HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX SU, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Silent Sakura - 53g is renowned for its whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the soothing sound of gentle raindrops while offering a balanced 53g bottom-out force that appeals to typists seeking a light yet satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU features a robust PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that provides a more pronounced auditory feedback without being overly loud. While the Silent Sakura is ideal for users who require minimal noise—perfect for shared spaces or late-night work—the HMX SU excels for those who enjoy a richer sound experience while still benefiting from the smoothness of a linear switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for your unique typing preferences and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX SU both employ nylon as the top housing material, which provides similar sound characteristics and tactile feedback. As described, nylon is a classic material for switch housings that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The notable softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a sound that is duller and rounder in quality. This shared nylon top housing in both switches ensures that users will experience a comparable auditory response when they press the keys. Whether typing on the Silent Sakura - 53g or the SU, the result is a consistent, smooth keypress with a satisfying sound signature.
However, there is a distinctive divergence in the bottom housing materials of these two switches. The Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material enhances the overall acoustic performance by adding clarity and high-pitched tones to the typing experience. In stark contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon bottom housing, which mirrors the softer, fuller sound profile seen in its top housing. Consequently, the acoustic performance of the SU leans towards a more muted and rounded sound, offering a warmer typing experience compared to the crisper feedback of the Silent Sakura - 53g.
The differing bottom housings of these switches significantly influence the tactile feedback and sound production upon keypresses. With the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizing a polycarbonate bottom, it presents a brighter and more clear auditory response when bottoming out, while the SU’s nylon bottom creates a similar, albeit deeper, feel and sound upon keypress completion. As a result, users will find that, while both switches share the same top housing characteristics, the choices of bottom housing lead to different tactile feedback and sound profiles during use. Thus, choosing between these two switches will largely depend on personal preferences for sound clarity versus a warmer, more muted response.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in similar triggering experiences for the user. However, they diverge in their bottom out forces: the Silent Sakura - 53g has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is notably heavier than the SU's bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that while both switches offer a similar initial push to actuate a keystroke, the Silent Sakura will provide a slightly more substantial feel when fully bottomed out. Consequently, the Silent Sakura - 53g is perceived as the heavier switch due to its higher bottom out force, while the HMX SU is lighter overall. As such, users who prefer a heavier typing experience may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas those who prefer a lighter feel and easier actuation might opt for the SU.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Sakura the longer option, providing a more traditional and deeper tactile experience that some users might find more satisfying, especially those who appreciate the feeling of depth in their key presses. In contrast, the SU switch's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter actuation that caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, highlighting a preference for speed and responsiveness over depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference; if one seeks a more nuanced keypress, the Silent Sakura would be ideal, whereas those favoring quicker actuation might prefer the HMX SU.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 engineered to provide a notably quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for quieter environments or for those who prefer minimal auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch possesses a relatively deep sound profile that is subtle yet pronounced, offering a different acoustic character that some typists may find more satisfying. However, it’s crucial to remember that the sound quality of each switch can be influenced by accompanying factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning both switches could deliver a different auditory experience depending on their setup.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, striking a sweet spot for typists who enjoy a light yet adequately resistant keystroke, resulting in a satisfying experience with each press. On the other hand, the SU switch features its own feel profile that aligns with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, which may provide a distinctive sensation when typing, although its precise feel characteristics are not fully established in the information given. Ultimately, both switches appeal to tactile preferences but offer different experiences that could cater to varying typing styles.
In summary, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX SU linear switches are designed to cater to specific preferences among typists, with the former emphasizing a whisper-quiet auditory profile and a well-balanced keystroke feel, while the latter offers a deeper sound with subtlety and an engaging typing sensation that remains somewhat unspecified. Depending on your personal preferences and typing environment, you may find one switch more aligned with your needs than the other, yet both aim to deliver a satisfying mechanical experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a slightly firmer keypress, the Silent Sakura - 53g is a fantastic option. Its whisper-quiet sound mimics the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops, making it ideal for quiet environments where you don't want to disturb others, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lighter touch with a somewhat deeper sound profile, the HMX SU switch may be more suited for you. With its 50g bottom out force, it offers a softer feel and can generate a more pronounced acoustic experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing. Overall, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your typing habits, the ambiance of your surroundings, and how much sound you’re willing to accommodate in your keyboard experience.
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