HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky POM, both linear switches offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Silent Sakura is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, mirroring the soft sound of raindrops, and providing a pleasantly balanced typing experience with its 53g bottom out force—ideal for those who value both a light touch and tranquility during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch, crafted entirely from POM material, stands out for its delightful clackiness and exceptional smoothness, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who appreciate a more tactile engagement. With its buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky features, the Sky POM offers a satisfying experience at an accessible price, catering to both performance and budget-conscious users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky POM showcase distinct yet complementary housing materials that contribute to their unique auditory profiles. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer nature, absorbing sound and resulting in a deeper, rounder sound profile. This characteristic allows for a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a less intrusive sound while typing. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes POM for its top housing, which, although it also provides a muted sound, offers a unique auditory quality that deviates slightly from the typical characteristics of nylon. While both switches project a deeper sound profile, the nuances in their top housing materials create variations in the overall aural experience during use.
Examining the bottom housings of each switch, the Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate base, which introduces a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of keypresses, creating a resonant sound that stands out, especially in brighter RGB lighting configurations. On the other hand, the Sky POM utilizes a nylon bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing. This results in a fuller and deeper sound when bottoming out, which complements the muted quality of its POM top housing. While both switches present a contrast between softer and harder material combinations, the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom provides a sharp contrast to the rounded quality of the nylon bottom in the Sky POM, creating a more pronounced auditory distinction with each keystroke.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials for both switches illustrates how contrasting characteristics can yield distinct yet harmonious results. The combination of a softer nylon top housing with a polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Sakura leads to a unique sound signature that blends depth with clarity, while the Dareu Sky POM’s use of POM and nylon creates a delightful balance of muted tones and agreement. Users can appreciate the variations offered by both switches based on their specific housing materials and auditory preferences, as each switch presents a distinct experience, catering to different sound profiles while ensuring effective functionality and typing comfort.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Silent Sakura requiring a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky POM's lighter 40 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura a better choice for users who prefer a slightly firmer feedback during typing, which could enhance the tactile experience for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the lighter 40-gram actuation force of the Sky POM switch allows for easier key presses, making it a potentially more comfortable option for extended typing sessions or gaming, especially for individuals who prioritize long-term fatigue reduction. Additionally, while the Silent Sakura features a bottom out force of 53 grams, giving users a clearer sense of key travel, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the heavier switch while the Sky POM is the lighter one, providing different benefits based on the user’s typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky POM features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Silent Sakura's greater depth may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, offering a richer typing experience. In contrast, the Sky POM, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and individuals seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference—if you prioritize depth and a more pronounced press, the Silent Sakura would be ideal; however, if you favor snappy responsiveness, the Sky POM would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 for those seeking a subtle, almost zen-like typing experience. Its sound profile is characterized by a soft, muted quality, capturing the essence of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for quiet environments or typists who prefer minimal distraction from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a distinctly clackier sound, with a low-pitched resonance that contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback. This difference means that if you're after tranquility and minimal noise, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while the Sky POM offers more acoustic engagement but can still vary depending on your keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a well-balanced keystroke that is both light and satisfying, making it suitable for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Sky POM linear switch excels in creating a luxurious typing experience, often described as buttery, creamy, and silky. These terms highlight the effortless flow and smoothness of the typing motion on the Sky POM, which may appeal to users who prioritize a velvety sensation beneath their fingers. Ultimately, while the Sakura offers a pleasant equilibrium, the Sky POM might provide a more indulgent tactile journey throughout your typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Silent Sakura - 53g and Dareu Sky POM linear switches appeal to different typing preferences. If your priority is a quiet, focused environment, the Silent Sakura will serve you well with its soft sound and balanced feel. Conversely, if you seek a switch that combines a distinctively clacky sound with an incredibly smooth typing experience, the Sky POM provides that in abundance. Your choice ultimately hinges on whether you value a serene typing atmosphere or a rich auditory and tactile sensation during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences regarding sound, actuation force, and typing experience. If you prioritize a whisper-quiet environment and a medium-light touch, the Silent Sakura switches are your best bet. Their 53g bottom out force ensures a satisfying keystroke without the noise, making them particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces where sound might be an issue. Conversely, if you value a more tactile experience characterized by smoothness and a clackier sound profile, the Dareu Sky POM switch should be your choice. The buttery, creamy, and silky feel of the Sky POM, coupled with its low-pitched sound, will keep your typing enjoyable and engaging without sacrificing quality. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you seek quiet comfort or lively feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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