HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat each offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their exceptional whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making them an ideal choice for those who thrive in quieter environments. With a well-balanced 53g bottom-out force, they provide a light yet gratifying keystroke that typists often find comfortable for prolonged use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches are recognized for their smooth operation, attributed to their Ly stems, which deliver an effortless typing experience paired with a resonant sound profile that many gamers and typists appreciate. While the Silent Sakura focuses on a serene typing environment, the Tomcat caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback without the distraction of excessive noise. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat showcase distinctive choices in housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic, combined with the softness of nylon, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it a preferred choice for users who appreciate a crisper auditory experience. The aesthetic qualities of polycarbonate, particularly its translucency for RGB lighting, further highlight the differences in design philosophy between the two switch models.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Silent Sakura and the Tomcat flip the advantages of their top materials. The Silent Sakura contains a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the sharpness and clarity typical of polycarbonate materials, contributing to a vibrant auditory signature. Conversely, the Tomcat offers a nylon bottom housing that softens the overall sound profile, creating a rounded and more subdued experience. As the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, the contrasting materials in this position demonstrate how different combinations can uniquely impact user interaction within the same switch mechanism.
Ultimately, although the top and bottom housing materials of the Silent Sakura and Tomcat differ, one can achieve similar results in specific aspects of typing experience. For instance, the combination of a nylon top housing with the polycarbonate bottom in the Silent Sakura allows for a fusion of both deep and clear sound qualities, while the opposite configuration in the Tomcat achieves a nuanced balance between crisper and rounder sounds. Consequently, despite the differences between nylon and polycarbonate, users seeking a versatile typing experience can find satisfaction in both switches, depending on personal preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, with each requiring 45 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This equivalence means that users of either switch will experience a similar keystroke initiation, making both suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Silent Sakura has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Tomcat requires a marginally heavier force of 54 grams. Consequently, while both switches offer a medium-light typing experience, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silent Sakura more appealing, while users who enjoy a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the slightly heavier Tomcat.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional travel depth preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Tomcat has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to a more responsive typing experience favored by gamers and those who prioritize speed. This difference means that users seeking a deeper feel may prefer the Silent Sakura, while those who lean towards quicker key actions might be drawn to the Tomcat. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for either depth or responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50, whereas the Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99.
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 celebrated for producing a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle sound of raindrops falling against a window. This attribute makes it particularly appealing for office environments or shared spaces, as it minimizes noise disruption. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offers a more resonant sound profile, which may provide a greater auditory feedback during typing, though it is still considered relatively quiet. Ultimately, the sound signature of both switches can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, but the Silent Sakura leans toward a more muted experience while the Tomcat may resonate slightly louder.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is known for its perfectly balanced 53g bottom out force, catering to typists who enjoy a light yet satisfying keystroke. This setup lends itself to effortless typing, making it ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. The Bsun Tomcat switch is designed with Ly stems that contribute to a super smooth typing experience, which enhances the overall fluidity of key presses. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, but while the Silent Sakura leans towards a balanced light touch, the Tomcat emphasizes smoothness in actuation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences among typists. The Silent Sakura prioritizes a muted auditory experience with a perfectly balanced keystroke, making it excellent for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Tomcat emphasizes a resonant sound and an exceptionally smooth feel. Depending on your priorities, whether it's sound, tactile response, or overall typing experience, either switch can cater to your needs while still providing a linear typing sensation characteristic of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a quiet typing experience, perhaps for use in shared spaces or during late-night sessions, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its whisper-quiet operation, is the superior choice. Its 53g bottom-out force strikes an appealing balance, providing a comfortable yet tactile feedback that is perfect for long typing sessions without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more resonant sound profile while typing, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, with its 54g bottom-out force and Ly stems, might be the better option for you. This switch offers a satisfying feedback that many typists enjoy, especially if you are looking for an engaging and lively feel while you work or play. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will depend on whether you desire a quieter, serene typing experience or a lively, smooth one that still maintains a degree of acoustic presence.
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