HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique experiences for typists but cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those who appreciate a serene and tactile experience, providing a whisper-quiet operation akin to gentle raindrops. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53 grams, these linear switches cater to users who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke, making them ideal for quiet workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a more dynamic typing experience, featuring a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem that results in a fluid feel. Their creamy sound signature adds a distinctive auditory quality, making them appealing for those who enjoy a bit more feedback and responsiveness in their typing. Both switches have their merits, with the Silent Sakura prioritizing tranquility and comfort, while the Splash Brothers emphasize speed and enjoyable acoustics. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is clear that each switch utilizes different materials for their top and bottom housings, which results in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This softness leads to a more muted acoustic quality, making the typing experience feel rounded and subdued. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers opts for a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound, engaging users in a more dynamic auditory experience especially beneficial for those who appreciate bright sound characteristics in their switches.
The bottom housings of these switches also emphasize the contrasting qualities of their respective materials. The Silent Sakura uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to the Splash Brothers' top housing. This gives the Silent Sakura a high-pitched and clear sound profile that contributes to the overall typing experience when keys are bottomed out. Conversely, the Splash Brothers employs a nylon bottom housing, which delivers the characteristic deeper and rounder sound attributed to nylon. As such, the tactile sensation and acoustic feedback one receives from each switch are influenced significantly by these bottom housing choices, allowing typists to perceive the differences in how the two switches respond when pressed.
Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura - 53g and the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the distinct characteristics of each material blend together to create a unique typing experience in each switch. Users seeking a deeper sound profile may gravitate toward the Silent Sakura, which harnesses the subtler qualities of nylon, while those in pursuit of a brighter auditory feedback will likely prefer the Jwick Splash Brothers. It's interesting to note that with any combination of a stiffer material for the top and softer for the bottom, both switches can still yield a satisfying experience, albeit with subtly different nuances in sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, while the Splash Brothers lacks an explicit actuation force measurement, it has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which qualifies it as light. This means that when pressed, the Silent Sakura requires more force to activate the keystroke than the Splash Brothers, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, since the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown, it complicates a direct comparison in terms of keystroke triggering. In terms of weight, the Silent Sakura is the heavier switch with its actuation and bottom out forces, making it less suited for extended typing sessions among those who prefer lighter switches. Overall, users looking for a lighter touch might lean towards the Splash Brothers, while those who appreciate a moderate push feel might prefer the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who may prefer a quicker response time typical of shorter travel distances. Gamers who seek faster actuation might gravitate towards the Splash Brothers for its more rapid feedback. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial sensation while typing might opt for the Silent Sakura. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers is the shorter switch at 3.5 mm, leading to different tactile experiences based on users' preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 linear switch is designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, producing a sound profile that is soft and gentle, akin to the serene sound of raindrops on a window. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a more neutral sound that balances a moderate sound profile with decent actuation force. While both switches may be less noisy compared to tactile or clicky alternatives, the Silent Sakura specifically emphasizes a muted operation, making it particularly appealing for use in quiet environments like offices or libraries, whereas the Splash Brothers offers a balanced sound suitable for a range of settings.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed to provide a balanced and smooth keystroke, thanks to its light 53g bottom-out force. This weight makes for a satisfying yet gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a multi-faceted typing sensation, being described as mild, snappy, bouncy, and polished. These attributes create a responsive and alive feel when typing, complemented by the switch's creamy sound signature. The combination of a shorter activation point and long pole stem offers a dynamic typing experience that many find exhilarating, catering to those who enjoy a lively feedback while typing without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to different preferences while sharing some similarities in offering quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. The Silent Sakura shines in silence and smooth typing, making it ideal for quiet spaces, while the Splash Brothers provide a more engaging typing experience with a blend of responsiveness and mildness. Depending on your priority, whether it be a serene typing experience or a lively engagement while typing, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, each in their unique manner.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a quiet, discreet typing experience, particularly if you work in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the Silent Sakura switch, with its medium-light 53g bottom-out force, will provide you with a whisper-quiet feel that is both satisfying and unobtrusive. This is particularly advantageous for long periods of typing where comfort and sound level are priorities. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more dynamic and lively typing experience with faster keystrokes, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its lighter 48g bottom-out force may be your ideal choice. These switches, known for their responsive and snappy feel, are perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming, and the creamy sound signature contributes to a more engaging experience without being overly loud. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing are most significant to you—whether it’s the need for quietude and smoothness or speed and vibrancy—and choose the switch that aligns best with your requirements.
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