HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown provide distinct advantages catering to various user preferences. The Silent Sakura switch is designed for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience, with its ultra-light 43g actuation force ensuring a soft and serene engagement without the distracting noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. Its linear nature offers smooth key presses without tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for light typists and those working in shared spaces. In contrast, the WS Brown switch appeals to users seeking a tactile response in their typing experience. Its medium-light actuation force strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, while its audible and palpable feedback makes it a favorite among enthusiasts, providing assurance of key registration. Both switches excel in their respective niches, one enhancing a peaceful environment and the other celebrating the joy of tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a clear distinction arises in their construction. Both switches feature nylon as their top housing material, a classic choice that provides a similar auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon, being a softer plastic, contribute to this rounded sound, which results in a muted tactile response that many users appreciate for its warmth and acoustic absorption. As a result, users of both switches can expect a comparable typing experience, emphasizing a smooth keystroke with less harshness, leading to a satisfying tactile feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches diverges significantly. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, a material known for its rigidity and clarity. The use of polycarbonate in this part contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall resonance and articulation of the keystrokes. This distinction impacts not just the overall sound but also the feel as the user bottoms out. In the case of the WS Brown, the nylon bottom housing aligns with the material found in the top, fostering a similar, plush sound experience as the Silent Sakura but lacking the crispness that polycarbonate offers. This indicates that while the WS Brown may facilitate a consistently soft sound signature, it will arguably miss the sharper edges that polycarbonate brings to the Silent Sakura.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials leads to different sound profiles and user experiences in these switches. The Silent Sakura’s blend of a soft nylon top and crisp polycarbonate bottom creates a dynamic auditory environment, enriching the typing experience with both depth and clarity. On the other hand, the WS Brown’s consistent use of nylon across both housings results in a more uniform sound profile that leans towards the fuller, softer end of the spectrum. Users seeking varied auditory feedback might gravitate toward the Silent Sakura, while those who prefer a smoother, consistent sound may find the WS Brown more appealing. Overall, while both switches have elements that can deliver satisfying results, the nuances speak to different preferences in tactile and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown switch features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a heavier feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the WS Brown is the heavier choice. If the actuation force of the WS Brown were known and were also lighter, users could expect a more similar typing experience in terms of comfort and fatigue, but based on the current data, the two switches cater to different preferences regarding force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Brown's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking quicker responses, as shorter distances can facilitate faster key presses. If you value a more responsive experience, the WS Brown would be the better choice; however, if you prefer a more tactile sensation with greater depth, the Silent Sakura is likely the more satisfying option for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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, designed to deliver a noise profile that resembles the soft patter of raindrops. This is ideal for users who prefer a discreet typing environment, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch produces a more traditional auditory experience, delivering a gentle click sound that many users find satisfying. This characteristic not only gives feedback during typing but also enhances the overall enjoyment, creating an engaging atmosphere for typing enthusiasts. The sound experience will also depend significantly on the keyboard construction and keycap material chosen, so it’s worth considering these aspects as well.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a smooth, effortless typing experience with its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch without the resistance typically found in other switches. This makes it particularly pleasant for users who type lightly or spend long hours at the keyboard. In contrast, the WS Brown tactile switch offers a more responsive typing sensation with its medium-light actuation force. This tactile feedback serves to minimize typing fatigue during extended use while also satisfying the need for a little resistance and feedback that tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each aim to provide a comfortable typing experience in their own unique way.
In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches cater to distinct typing preferences through their sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet, serene, and ultra-light typing experience, making it perfect for users in quieter environments, while the WS Brown provides tactile feedback with a more traditional sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches promise to deliver satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you value a quiet typing experience and have a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura's 43g bottom-out force will allow for a smooth and nearly silent keystroke, making it an ideal choice for office settings or late-night typing sessions where silence is paramount. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who prefer a serene atmosphere while typing, as it offers a responsive and gentle typing sensation. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound while typing, the WS Brown switch would be better for you. With a slightly heavier 55g actuation force, it provides satisfying resistance and audible feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it great for gamers or those who enjoy the classic feel of tactile typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific typing style—whether you prefer the whisper-quiet touch of the Silent Sakura or the responsive and enjoyable click of the WS Brown.
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