HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Twilight linear switches, both options offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura is celebrated for its incredibly quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an ideal choice for those who value a serene typing environment. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light yet gratifying keystroke that promotes fast and efficient typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only contributes to a subtly quieter sound but also retains the signature clacky feel that many enthusiasts love. This makes it a great option for users who desire both responsive feedback and a bit of auditory personality. Each switch has its own distinct appeal, whether you prioritize a hushed ambiance with the Silent Sakura or a more traditional, tactile experience with the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and needs.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Twilight both utilize nylon for their top housing, which results in a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in switch design due to its softer properties, which help absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption leads to a rounder and less resonant auditory experience when typing on these switches. Since both switches share this nylon top housing, users can expect a consistently pleasant typing feel with muted sound outputs when engaging with keys, creating an atmosphere that many typists find appealing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Silent Sakura - 53g and the Twilight differ significantly, which plays a crucial role in shaping their overall sound characteristics. The Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, celebrated for its stiffer nature, contributing to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This inherent stiffness allows for a more pronounced auditory feedback when the keys bottom out, making it a great option for users who prefer a more resonant experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate also adds aesthetic value, particularly for RGB setups that illuminate through the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Twilight utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, which echoes the auditory profile of the top housing—enforcing the deeper, softer sounds that characterize its typing experience.
By having a nylon bottom housing, the HMX Twilight further simplifies the overall sound output to align more closely with the muted qualities of the top housing. Typing on the Twilight results in a more consistent sound signature when compared to the Silent Sakura - 53g, where the polycarbonate bottom offers a distinguishable contrast in terms of auditory sharpness. Though both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, users may prefer the Silent Sakura - 53g for its clarity and resonance, while those who appreciate a softer touch and sound might lean toward the Twilight. Ultimately, while both models have overlapping aspects with their nylon top housings, the differing bottom materials create distinct acoustic experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Twilight switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, identifying it as a light switch. Thus, the Twilight switch is the lighter of the two options, which might appeal to users seeking a less strenuous typing experience for long durations. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, with its slightly heavier forces, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Overall, while the action required to trigger a keystroke is less demanding with the Twilight switch, both switches achieve their bottom out forces at relatively close thresholds, making them suitable for different user preferences regarding actuation and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two switches, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights a trade-off between a more traditional feel and a quicker response time; the Silent Sakura offers a more substantial key press that some users may find more satisfying, whereas the Twilight's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking faster response times, particularly in competitive gaming. Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial press, the Silent Sakura is the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, may suit your preferences better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 is designed for a remarkably quiet experience, akin to the soft patter of raindrops, making it ideal for environments where discretion is essential. The emphasis on a whisper-quiet operation allows for a less disruptive typing experience, particularly in shared or quiet spaces. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while still quieter than many traditional switches, maintains a subtle clack characteristic typical of HMX switches. With its extended 3.85mm travel distance, it strikes a balance between providing acoustic feedback and minimizing noise, making it suitable for users who enjoy a bit of auditory engagement without being overly loud. Ultimately, both switches cater to unique preferences, with the Silent Sakura prioritizing silence and the Twilight offering a hint of traditional sound.
When examining the feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch presents a light and satisfying keystroke, thanks to its nuanced design that accommodates a pleasant 53g bottom out force. This makes typing comfortable and enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a smoother, less resistant experience while still delivering crisp feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while it doesn’t have specific feel characteristics provided, typically aligns with the feedback traits of standard linear switches, which often provide a consistent pressing experience throughout the keystroke without any tactile bump. This should offer a smooth typing sensation but lacks the specific nuances that come from tactile feedback, similar to the Silent Sakura's gentle quality.
In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch excels in providing a quiet and delicate feel, ideal for those who prefer a gentle typing experience without the noise associated with clacky switches. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight linear switch serves up an engaging yet balanced auditory experience with extended travel, allowing for a different, yet still refined typing feel. While both offer unique experiences, they also cater to different preferences: the Silent Sakura focuses on tranquility and subtlety, whereas the Twilight leans slightly towards a richer sound signature while maintaining a linear profile. Ultimately, both switches will deliver satisfying typing experiences, but your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize silence or a bit of acoustical engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a quieter typing environment and prefer a more meditative typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light 53g bottom-out force provides just enough resistance for a satisfying keystroke while maintaining a whisper-quiet profile, making it ideal for office settings, shared spaces, or late-night typing. On the other hand, if you relish the sensation of a light touch and enjoy a slightly longer travel distance, the HMX Twilight switch may be more your speed. With a bottom-out force of 50g and a 3.85mm travel distance, it maintains a balanced feel that allows for swift, responsive typing without sacrificing the character that accompanies the lightly clacky sound often preferred by fans of HMX switches. Ultimately, consider the context in which you'll be using your keyboard and how the nuances of each switch align with your typing habits and audio preferences to make the best decision for your needs.
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