HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between different options can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, providing a serene typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This linear switch offers a balanced 53g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who favor a light yet satisfying keystroke, perfect for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where noise is a concern. In contrast, the HMX Swift boasts a deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housing and offers an exceptionally silky smooth feel accompanied by a light 42g actuation force. This combination results in a clacky yet feathery experience that appeals to users who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing or gaming. Both switches cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider your specific needs. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Swift both feature nylon top housings, and as a result, they share similar acoustic qualities during typing. The nylon material, known for its softness compared to harder plastics, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic allows for a more muted auditory experience, helping minimize sharper sound frequencies during key presses. As such, users of both models can anticipate a satisfying and pleasant typing sound due to the common choice of top housing material, enabling a consistent sound signature across different typing motions.
However, the bottom housings of these two switches contrast significantly in material composition, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper auditory response. Polycarbonate's rigidity contrasts with nylon's softness, allowing the former to produce a more resonant sound with a higher pitch as the key is bottomed out. Conversely, the Swift opts for a nylon bottom housing, aligning it with the tonal characteristics of its top housing and maintaining that fuller and rounder sound profile. This discrepancy means that while the Silent Sakura may deliver a more dynamic range in sound, the Swift will provide a more consistent auditory experience from top to bottom.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing not only influence sound clarity but also tactile feedback when typing. The robust nature of the polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura means that users will experience a more pronounced bottom-out feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who appreciate tactile feedback. In contrast, the nylon bottom of the Swift softens this impact, creating a gentler and more forgiving feel when keys are pressed. While both models aim to deliver satisfying auditory and tactile experiences, their housing materials distinctly shape how those experiences manifest, meaning that users may prefer one over the other based on individual typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams to the HMX Swift linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, we can see clear differences in weight and user experience. The Silent Sakura's actuation force is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. In contrast, the Swift's lighter actuation force makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect a similar trend, with the Silent Sakura having a bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams. Overall, the HMX Swift switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for those seeking comfort during long periods of use, while the Silent Sakura offers a firmer push that may cater to those who favor a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we find that the Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Swift has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference, though minimal, means that the Silent Sakura will provide a more pronounced keystroke sensation, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel with more resistance. On the other hand, the Swift’s shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking enhanced speed and efficiency during gameplay. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Swift is the way to go, whereas those who favor deeper keystrokes may find the Silent Sakura to be more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to provide a serene and subdued typing experience, akin to gentle raindrops tapping softly against a window. This switch is engineered for whisper-quiet operation, perfect for those who prioritize a low-noise environment. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch creates a more pronounced auditory experience with its deeper sound profile, described as clacky. This switch’s full nylon housing contributes to a crisp, bright, and percussive sound upon activation, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more lively auditory feedback during their typing sessions. The exposure of sound variations, however, is also influenced by the type of keyboard and keycap choices used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g presents a balanced actuation force of 53g, catering to typists looking for a satisfying yet not overly heavy keystroke. While specific descriptions for the feel of the Silent Sakura are not detailed, it is understood that its linear nature translates to a smooth experience without tactile bumps or audible clicks. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its lightweight 42g actuation force, resulting in an easy-to-press mechanism that significantly enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. This ease is further characterized by its feathery, bouncy, and creamy attributes, making the key presses feel responsive and smooth, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for a delightful typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Silent Sakura - 53g and HMX Swift linear switches cater to different user preferences in sound and feel, with the Silent Sakura providing a quiet and balanced typing experience, while the Swift delivers auditory stimulation and a light, responsive touch. Users who prioritize a tranquil environment might prefer the Silent Sakura, while those who favor a more engaging sound and tactile feedback could opt for the Swift. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening and weight in key presses or a distinctive auditory signature and light touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Swift linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll use them. If you seek a quiet typing experience with balanced resistance that feels satisfying under your fingers, the Silent Sakura is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams makes it suitable for those who appreciate a gentle yet responsive keystroke, which is particularly beneficial in shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you want a switch that allows for effortless typing with a remarkably light actuation force of 50 grams and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the HMX Swift is the way to go. The smoothness and bouncy feel of the Swift provide an engaging typing experience, making it a great option for long periods of use, whether for gaming or work. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a serene typing experience or a lively, low-effort keystroke.
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