HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the intricate world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer distinct advantages for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their ultra-quiet operation, designed to provide a serene typing environment reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, they cater particularly well to typists who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke, making them a great choice for office settings or shared workspaces. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches excel in their rapid actuation time, aided by a shorter travel distance, which allows for lightning-fast key presses. Their thocky sound profile and unparalleled smoothness create a unique tactile feedback, ideal for gamers or those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences in typing sensation and sound; 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it becomes clear that each switch utilizes different materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties. This characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing an experience that feels both cushioned and rich. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver employs a POM top housing, which, while also contributing to a deeper and more muted sound, delivers a unique auditory experience that differs from nylon. The inherent qualities of each material shape the sound produced during key presses, creating nuanced differences in how users perceive the act of typing.
Focusing on the bottom housings of these switches reveals further contrasts as well as a shared quality. The Silent Sakura incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile that stands in contrast to the cottony warmth offered by the nylon top. Polycarbonate’s stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, enhancing the tactile feel of the key's bottom-out. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing is described as producing a combination of deep and muted sound, akin to the nylon in the Silent Sakura, but without the high-pitched clarity. Therefore, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura may offer a crispness that POM lacks, both switches ultimately aim for a pleasant auditory experience that enhances typing enjoyment.
Despite the differences in materials used, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver can provide similar typing results due to how their respective housing materials impact sound and feel during use. The combination of nylon or POM in the top housing contributes to both switches achieving a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate and POM in the bottom housing provide different characteristics that influence the bottom-out sound. Users who seek a responsive key feel and pleasant soundscape may find that, despite the materials diverging in composition, the overall typing experience remains pleasingly cohesive across both switches, allowing for enjoyable keyboard interaction that can be tailored to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally lightweight in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Silent Sakura switch features a known bottom out force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver switch remains unknown. This indicates that while both switches will offer a similar tactile experience during normal typing, the Silent Sakura may provide a more defined feel when bottoming out due to its known heavier resistance. For users who prefer a lighter touch, both switches will suit them well during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Sakura's increase in bottom out force gives it a slightly more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer feel when pressing the key all the way down. In summary, while the actuation forces are identical, the Silent Sakura offers a clearer distinction in bottom out force, which could influence user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, a notable difference arises. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction highlights the preferences that gamers and typists may have: the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel provides a more traditional and deeper key press, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness, with the Silent Sakura offering a more substantial depth and the Smoothie Silver emphasizing speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is known for its ultra-quiet operation, producing a soft, subtle noise reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes it ideal for environments where silence is paramount, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is characterized by a "thocky" sound profile, which provides a deeper, more resonant acoustic experience. While the Smoothie Silver may not be as muted as the Silent Sakura, it offers a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a balanced actuation with a bottom-out force of 53g, which caters to those who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke. This balance delivers a smooth typing experience, allowing for an ergonomic flow without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch provides a feather-light touch with an exceptionally smooth travel, thanks to its POM construction. The shorter travel distance makes it easy for users to achieve quick actuation, enhancing speed and responsiveness during typing sessions. Users may find that though both switches are linear and smooth, the sensation and actuation characteristics differ enough to create unique typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, but they cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura is perfect for those who need a quiet typing solution, allowing for stealthy operation, while the Smoothie Silver excels in providing a quick, tactile experience with a pleasing auditory element. Your choice between them should ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening or the character of acoustics and speed. With either option, users can expect a high-quality feel, but the nuances in sound and feedback will guide you to the switch that best fits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use case. If you value a quieter experience for a shared environment or you simply desire a more subtle keystroke that feels balanced and satisfying, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the ideal choice with its whisper-quiet operation and medium-light 53g actuation force. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a more tactile feedback without offending your nearby colleagues. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is your best bet. Its feather-light touch and smooth actuation allow for rapid key presses, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming or quick typing tasks. The thocky sound alongside the unparalleled smoothness adds a distinct auditory pleasure, ideal for those who enjoy the sensation of rapid key engagement. Consider your personal typing habits, environment, and whether you favor sound dampening or speedy actuation to make the best choice between these two excellent switches.
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