HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves caught in the delightful dilemma of choosing the perfect switch to enhance their typing experience, and two standout options in the linear category are the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, creating an atmosphere perfectly suited for office environments or shared spaces, while delivering a light yet satisfying keystroke thanks to its balanced 53g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, offers a unique combination of subtle top-out feedback and an audible clack, enhanced by HMX's signature factory lubrication, catering to those who enjoy a bit of acoustic resonance in their experience. Each switch possesses distinct characteristics; the Silent Sakura favors discretion and comfort suited for longer typing sessions, whereas the Sunset Gleam appeals to users seeking an engaging tactile 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

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and HMX Sunset Gleam exhibit contrasting sound profiles that stem primarily from their differing housing materials. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer quality. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. Consequently, the tactile experience of typing on these switches tends to be more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is made with a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance, resulting in a brighter auditory feedback during key presses. This clear distinction in sound profiles reflects the inherent qualities of the materials used in their construction.

Examining the bottom housings reveals an additional layer of comparison. The Silent Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which again promotes a sharper and more defined sound profile. Here, the stiffer polycarbonate plays a pivotal role, especially in the sound produced upon bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam incorporates a nylon bottom housing, bringing the characteristic deeper and rounder sound, due to nylon's superior sound absorption properties. Thus, while the top and bottom housings of each switch are different, they combine to split the resultant sound characteristics. For Silent Sakura, the transition from the sharpness of the polycarbonate bottom to the soft sound of the nylon top creates an intriguing sound blend. The Sunset Gleam, conversely, harmonizes a crisper top with a deeper bottom, producing a distinct experience that emphasizes clarity.

In practical terms, these differences in sound signature can influence the typing experience, affecting everything from audible feedback to tactile sensation. Users of the Silent Sakura - 53g may appreciate the subdued sound and feel, ideal for quieter environments or those who prefer a softer auditory experience when typing. The Sunset Gleam, however, caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced and vibrant sound when using their keyboard, particularly in RGB setups where the clear polycarbonate enhances lighting effects. Despite their contrasting materials, both switches offer an engaging typing experience; users seeking a balance between clarity and depth can achieve satisfying results with either option, depending on their personal preference. Thus, whether one prefers the Silent Sakura's full-bodied notes or the Sunset Gleam's crisp tones, each switch provides a unique take on the world of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in terms of weight and feel. The Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use may find the Sunset Gleam more appealing, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Silent Sakura, as its heavier forces provide a sturdier feel. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Sunset Gleam's lighter actuation and bottom out forces may facilitate endurance during long typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a notable difference arises. The Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional depth, providing a pronounced tactile experience preferred by those who appreciate a hearty feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to gamers and others who favor quicker response times for a more efficient typing or gaming experience. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid actions, the Sunset Gleam would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the Silent Sakura offers a deeper, more substantial feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is renowned for delivering a remarkably quiet typing experience that evokes the serene sound of gentle raindrops. This makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a more pronounced auditory experience characterized by a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, attributed to its unique blend of materials and well-executed factory lubrication. While the Silent Sakura is tailored for silence, the Sunset Gleam creates a more engaging sound profile, though both switches can still be influenced by other factors such as the specific keyboard plate and the choice of keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed to provide a light yet enjoyable keystroke, with its 53g bottom-out force striking a balance that most typists find satisfying. This switch is well-suited for long typing sessions, ensuring that users don't experience fatigue. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam focuses on providing a tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience, with its meticulously balanced manufacturing inviting a more responsive feel. While both switches provide a linear typing feel, the contrasting approaches to actuation might cater to different user preferences.

In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and HMX Sunset Gleam serve distinct niches within the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, particularly in their sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Sakura excels in delivering a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it perfect for shared or quiet workspaces. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who appreciate a more audible keystroke combined with a gratifying typing sensation. Choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile response; however, both switches promise a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, your preferences and typical usage scenarios will play a crucial role. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience, perhaps for an office environment or a shared living space, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the ideal choice. Its whisper-quiet nature, along with the balanced medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, makes it perfect for long typing sessions where noise reduction is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the subtle sound and feel that comes with a well-lubed switch, the Sunset Gleam with its 48 grams bottom-out force is well-suited for you. Its blend of materials offers a satisfying clack and a smooth keystroke, catering to those who enjoy a tactile response while still maintaining a linear feel. Ultimately, the right switch for you hinges on your environment and personal typing style—choose the Silent Sakura for a serene typing experience or gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam for a more engaging yet subtle auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

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HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more