HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Huano Strawberry Latte invites a thoughtful comparison. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those seeking a serene typing experience, emulating the sound of soft raindrops with their whisper-quiet operation. Their 53g actuation force strikes a perfect balance for typists who desire a light yet satisfying keystroke without the distraction of noisy feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a smooth and balanced sound profile, providing a tactile experience that stands between being too quiet and overly resonant, making them suitable for both gaming and office use. While both switches cater to linear key feel preferences, they each deliver unique auditory experiences and actuation forces that can enhance your overall typing or gaming experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Huano Strawberry Latte both provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences determined by their respective housing materials. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer characteristics that yield a deeper, rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing. POK is not only smooth but incredibly durable, contributing to a clacky sound when typing. While these two materials differ significantly, both can lead to satisfying auditory feedback, albeit through different acoustic characteristics. The nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura will absorb sound more softly, while the POK material will produce a sharper, more pronounced sound, creating a diverse typing experience.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate material that enhances sound clarity, giving it a sharper audio profile. This is particularly evident when accentuating RGB lighting effects, as polycarbonate allows for translucency that enhances visual aesthetics. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte’s bottom housing is made of nylon, celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller auditory experience. When typing on these switches, the differences in bottom housing mean that each switch will produce different acoustic qualities during keypresses; the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate emphasizes cleaner sounds, while the Strawberry Latte’s nylon provides a softer, deeper bouncy response.
Ultimately, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they can yield similar results in terms of providing a satisfying typing experience. By combining a softer sound profile with clear auditory feedback, both switches offer a unique blend of characteristics that enhance user preference. In practice, users can expect varying degrees of sound and tactile nuances due to the unique qualities of each material, yet the overall experience can be enjoyable regardless of the switch chosen, appealing to a broader range of typing styles and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a light switch. This difference in weight means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may favor the Strawberry Latte, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes might opt for the Silent Sakura. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the heavier of the two switches, offering a firmer typing experience compared to the lighter, more responsive feel of the Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who prefer a more responsive and quicker actuation typical of many modern gaming switches. For those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, the Silent Sakura is favorable, while the Strawberry Latte provides a snappier experience suitable for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Thus, the Silent Sakura comes with a longer travel distance, making it the better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke, while the Strawberry Latte's shorter distance may appeal to those who prioritize speed and quick responses.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 is specifically engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, producing a soft, gentle sound reminiscent of raindrops. This emphasis on silence makes it ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a more balanced sound profile—it’s not overly quiet, but it also isn’t excessively resonant. This means that while it may not provide the same level of silence as the Silent Sakura, it strikes a middle ground that could appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback without being disruptive. Both options, however, are affected by other variables, including the keyboard you use and the keycap materials, which can further influence the overall sound experience.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a satisfying yet light keystroke, providing a balanced resistance that many typists find pleasurable. The gentle, linear action of these switches makes for a smooth typing experience, appealing particularly to those who favor a lighter touch. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches are noted for their super smooth operation due to the latest mold technologies from Huano. This smoothness contributes to a luxurious typing experience, albeit potentially feeling a bit firmer compared to the Sakura's lighter 53g bottom-out force. Nevertheless, typists seeking a seamless and fluid key press may find both switches satisfying, though they may experience nuances in weight and resistance.
Overall, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a near-silent typing experience with a light action, making it better suited for quieter environments. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte strikes a solid balance between sound and feel, offering a smooth, enjoyable typing experience with a bit more presence. Ultimately, if you prefer a completely silent switch, the Silent Sakura is your best option, while the Strawberry Latte serves well for those who appreciate a slightly more audible feedback without excessive noise. Both switches deliver quality performance, but the choice hinges on your specific typing environment and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you're seeking a quieter typing experience that won’t disturb your surroundings, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a medium-light keystroke that balances comfort with tactile feedback. Its gentle, whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a little more audible feedback, the Strawberry Latte might be the better option for you. With its 45g bottom out force and smooth action, it’s great for rapid typists who value responsiveness and a balanced sound profile that isn’t too loud or overly resonant. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, desired switch feel, and the acoustic environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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