HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the differences in feel and sound can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, is designed for those who appreciate a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes the Silent Sakura an excellent choice for light typists or anyone seeking a serene typing environment without distractions. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch, crafted by BSUN, offers a delectably chewy feel and is known for its bright, clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a tactile sensation that feels polished and silky. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether for a tranquil workspace or a more dynamic and expressive typing 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
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the PH Studio Yoel exhibit distinct approaches in their housing materials, particularly in their top housing. The Silent Sakura employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer properties, allowing it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more crisp auditory feedback when typing. Ultimately, while both switches might appeal to different auditory preferences, the Silent Sakura leans towards warmth, while the Yoel offers a brightness in sound.
The bottom housing materials differ significantly in the two switches as well. The Silent Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, echoing the characteristics that lend a crisp and resonant quality to its overall sound profile. Meanwhile, the Yoel incorporates POM as its bottom housing material. POM is known for creating a deeper and relatively muted sound, providing an interesting contrast to the more prominent sound produced by the polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura. This variation in bottom housing materials means that while the Silent Sakura can provide a balanced sound due to the polycarbonate's clarity, the Yoel will offer a unique and deeper auditory experience because of its POM material.
Despite their differences, achieving similar results in auditory feedback is feasible. The combination of nylon in the Silent Sakura and its polycarbonate bottom can create a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience, while the Joel's polycarbonate top with the POM bottom still allows for clear and pleasant sounds. Both switches balance the characteristics of their materials, where the top housing influences sound on release and the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound. Ultimately, users can select based on their preference for sound clarity versus depth, ensuring personalized enjoyment in their typing experience regardless of the housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gameplay. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial pressing feel for their keystrokes. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that allows for a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while the Yoel would be preferred by those who appreciate a firmer resistance. Overall, these differences in force characteristics suggest that users will experience contrasting typing sensations and suitability based on their individual preferences for weight and feedback in a keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, a notable difference becomes apparent. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth that many users find familiar and satisfying. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, which caters to the current trend of shorter switch distances favored by gamers for their quick response times. For those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback during key presses, the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura may be more appealing, offering a more pronounced depth. Conversely, gamers or users seeking rapid actuation might find the Yoel's shorter distance more beneficial, providing a snappier feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes depth and traditional feel or responsiveness and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Silent Sakura - 43g is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, delivering a typing experience that resembles gentle raindrops, making it ideal for those who prefer minimal auditory distraction. It excels in creating a serene environment, perfectly suited for quiet workspace settings. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch features a bright and clacky sound profile, defined by a sharp, snappy auditory feedback when keys are pressed. This switch produces a pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point, offering a lively and satisfying sound that can invigorate the typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence while the Yoel embraces a more pronounced clack, catering to distinct sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g provides an ultra-light typing experience, which is ideal for those who enjoy a gentle keystroke without excessive resistance, but the specific tactile characteristics are less detailed. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is characterized by a creamy and silky texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels refined and polished. This switch allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, which can be a significant advantage for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort. Thus, while the Silent Sakura offers a lighter typing experience, the Yoel's textured feel suggests a more luxurious and refined sensation.
In conclusion, the Silent Sakura - 43g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer very different experiences tailored to specific preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in delivering a quiet yet light typing environment, making it suitable for those who prioritize discretion while typing. Conversely, the Yoel switch provides a more tactile and engaging auditory feedback along with a smoother feel, perfect for users who enjoy an active and pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you lean towards a serene sensory input or a lively and textured touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a light touch and a silent experience, the Silent Sakura is your ideal pick; its whisper-quiet operation and low actuation force of 43 grams make it perfect for those who type lightly and want to minimize distractions or disturbances when working in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging tactile feedback along with a pronounced auditory experience, the Yoel switch would be the better option. Its 60 grams of bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance combined with a bright, clacky sound that can enhance the joy of typing, making it suitable for loud environments where that mechanical click can express your presence without being overly intrusive. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance you seek between sound, feel, and force – the Silent Sakura for serene and subtle efficiency, and the Yoel for an energized and clacking experience.
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