HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your overall typing experience. On one hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a unique typing experience characterized by its whisper-quiet operation and a balanced actuation force of 53 grams, making it ideal for those who desire a gentle but satisfying keystroke that won’t disturb others around them. In contrast, the Gateron Type L from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" series boasts a feather-light activation force of just 45 grams, catering to users who prefer a smoother and effortless typing experience, accentuated by a deeper acoustic signature. While the Silent Sakura promotes stealth and a slightly heavier feel, the Type L emphasizes a lighter touch with enhanced lubing for refined performance. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Type L, it's notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. This shared material contributes to a sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience, as nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This absorption results in a notably duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, which aligns the overall auditory experience when typing on both switches. Users can expect similar acoustic performance from the top housing of both the Silent Sakura and the Type L due to this commonality in material choice.
When it comes to the bottom housing, however, there is a significant distinction between the two switches. The Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for its stiffer properties that yield a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast enables a clear and resonant audio experience, especially noticeable during bottom-out sounds. In contrast, the Type L features nylon for its bottom housing, which supports a consistent deeper and fuller sound signature, similar to its top housing. This divergence affects the overall typing feedback; users of the Silent Sakura may notice a crisper sound on key presses, while the Type L will retain a rounder sound experience throughout the keystroke due to its softer characteristics.
The combination of these materials in each switch results in unique auditory experiences during typing. With the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the blend of nylon top and polycarbonate bottom produces a two-tone sound profile, where the bottom housing emphasizes the sharpness of key presses while the top housing rounds out the release. Conversely, the Gateron Type L presents a more homogeneous sound profile, as both the top and bottom utilize nylon, leading to a consistent and rounded auditory output. Consequently, while both switches share similarities in their upper housing that affect the sound of releasing keys, their differing bottom housings create distinct tactile experiences and auditory results, showcasing a fascinating interplay of materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Type L is lighter at 38 grams, making it the preferable option for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Silent Sakura has a force of 53 grams compared to the Type L's 45 grams, indicating that the Silent Sakura provides a firmer push when bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is categorized as medium-light while the Type L is classified as light, offering distinct tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. Ultimately, those seeking a more forgiving force for extended use should lean towards the Gateron Type L, while users valuing a heavier feel might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch boast an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, contributing to similar results in keystroke activation and overall responsiveness. As both switches share the same measurement, neither can be classified as shorter or longer; instead, they complement each other in providing a uniform feel for typists and gamers alike.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed to provide a whisper-quiet experience, often compared to the gentle sound of raindrops against a window. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for minimal distraction, particularly in quiet environments. In contrast, the Gateron Type L offers a more neutral sound that maintains a subdued quality, making it versatile for different settings, whether at work or home. While neither switch is completely silent, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a softer, quieter sound, and the Type L has its own mild acoustic signature that leans towards a deeper tone. Ultimately, while both switches produce low sound levels, the Silent Sakura is specifically tailored for silence, enhancing the typing experience for noise-sensitive users.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch focuses on delivering a balanced level of resistance with its 53g bottom-out force; however, the specific feel of this switch is left unmentioned. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is characterized by a feathery texture that requires minimal effort to actuate, making it especially comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The light actuation force of the Type L not only enhances typing speed but also minimizes finger fatigue, promoting a more enjoyable experience overall. While we can't explicitly compare the feel of the Silent Sakura due to lack of detailed information, the Type L's easy-to-press nature suggests a stark contrast where users might need to assess their preference for heavier versus lighter switches.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Type L bring distinct qualities to the table, catering to different user preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a quiet typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments, while the Gateron Type L focuses on a light and effortless actuation, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Those who prioritize sound isolation will find the Silent Sakura's gentle acoustics advantageous, while the Type L appeals to users seeking a low-impact typing feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it's sound or tactile responsiveness—both switches offer compelling options that can help you achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Type L linear switches, your personal preferences and typing context are paramount. If you prioritize a whisper-quiet experience while also enjoying a balance between tactility and resistance, the Silent Sakura - 53g may be your ideal choice; it offers a soft bottom-out force of 53 grams that is suitable for a range of scenarios, particularly in environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, if you value lightness and comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Gateron Type L, with its feather-light 45g actuation force, could be the perfect fit, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for effortless key presses. The Type L's neutral to subdued sound profile also makes it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring you find the switch that best supports your typing style and preferences.
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