HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile can significantly impact your typing experience, especially in noise-sensitive environments. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is a linear switch renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops while delivering a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force. Ideal for typists seeking a light yet satisfying keystroke, this switch is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and minimal distraction during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a tactile experience, featuring a medium bump combined with a silenced audio profile that caters to users who enjoy tangible feedback without the accompanying noise. This switch's padded bottom-out feel is perfect for enhancing typing precision while remaining considerate of the surrounding environment. Both switches serve specific needs—whether it's the smoother action of the Silent Sakura or the tactile feedback of the Silent T1. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present an intriguing contrast in housing materials, specifically their top and bottom housings. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing that lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more efficiently compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that contributes a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate enhances the resonance, resulting in a distinct auditory experience. This differentiating element showcases how the choice of materials impacts the sonic characteristics of each switch.
The bottom housings of the two switches reveal a mirror image of the top housing materials. The Silent Sakura’s bottom housing is crafted from polycarbonate, which provides that anticipated higher-pitched and clearer sound. On the flip side, the Silent T1 features a nylon bottom housing, effectively introducing a deeper, rounder sound profile. As such, the materials used in each bottom housing influence the overall bottom-out sound and tactile feedback of the switches. In both cases, when pressed, users will experience how the distinct sound profiles of the respective bottom housings play a crucial role in the final auditory outcome when typing.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in both top and bottom constructions, they each possess qualities that appeal to different auditory preferences among users. The divergence in materials creates unique sound experiences depending on the context of key presses and releases—nylon for a rounded sound in one context and polycarbonate for clarity in another. However, if a user were to interchange the housings while maintaining the same switch type, similar sound profiles could be achieved; the hard/soft balance of materials would continue to define the overall acoustic experience, albeit with different signatures and nuances.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is ideal for users who type for long periods or engage in extensive gaming sessions, as the lighter force can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a standard bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. While the actuation force for the Silent T1 is unspecified, its higher bottom out force suggests that it provides a more pronounced resistance, catering to those who prefer a heftier feel when typing. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Silent T1 is the heavier one, making them suitable for different user preferences based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they provide a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. With their identical travel distances, users can expect a comparable feel and feedback when using either switch, ensuring that key presses have the same depth regardless of the switch type. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent performance, making both switches suitable for users who prioritize a specific tactile experience without significant variations in feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 comparing the sound profile of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch, both offer a notably quiet typing experience but achieve this through different auditory characteristics. The Silent Sakura - 53g is designed to produce a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops, delivering a subtle and serene auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience without drawing undue attention. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is categorized as a muted switch, characterized by its softer and quieter sound, which further minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This muted quality aligns well with its role in noise-sensitive environments, allowing both switches to cater to users seeking discretion while typing.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is recognized for its light yet satisfying keystroke with a balanced 53g bottom-out force, promoting a smooth and almost effortless typing experience. It is particularly appealing to those who prefer a linear switch sensation without the added complexity of tactile resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch features a stepped feel, providing a medium bump that is neither overwhelming nor overly subtle. This tactile feedback makes for a distinctive typing sensation that adds an engaging element to the act of typing, complemented by its polished design for smooth key travel. As a result, while the Silent Sakura focuses on a linear experience, the Silent T1 offers a uniquely tactile encounter.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch cater to users who prioritize a quieter keyboard experience. The Silent Sakura provides a serene, linear typing experience, while the Silent T1 introduces a medium tactile bump, adding a different dimensionality to the keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for linear versus tactile feedback, but both are likely to deliver a satisfying performance in a noise-sensitive environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will significantly guide your choice. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with an emphasis on a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura would be ideal for you. Its medium-light actuation at 53 grams means less resistance, making it excellent for lengthy typing sessions or for users who prefer not to exert extra force. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile response while still maintaining a reduced noise profile, the Silent T1 is likely the better option. With a heavier actuation weight of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying bump that signifies each keystroke without overwhelming your auditory senses. This can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces where noise must be minimized. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the smooth, silent efficiency of a linear switch or the muted yet tactile feedback that a tactile switch offers.
Mentioned in this article
