HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Taichi each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of soft raindrops, making them ideal for users who seek a serene environment while typing. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, they provide a light and satisfying keystroke that appeals to typists looking for minimal noise without compromising on feel. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches boast a distinct high-pitched bottom-out sound and are designed with a long-pole stem and extended springs, enhancing both smoothness and stability. This design caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a more pronounced tactile experience during their typing sessions. While both switches are linear and provide a smooth keypress, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Taichi, the fundamental difference lies in their choice of plastics for the top and bottom housings. The Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer texture. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by a stiffer composition that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in material choice creates distinct soundscapes, with the Silent Sakura offering a rounded tonality versus the Taichi's crisp resonance, demonstrating the varying acoustic properties of each switch.
Turning to the bottom housings, the Silent Sakura employs polycarbonate, mirroring the Taichi's construction for the same part. This leads to a complementary sound characteristic where both switches share a clearer auditory quality in terms of bottoming out. The use of polycarbonate in both switches enhances the overall clarity and resonance. Conversely, the Taichi utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which supports the deeper sound profile emanating from the compression of the switch. This split in materials for bottom housings further impacts how sound is relayed during typing, with the nylon providing a firmer grip on sound dampening to enhance the Taichi's output. As such, the bottom-out feel of the Taichi contrasts with the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom, impacting tactile feedback during key presses.
In practical terms, despite these differences in housing materials, users may still achieve similar results depending on their typing preferences and sound output aspirations. If one were to prioritize a more muted sound, the Silent Sakura - 53g's nylon top housing allows for that absorbent quality to shine through, while the Taichi presents an alternative for those seeking more pronounced auditory feedback. With polycarbonate generating clearer tones in both switches' bottom housings, users can adapt their typographical experience based on their priorities. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences shaped by their material combinations, yet can cater to a diverse range of preferences in the gaming and typing community by emphasizing different aspects of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unknown. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Taichi's 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Silent Sakura will provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. The bottom out force of the Silent Sakura is 53 grams, indicating that it will offer a definite response when fully pressed down, whereas we cannot assess the bottom out experience of the Taichi since its value is not available. Ultimately, the Silent Sakura is the heavier switch, which may lead to some fatigue during prolonged use, while the lighter Taichi could be more suitable for extended typing sessions, although the exact bottom out feel of the latter remains undetermined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and allows for a deeper keystroke that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Taichi switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, as is often preferred by gamers. This shorter travel can promote a more rapid actuation, albeit at the risk of feeling too abrupt for some users. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a richer tactile experience, the HMX Silent Sakura would be the way to go, while the Bsun Taichi might be better suited for those seeking efficiency and speed in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch offers a notably quiet experience, akin to the soft ambiance of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. This switch is designed to produce minimal sound during typing, which can be appealing for late-night work or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch presents a contrasting auditory profile with a high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can add an engaging acoustic element to the typing experience. The long-pole design of the stem and extended springs contribute to a distinctive audible feedback that some users might find exhilarating, though it may not suit those seeking a quieter workspace.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch is crafted for a smooth and consistent keypress, boasting a balanced 53g actuation force that promotes an effortless typing experience. This makes it well-suited for typists who prefer a lighter touch while still enjoying a satisfying keystroke feel. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch is designed with stability in mind, utilizing a long-pole stem and walled stems that enhance smoothness throughout the keypress. While it also leans towards a linear feel, the additional engineering may lend a slightly firmer sensation at the bottom-out compared to the Silent Sakura, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced, albeit still fluid, typing motion.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Taichi linear switches provide unique acoustic and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in delivering a quiet, smooth typing experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments, whereas the Taichi switch offers a more vibrant auditory resonance with a focus on stability and smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a hushed experience or a more pronounced, lively sound, but both switches promise to deliver enjoyable results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you value a quiet typing experience, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive spaces, the Silent Sakura is an excellent choice, offering a soft and muted keystroke along with its medium-light 53g bottom-out force. This makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and noise levels are a priority. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and engaging experience with a rich acoustic profile, the Bsun Taichi might be the better option. Its long-pole design and extended springs provide a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound that is satisfying to many users, coupled with an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances gaming or fast-paced typing. Therefore, consider your environment and the type of sensation you desire while typing; with the Silent Sakura, you'll enjoy a peaceful ambiance, while the Taichi will immerse you with its audible and tactile charm. Ultimately, both switches bring their strengths to the table, catering to distinct preferences that will enhance your overall typing experience.
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