HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in enhancing your typing or gaming experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch stands out for its quiet operation and balanced 53g bottom-out force, making it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a serene environment while still desiring a satisfying keystroke. Its whisper-quiet design captures the gentle sound of rain, allowing for focused work without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is specifically engineered with gamers in mind, offering a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance for rapid key presses. Its smooth keystrokes produce a bassy sound, adding an enjoyable auditory experience while ensuring that every millisecond counts in high-stakes gaming scenarios. While the Silent Sakura prioritizes tranquility and comfort for typing, the V3 Silver Pro delivers performance and a lively feel for gaming enthusiasts. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize distinctly different materials for their top and bottom housings, which greatly influences the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound waves effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched tone due to its stiffer composition, which allows for more resonant and clear sounds. This difference reflects the fundamental characteristics of the materials employed, indicating that those who prefer a more muted typing sound would gravitate toward the Silent Sakura, while those seeking clarity and brightness might prefer the V3 Silver Pro.
Looking at the bottom housings, there's an intriguing swap of materials between the two switches. The Silent Sakura incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the top's contribution by ensuring a crisp and clear sound profile, making it a fitting complement to the nylon top housing. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom that introduces a deeper and rounder sound element to the mix. This variance means that while the Silent Sakura emphasizes a harmonic fullness that can create a cohesive auditory experience, the V3 Silver Pro's layered sound offers a unique dichotomy, blending the clarity of polycarbonate on the top with the warmth of nylon at the bottom.
When considering the overall impact of these materials, it becomes clear that both switches offer unique typing experiences while maintaining a level of sonic feedback that satisfies different user preferences. The split between soft nylon and stiff polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings means that the Silent Sakura promotes a rounded, subdued sound, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a more layered auditory encounter. Ultimately, despite their differences, users can achieve satisfying typing experiences from both switches based on their distinct sound designs, as the nature of the materials leads to overall nuances in sound that cater to a variety of typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's lighter 40 grams, making the V3 feel easier to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams versus the V3 Silver Pro's 45 grams, indicating that the Silent Sakura offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Silent Sakura switch is the heavier option, while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter. Users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the V3 Silver Pro, whereas those who favor the tactile feedback of a heavier switch might find the Silent Sakura more appealing.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Silent Sakura offering a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional feel with a greater depth when pressing the key, which some users may prefer for a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prioritize rapid response times, as it allows for quicker key actuation. Therefore, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, the Silent Sakura would be the ideal choice, whereas the V3 Silver Pro might be better suited for those who favor speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. In summary, the Silent Sakura has the longer travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro has the shorter one, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to deliver an exceptionally quiet typing experience, akin to soft raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched, sharp sound upon keystroke, catering to users who may prefer a more pronounced audio feedback while typing. The distinction in sound profiles is notable; the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence, while the V3 Silver Pro leverages a vibrant and crisp auditory cue. It's essential to remember that the overall acoustics can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which might yield a similar experience based on unique set-up combinations.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced keystroke that is designed for those who appreciate a light but satisfying experience. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro features an array of qualities that include easy actuation, a creamy texture, and a feathery touch, all contributing to an effortless typing experience that reduces finger strain. The polished and silky nature of the V3 Silver Pro switches provides a luxurious and fluid sensation as you type, enhancing comfort, especially during lengthy sessions. Both switches are designed to minimize fatigue, though the V3 Silver Pro leans heavily toward a smoother operation and rapid response, particularly appealing to gamers.
Overall, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer uniquely beneficial qualities depending on user preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in creating a serene and quiet environment, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for speed and responsiveness, enhanced by its smooth tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound or tactile response, either switch can suit your needs, though they cater to different typing experiences—one to keep noise to a minimum while the other amplifies the auditory satisfaction of keystrokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches ultimately boils down to your specific preferences and use cases. If you're looking for a typing experience that is quiet and conducive to comfort—perfect for late-night work or a shared workspace—the Silent Sakura's whisper-quiet operation and balanced 53g bottom out force make it an excellent choice. These switches provide a satisfying keystroke without the noise, making them appealing to typists who appreciate a medium-light feel while still maintaining the essence of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer or someone who values quick, responsive key presses with a light touch, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for you. Its light actuation force of 45g, creamy, and easy-to-press feel means that you’ll experience minimal finger fatigue even during extended sessions, providing an edge in competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. In summary, consider your primary use—whether it's typing or gaming—as well as your preference for sound and feel when deciding which switch to go for.
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