HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the variation in design and feel can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura switches, with their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, excel in providing a whisper-quiet typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a tranquil atmosphere while working or gaming. These linear switches are perfect for light typists who appreciate a soft touch on every keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer a bouncy and responsive feel thanks to their 22mm double-stage spring, providing a heavier actuation force that delivers a more substantial typing sensation. While the WS Red retains a classic sound signature due to its unique material blend, it caters to users who enjoy a slightly firmer response with each press. Ultimately, the choice between the Silent Sakura and WS Red switches comes down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and auditory experience. 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
67g
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 Red, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize nylon for their top housings. This shared material creates a similar typing experience, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's properties as a softer plastic. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback. Consequently, both the Silent Sakura and the WS Red will deliver a rounded and plush sound when keys are pressed, making them appealing to users who favor a warm auditory experience while typing.
However, the bottom housings differ significantly between these two switches, which ultimately influences their overall sound profiles. The Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that contrasts with the deeper tonality provided by the nylon top. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clear, resonant feedback not only enhancing the bottom-out sound but also lending a crispness that can make typing feel more dynamic. In contrast, the WS Red maintains the use of nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a consistent, cohesive sound experience similar to the typing sound of its top housing—a deeper and fuller sound that remains consistent throughout.
As a result of these differences, users can expect to experience distinct sound characteristics from each switch, particularly when bottoming out the key. The Silent Sakura will provide a blend of sounds—a clearer, more resonant tone from the polycarbonate while retaining the rounded nature brought forth by its nylon top. Conversely, the WS Red will offer a more uniform auditory experience, as both housings are made of nylon, yielding a consistently deep sound profile. While the housing materials offer contrasting qualities, both switches will deliver satisfying results for users looking to achieve a full-bodied typographical experience, particularly if the preference leans towards deeper sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Sakura switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as in long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red switch does not specify its actuation force, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing deeper into the key. This heavier force would appeal to those who enjoy a stronger pushback while typing, offering a more tactile experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura switch is lighter with a lower actuation and bottom out force, while the WS Red is heavier, particularly in bottoming out. Thus, users looking for a gentle touch should lean toward the Silent Sakura, while those desiring a more robust key feel may prefer the WS Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, they differ slightly, with the Silent Sakura featuring a travel distance of 4 mm and the WS Red at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance, which might appeal to users looking for a more deliberate, strategic keystroke, providing a deeper feel. In contrast, the WS Red's shorter travel distance could suit those who prefer a quicker, more responsive typing experience, often favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, with the Silent Sakura being ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, while the WS Red caters to users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their key presses.
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 Red.
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 is engineered for an exceptionally quiet typing experience, characterized by muted keystrokes that evoke the soft patter of raindrops. This whisper-quiet output makes it ideal for environments where noise can be distracting, allowing for a serene atmosphere during use. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch maintains a more pronounced sound profile, thanks to its classic material blend. While it is still a linear switch and therefore lacks the audible clicks or bumps associated with tactile or clicky switches, it has a familiar sound signature that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. Ultimately, both switches will produce less noise than traditional tactile or clicky switches, but the Silent Sakura is suited for those seeking an ultra-quiet environment.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a lightweight performance with a bottom-out force of only 43g, making it perfect for light typists who prefer a smooth and gentle keystroke without much resistance. This lightness can lead to quicker typing speeds and less finger fatigue over extended periods. On the other hand, the WS Red switch features a heavier actuation force that adds a touch of weight, which can provide a more grounded and substantial feel during typing. The 22mm double-stage spring in the WS Red contributes to a bouncy and responsive typing experience, allowing for a slightly different tactile sensation that some users may find more satisfying. While the Silent Sakura is aimed at those who favor a softer touch, the WS Red is better suited for typists who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
In conclusion, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches both fall into the linear category, their subjective qualities provide distinct experiences. The Silent Sakura excels in creating a quiet environment, ideal for those who prioritize silence, whereas the WS Red offers a more substantial tactile feel with a familiar sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, typists can decide which attributes align with their typing style, knowing that both switches will provide a relatively quiet operation compared to other switch types, but with varying levels of sound and key feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you are a light typist or someone who values a quieter workspace, the Silent Sakura's ultra-light 43g bottom-out force is ideal. Its whisper-quiet operation creates a serene atmosphere, making it perfect for shared environments or late-night typing sessions when sound is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more resistance, the WS Red’s medium-heavy 67g bottom-out force and bouncy response provide a more tactile experience. This switch is suited for users who appreciate a grounded yet responsive typing experience and don't mind the audible feedback that comes with it. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the setting in which you’ll predominantly use your keyboard, whether that's in a quiet office or a more vibrant space.
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