HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile each offers distinct advantages catering to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches provide an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making them an ideal choice for light typists who prioritize a serene and whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle sound of raindrops. Their linear design promotes smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, allowing for fluid, uninterrupted typing—perfect for a tranquil workspace. On the flip side, the WS Heavy Tactile switches boast a satisfying 70g bump that offers a more pronounced tactile feedback alongside an engaging "thocky" sound, thanks to their nylon housing. This switch is suited for those who appreciate a more immersive typing experience, characterized as accented, bouncy, and snappy. With these fundamental differences, one might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura for a peaceful atmosphere or the WS Heavy Tactile for a more dynamic, tactile interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both utilize nylon for their top housings, highlighting a shared advantage in terms of sound profile. The nylon top housing is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound, primarily due to its softer texture that absorbs vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. This is evident in both switches, as their nylon tops create a rounder sound for typists seeking a muffled acoustic experience. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory response when typing, wherein the nylon material notably dampens high-frequency echoes and enhances the overall depth of each keystroke.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches diverge significantly, resulting in distinct acoustic profiles. The Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes an added clarity and crispness to the sound with a sharper, more resonant pitch. Polycarbonate’s stiff nature allows it to produce a more pronounced bottom-out sound when a key is fully pressed, providing a tactile feedback that can be especially pleasing in auditory-centric environments. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile relies on a nylon bottom housing, similarly to its top, which leads to a sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder tonality. This creates a different tactile experience when bottoming out, with a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the sharpness of the Silent Sakura’s sound.
Ultimately, while both switches employ nylon for their top housing, the use of polycarbonate for the Silent Sakura's bottom housing distinctly influences its sound profile, making it clearer and crisper in comparison to the heavier and more muffled sounds produced by the nylon bottom of the WS Heavy Tactile. Users can expect varied auditory experiences based on the specific combination of materials in each switch, ultimately leading to different tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics. Therefore, while the top housing similarities promise comparable results, the bottom housing differences ensure that the two switches deliver unique sound experiences and levels of response during typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch with a 37g actuation force and a 43g bottom out force to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, which features a heavier actuation force of 45g and a substantial bottom out force of 70g, clear differences in feel and performance emerge. The Silent Sakura is lighter overall, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience suitable for extended sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, caters to individuals who enjoy a stronger push and a more tactile feedback, providing a more substantial typing experience. While both switches will offer distinct typing sensations, the Silent Sakura will feel more effortless, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile will demand more engagement from the typist, appealing to those who favor a firmer touch. Hence, if you appreciate a lighter switch, the Silent Sakura is the better option, while the WS Heavy Tactile is suited for those who like a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Silent Sakura featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional and deeper key press, likely appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying depth during their typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times, as the reduced distance can facilitate faster key actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy a more responsive feel, the WS Heavy Tactile is the better choice, whereas if you prefer the comfort of a deeper press, the Silent Sakura will likely be more to your liking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Silent Sakura - 43g and WS Heavy Tactile.
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 considering the sound qualities of the two switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch emphasizes a serene and virtually silent experience. It is designed to offer a typing sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops, promoting a whisper-quiet atmosphere that appeals particularly to those who prefer minimal auditory distraction. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a prominent "thocky" sound, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched resonance. This creates a sharp and snappy auditory experience that many enthusiasts find engaging and satisfying. The sound of the WS Heavy Tactile also benefits from the nylon housing, which contributes to its clean and resonant output. Overall, while the Silent Sakura fosters tranquility, the WS Heavy Tactile creates a more dynamic and engaging acoustic environment.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of 43g, which lends itself to a more fluid and gentle typing experience, although specific qualitative descriptions of its tactile characteristics are not provided. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a nuanced tactile feedback that is a hallmark of its design. With its 70g bump, it delivers a pronounced yet balanced tactile sensation that is enjoyable without being overbearing. Words like "accents," "bouncy," "invigorating," "sharp," and "snappy" aptly capture the immersive feel of the WS Heavy Tactile switch, providing a typing experience that is lively and responsive. While the Silent Sakura may prioritize a smoother and quieter feel, the WS Heavy Tactile emphasizes a more tactile and engaging feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is an excellent choice for typists who favor a quiet and gentle typing experience with minimal sound, making it ideal for quiet environments. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is perfect for those who appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and a rich auditory experience, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy the sound and feel of their keyboards. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Silent Sakura focusing on serenity and the WS Heavy Tactile on interactivity and depth, allowing users to choose based on their personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch largely depends on your preferences in typing experience, force, and sound. If you are a light typist or find yourself in quiet environments—like an office or library—the Silent Sakura switch would be your go-to option. Its ultra-light, whisper-quiet nature allows you to type without disturbing those around you, making it an excellent choice for professionals and students alike who prioritize a serene atmosphere. Furthermore, the linear feel will appeal to those who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience with a pronounced feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is worth considering. The heavier actuation force coupled with the satisfying "thocky" sound provides a stimulating and immersive feedback, ideal for gamers or writers who thrive on that rewarding tactile sensation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the environments in which you work, and your personal sound and feel preferences.
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