HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry can significantly influence your typing experience. The Silent Sakura is designed for those who prioritize a quiet environment; its whisper-quiet operation emulates the soothing sound of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for late-night typists or those in shared spaces. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light yet satisfying keystroke, attracting typists who enjoy smooth, subtle feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out for its silky, frictionless actuation and attractive aesthetic, featuring pink and clear housings that catch the eye. Users often praise these switches for their buttery smooth feel and reliable performance, perfect for gamers or typists seeking a responsive experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, from the need for stealth in the Silent Sakura to the vibrant tactile experience of the Strawberry. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Strawberry represent an interesting contrast in keyboard switch design, as they utilize different plastics for their top housings. The Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature that absorbs sound and dampens resonance. This results in a sound that is rounded and less crisp, a characteristic favored by users who appreciate a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry, with its polycarbonate top housing, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate allow for increased clarity and brightness, which can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a more resonant feedback with every keystroke.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find them to be similarly constructed from polycarbonate. This uniformity in material results in both switches sharing a sharper and crisper sound profile at the bottom-out phase of keypresses. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. This means that even though the top housings provide contrasting sound profiles, the consistency in the bottom housings helps to create a sense of uniformity in the switches' overall experience. Users who prefer a more articulated response while typing may find that both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback at the bottom.
Ultimately, the distinct qualities of the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing and the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing result in varied sound profiles, yet they can still achieve similar overall results due to the uniformity of their bottom housings. When typing on either switch, the impact of the bottom housing will play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while the transitions and release sounds differ, both switches provide a harmonious balance of performance and feedback owing to the consistent characteristics of their polycarbonate bottom housings. This duality allows users to select a switch that aligns with their acoustic preferences while still benefiting from the resonant qualities shared by both designs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry 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, making it a medium-light option that's easier on the fingers, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium, which can provide a more substantial feel during typing. This means that while the actuation forces are relatively close, the KTT Strawberry switch delivers a more pronounced resistance when bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option overall due to its lower bottom out force, while the KTT Strawberry may feel firmer upon complete depression.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing either switch down, users will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch, making them comparable in terms of typing experience. Since both switches feature this identical travel distance, they will yield similar results in terms of feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 switch offers a remarkably quiet typing experience, akin to soft raindrops gently falling, which makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is prioritized. The exclusive design reduces audible clickiness while providing a balanced bottom-out force, ensuring that each keystroke is discreet. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch produces a low-pitched sound that tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to other switches. This type of sound may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper auditory profile without the distracting higher frequencies that can accompany more clicky switches. The choice of keyboard build and keycaps can also influence the final sound produced, but both switches promise a unique auditory experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Silent Sakura - 53g is characterized by its thoughtful design that aims to deliver a light yet satisfying keystroke. Its smooth operation caters to typists who prefer a gentle touch without overwhelming resistance. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This implies that typists can expect a luxurious and seamless feel throughout their typing sessions, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall comfort.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and KTT Strawberry linear switches cater to different preferences, one emphasizing a quiet performance and light touch, while the other focuses on an ultra-smooth and satisfying feel. If you value a tranquil typing ambiance, the Sakura is an excellent option; if you desire a plush, smooth experience, the Strawberry will deliver that with its superior tactile sensations. Ultimately, both switches promise an engaging typing experience, though they achieve their results through distinct auditory and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch largely depends on your personal typing style and environment. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night gaming sessions, the Silent Sakura is your best bet. Its medium-light 53g actuation force ensures a gentle yet satisfying keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch without sacrificing response. On the other hand, if you favor a more tactile feedback and a slightly firmer keystroke, the KTT Strawberry's 62g bottom out force combined with its smooth and polished feel provides a more robust experience. This is particularly advantageous for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a more solid key press and enjoy the low-pitched sound profile that comes with it. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the whisper-quiet allure of the Silent Sakura or the frictionless buttery touch of the KTT Strawberry, both switches are capable of enhancing your typing experience, it simply comes down to your preferences in noise level and tactile response.
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