HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch that prioritizes a whisper-quiet operation, making it ideal for light typists who appreciate a serene and subtle environment. With an ultra-light bottom out force of 43g, these switches allow for quick, fluid keystrokes, resembling the gentle sound of raindrops tapping on a window. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feel, providing users with a satisfying bump during each keystroke. Its balanced sound profile enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy feedback during their writing or gaming sessions. While the Silent Sakura is perfect for those seeking tranquility in their typing noise, the Weightlessness caters to users who appreciate tactile sensations. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gateron Weightlessness both utilize nylon for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile and tactile experience when typing. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, allowing both switches to produce a deeper and fuller auditory response. This characteristic reinforces a sense of muted resonance that many users appreciate, leading to a more comfortable typing experience. The similarity in top housing materials means that users can expect comparable sound characteristics from both switches, with a rounder and less pronounced tonal quality when keystrokes are executed.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches diverge significantly in material choice. The Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This polycarbonate bottom enhances the overall sound quality of the switch, leading to a more resonant bottom-out experience that is bright yet clear. The visual aspect of polycarbonate, especially its translucency, also plays an important role when considering aesthetic designs for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon bottom housing, analogous to its top. Consequently, this choice maintains the softer sound profile established by its top housing, leading to a duller and rounder sound upon key release, differentiating itself from the Silent Sakura.
Ultimately, both switches exhibit unique qualities stemming from their respective bottom housing materials, which influence their overall typing feel and sound. With the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g's polycarbonate bottom enhancing its clear resonance and the Gateron Weightlessness's nylon bottom emphasizing a muted, fuller auditory experience, users may gravitate toward one over the other based on personal sound preferences. In usage, while both switches deliver depth from the nylon top housing, the Silent Sakura is likely to appeal to those seeking a sharper sound profile at bottom-out, thanks to its differing bottom housing material, whereas the Weightlessness maintains a more consistent softer sound throughout the keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch with the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the differences in their actuation forces are notable. The Silent Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. As for the bottom out forces, the Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness's bottom out force remains unknown. With this information, it's clear that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, appealing to those who prioritize ease of use, while the Gateron Weightlessness caters to users who favor a firmer keystroke. Overall, if one were to seek a balance between lightness and tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura would be the preferred choice, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness offers a heavier, more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find a notable difference: the Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. Consequently, the Silent Sakura provides a deeper and more traditional feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the preferences of gamers who seek quicker response times. Thus, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura is the way to go, while those who favor a faster and more responsive feel might opt for the Weightlessness switch. Overall, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm distance offers a longer travel compared to the 3.4 mm of the Weightlessness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is designed for a nearly silent operation, providing a typing experience that can be likened to the soft sound of rain. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound profile that varies between subtle and moderate, making it more audible than the Silent Sakura. This difference in sound can impact the typing experience; while some users may prefer the quietude of the Sakura, others might enjoy the feedback provided by the Weightlessness switch which can create a more engaging auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a smooth linear response with an ultra-light 43g actuation force. This makes it especially suitable for typists who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for a fluid and effortless typing motion. In contrast, the Weightlessness tactile switch features a tactile bump, providing feedback that is noticeable but not overly pronounced. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience by giving the user an indication of actuation, which some typists may find satisfying and beneficial for touch-typing.
In summary, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to differing preferences in sound and feel. While the Silent Sakura delivers a quiet, smooth typing experience ideal for discreet settings, the Weightlessness introduces a moderate tactile feedback that can enhance engagement without being overwhelmingly loud. Both switches ultimately serve specific needs, and users can expect to enjoy a comfortable typing experience that aligns with their personal typing style, whether they prioritize silence or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’re using your keyboard. If you value a quiet typing experience and tend to do a lot of typing in shared spaces, the Silent Sakura switches are an excellent choice. Their ultra-light 43g bottom out force makes them ideal for light typists who appreciate a serene atmosphere, allowing for long hours of comfortable use without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a subtle tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, then the Gateron Weightlessness switches may be more to your liking. These switches provide a balanced sound profile and a tactile feel that can improve your typing rhythm without the noise that can be associated with clicky switches. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize silence and a lighter touch or prefer tactile feedback combined with a moderate sound for a more engaging feel while you type.
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