HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky V4 offers enthusiasts distinct experiences tailored to unique preferences. The Silent Sakura switches excel in providing a whisper-quiet typing experience characterized by their balanced 53g bottom-out force, making them an ideal choice for typists seeking a light yet satisfying keystroke without the distraction of noise. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a distinctive, deeper sound signature that enhances its smooth linear action and delivers an engaging "thocky" feel that's perfect for those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback during typing. While both switches offer linear performance appealing to different user needs, the inherent qualities of each lend themselves to varied typing experiences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky V4, it is evident that both switches utilize different top housing materials, which results in distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura's top housing made of nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound while typing, leading to a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs a POK top housing that, while still providing a smooth typing experience, contributes to a clackier and more vibrant sound profile. This difference in sound characteristics between the two materials highlights how the choice of top housing can significantly influence the overall acoustic signature of the switch.
In terms of durability and performance, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing and a nylon top, whereas the Sky V4 flips this arrangement, using nylon for its bottom housing and POK for the top. The polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura enriches the sound output, offering sharper, crisper results that can enhance the switch's acoustic performance, especially in RGB-lit environments. On the other hand, the Sky V4's nylon bottom housing supports a deeper resonance, presenting a more subdued sound profile. Thus, while both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, their distinct top materials result in different auditory and tactile sensations when typing, reinforcing the notion that the bottom housing does heavily influence the overall feel and bottom-out sound of a switch.
Ultimately, despite their differing top housing materials, both switches can achieve satisfactory performance through their unique combinations of materials. The Silent Sakura - 53g provides a nicely balanced typing experience with a softer sound profile due to its nylon top, while the presence of polycarbonate in the bottom ensures clarity. Meanwhile, the Sky V4's attributes derived from its robust POK top housing and nylon bottom result in a smooth and clacky typing experience that many users will find appealing. In conclusion, while the materials differ, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with both switches through careful consideration of their sound and feel characteristics based on the type of work or gaming they intend to pursue.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer some interesting comparisons in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke, making them suitable for long typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. However, when it comes to their bottom out forces, the Silent Sakura reaches 53 grams, while the Sky V4 slightly surpasses this at 55 grams. This small difference in bottom out force suggests that the Sky V4 offers a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, while the Sky V4 is the heavier alternative, aligning well with the preferences of those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional feel and a deeper keypress, appealing to users who prefer a more reassuring tactile experience. On the other hand, the Sky V4, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who enjoy quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. While both switches are linear, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may feel more substantial, whereas the Sky V4 offers a snappier, more abrupt action. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either depth or responsiveness in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is renowned for its whisper-quiet performance, producing a typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it an excellent choice for those who require discretion, whether in an office setting or during late-night work sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 features a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, rich thud that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its low-pitched and bass-heavy tone offers a more pronounced acoustic experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more resonant sound while typing. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Silent Sakura leans towards a serene ambiance, whereas the Sky V4 embraces a more robust sound presence.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a light yet satisfying keystroke, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing experience that many typists will find comfortable. Its balanced actuation force of 53g ensures that each press is controlled without requiring excessive effort. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a bouncy feel, providing an elastic feedback sensation reminiscent of a spring. This lively feedback enhances the overall experience, making typing feel dynamic and engaging. While both switches aim to deliver smooth linear action, the Silent Sakura emphasizes lightness in its keystrokes, whereas the Sky V4 adds an element of spirited rebounding.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky V4 present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a silent and serene typing experience, perfect for quiet environments, while the Sky V4 offers a richer sound profile and bouncy feedback that many typists may find exhilarating. Whether prioritizing sound or feel, each switch creatively addresses specific needs, ensuring that users can find a satisfying tactile and auditory experience in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch will significantly depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a muted, quiet typing experience—perhaps for office settings or late-night gaming sessions—the Silent Sakura switch is an excellent choice. Its 53g bottom out force makes for a comfortable typing feel while ensuring that you won’t disturb others with loud keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a bouncier feel during your typing, then the Sky V4 switch could be the better option for you. Its slightly heavier 55g bottom out force offers a robust feedback that many typists find satisfying, particularly if you enjoy a thocky, low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages; if silence is paramount, go with Silent Sakura, but if you crave richer acoustics and a more dynamic feel, opt for the Sky V4. In the end, consider your typing habits, your workspace, and the sensory feedback you seek to make the best decision.
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