HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° are two compelling options that cater to different typing preferences while both prioritizing a quiet experience. The Silent Sakura, with its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, offers a whisper-quiet typing experience that is ideal for those who value a serene environment, making it especially suitable for light typists or users in shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch features an innovative self-padding design and a dual-rail structure, providing exceptional smoothness and stability while absorbing sound for a luxurious typing feel. Both switches excel at minimizing noise, but the Silent Sakura appeals to users looking for a delicate, effortless touch, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a more robust, cushioned response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housings of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, significant differences arise due to the materials used for their respective top and bottom housings. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a typing experience that is less resonant and more muted than its counterpart. Meanwhile, the Zero Degree utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The transparency of polycarbonate also enhances its visual appeal, especially under RGB lighting, providing an aesthetic advantage that complements the clear aesthetic of many modern keyboards.
In the lower housings, the roles of nylon and polycarbonate are reversed, further emphasizing their contrasting sonic qualities. The Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, produces a crisp and clear sound. This consistency in the bottom housing helps generate a bright sound profile but may not provide the warmth associated with the nylon top. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree uses nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out. This dichotomy indicates how the qualities of the materials synergize during use, as the overall auditory experience is shaped by both housings working in tandem.
Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura - 43g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° use different materials and yield distinct sound profiles, they are designed to offer unique typographic experiences. Users seeking softer, deeper sounds may prefer the Silent Sakura due to its nylon top, while those who appreciate crisper, sharper sounds may gravitate towards the Zero Degree's polycarbonate top. In practice, a user can achieve similar typing results by exploring switches that combine these materials differently; the interplay between top and bottom housings, regardless of their material composition, serves to influence the character of the sound and the overall feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, significant differences in actuation force emerge. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which facilitates longer typing sessions, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more effortless keypress experience. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. While the Silent Sakura also has a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a reasonable amount of resistance before the key hits the bottom, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree is unknown. This discrepancy in known parameters means that while the Silent Sakura is clearly lighter overall, the Zero Degree may provide an experience more aligned with users who favor heavier switches. In essence, if a user prioritizes a lighter switch for comfort during extensive use, the Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while those who like a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Gateron Zero Degree.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch present a notable difference in travel distances, with the Silent Sakura measuring 4 mm and the Zero Degree at 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference illustrates how the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional, deeper feel, which some users may appreciate for its hearty depth. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it more appealing for gamers seeking rapid actuation. Both switches provide a distinct tactile experience that may suit different preferences—if you enjoy a more abrupt bottom-out feel with faster feedback, the Gateron Zero Degree is the choice, whereas those who prefer a more deliberate key press will lean towards the HMX Silent Sakura. Ultimately, each switch offers its unique take on travel distance, responding to varied user tastes in keyboard feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is best known for its exceptionally quiet operation, characterized by a soothing ambiance akin to gentle raindrops tapping on a window. Its design aims to minimize auditory distractions, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a serene typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch utilizes an innovative self-padding design and a dual-rail structure that not only enhances smoothness but also effectively absorbs sound. While both switches prioritize silent typing, the Silent Sakura leans toward a softer, more subtle sound profile, whereas the Zero Degree balances sound absorption with a tactile smoothness.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Silent Sakura - 43g is appreciated for its ultra-light actuation force of 43g, which caters to light typists seeking a gentle yet responsive typing experience. Its linear action provides a consistent motion without any tactile bump, making it a favorite among those who prioritize fluidity and ease of use. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch also emphasizes smoothness but introduces a soft, elastic feeling that contributes to its stability during key presses. The unique combination of its dual-rail system and soft padding creates a plush experience, allowing for a cushioned bottom-out sensation that can be particularly satisfying during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches excel in providing a silent typing experience, they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura focuses on offering a delicate and quiet ambiance, ideal for light typists, while the Zero Degree enhances stability and smoothness with a unique self-padding design. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a similar, quiet typing experience, but their differences in feel and responsiveness can greatly influence individual user satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you are a light typist or work in a quiet space where minimal noise is essential, the Silent Sakura's ultra-light 43g bottom out force and whisper-quiet operation will likely suit you better, providing a serene typing experience akin to raindrops softly tapping against a window. This switch excels in creating a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you're after an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience with an innovative design that emphasizes sound absorption, the Zero Degree 0° might be more fitting. Its self-padding design and dual-rail structure offer a unique soft and elastic feel, creating a distinct typing experience that minimizes noise while maintaining a solid keypress. Choose the Silent Sakura for a delicate and quiet touch, or the Gateron Zero Degree for a plush, noise-canceling feel that prioritizes smoothness and stability. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the setting in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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