HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both of which are linear switches. The Silent Sakura switches are celebrated for their whisper-quiet performance, designed to create a serene typing environment akin to the soft pitter-patter of rain. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, they are particularly appealing to those who prefer a lighter keystroke without sacrificing satisfaction. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are known for their smooth action, enhanced by Ly stems that deliver a unique resonant sound profile that many typists may find both satisfying and energizing. While the Silent Sakura focuses on a quiet ambiance ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more tactile, engaging experience that some users might find invigorating. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.

By the numbers

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), we see a distinctive division in their construction that influences the overall typing experience. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer quality. This characteristic lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing users with a more subdued auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in material ultimately affects how each switch sounds upon key release, with the Silent Sakura delivering a rounder tone and the Tomcat producing a more resonant quality.

The bottom housings of both switches reveal a switch in material that further emphasizes their contrast. The Silent Sakura relies on a polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound when the key is bottomed out. This results in a bright auditory experience that complements the softer nature of its nylon top. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound more effectively, which leads to a dampened sound profile. This combination creates a situation where the Tomcat’s sound becomes fuller at the bottom while its top remains sharper, a dynamic that is quite different from the clean separation achieved by the Silent Sakura's design.

Despite their differing materials, both the Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can achieve satisfactory typing experiences by leveraging the strengths of their respective materials. For instance, the hybrid construction of both switches means that each housing contributes uniquely to the typing experience. Users can expect a distinct auditory signature depending on which switch is used, with the Silent Sakura delivering a softer overall sound and the Tomcat providing a more pronounced, crisp sound. By employing complementary materials, each switch ensures that the final output remains engaging and user-friendly, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy an array of auditory feedback tailored to their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura - 53g features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier 55 grams of actuation force and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This disparity means that the Silent Sakura - 53g is the lighter option, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force for each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its greater forces, appeals to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, depending on personal preferences for typing feel and endurance, users may choose one switch over the other based on these force characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences in typing feel. The Silent Sakura switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and provides a more substantial depth to each keystroke. This longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience when typing, as it can feel more satisfying and less abrupt. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the current trend of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. This shorter distance allows for faster actuation but may feel too abrupt for those who enjoy a heartier keystroke. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for those who appreciate deeper keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is renowned for providing a remarkably quiet typing experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops, which makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a low-noise environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile that can be more pronounced during usage. Therefore, if you're seeking a muted auditory experience, the Silent Sakura will deliver a more subdued sound, while the Tomcat will provide a richer acoustic presence, creating a more engaging typing atmosphere.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g has been engineered for a light yet satisfying keystroke, featuring a balanced bottom-out force of 53g that ensures effortless actuation without compromising feedback. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that deliver a super smooth typing experience, which can provide a slightly different tactile sensation when compared to the Silent Sakura. The differences in actuation force and stem design result in unique typist interactions; the Silent Sakura’s balanced approach appeals to those who enjoy a lighter touch, while the Tomcat's smoothness can cater to users seeking a different kind of fluidity.

In summary, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to different preferences with their sound and feel attributes. The Silent Sakura offers a whisper-quiet typing experience with a light feel, making it exceptional for office environments or shared spaces, whereas the Tomcat provides a more resonant acoustic characteristic and a super smooth typing sensation, appealing to those who enjoy an immersive typing experience. Choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as both have unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch should depend on your specific preferences in typing experience and use case. If you value a whisper-quiet environment for typing or gaming, and prefer a lighter touch that doesn’t compromise on satisfaction, the Silent Sakura would be your ideal fit. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams allows for effortless typing without fatigue, making it excellent for long sessions of work or casual use when noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel with greater resistance and seek a switch that offers a smoother keystroke, the Tomcat (Heavy) will likely resonate more with you. With its heavier bottom out force of 64 grams, it provides a more deliberate tactile response, ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging and tactile typing experience, especially during intense gaming or focused typing scenarios. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing and sound matter most to you, as these elements will guide you towards the switch that perfectly suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more