. Additionally, its neutrality allows it to cater to a wide variety of uses, ensuring that whether you are a beginner or a more experienced typist, this switch can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, assessing your own preferences for sound, feel, and the environments in which you’ll be typing will guide you in making the best choice.
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