HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of two intriguing options: the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Venus. The Silent Sakura switches are specifically designed for those who cherish a hushed typing experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops, with a balanced 53g bottom-out force that strikes a chord with typists seeking light yet satisfying keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Venus captivates users with its unique "Q-texture" and smooth, frictionless glide akin to the delightful sensation of biting into chewy mochi. With its remarkably light actuation, the Venus allows for rapid, effortless typing while maintaining a muted sound signature, making it a quiet yet responsive choice. Each switch offers distinct advantages that cater to different preferences: the Silent Sakura is ideal for those prioritizing a serene environment, while the Venus appeals to those looking for a tactile yet subtle typing experience. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Venus utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences during typing. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its softer composition that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback as compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the TTC Venus uses a POM top housing. POM, or polyoxymethylene, while still providing a deeper sound, offers a unique auditory charm that is distinctly pleasant. Both materials lend themselves to a being on the more muted side of sound, but the nature of nylon’s absorption compared to POM’s clarity creates different nuances in the overall sound experience.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Silent Sakura - 53g and the Venus opt for polycarbonate materials, setting the stage for similarities in sound characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for yielding a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to greater clarity and resonance during typing. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, both switches will produce a crisper auditory feedback as one reaches the bottom of the stroke. The translucence of the polycarbonate enhances visual aesthetics, especially effective when RGB lighting is applied, making both switches equally appealing in setups where illumination is a factor.
In summary, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and TTC Venus differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus POM—their shared use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing aligns their sound profiles in certain aspects. Typists may expect similar auditory results when bottoming out due to the polycarbonate component, which emphasizes clarity and resonance. However, the different top materials will create unique experiences during key release. Therefore, while one might find some common ground in their auditory performance, distinct differences rooted in their top housing choices yield contrasting qualities that can significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both switches show notable similarities and slight distinctions. The actuation force for both switches is identical, sitting at 45 grams, which facilitates a consistent typing experience, ideal for long hours of use, whether at work or during extended gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Silent Sakura reaches 53 grams while the Venus stops at 52 grams. This makes the TTC Venus the lighter option overall, as it requires slightly less force to bottom out compared to the Silent Sakura. For users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged use, the TTC Venus offers a marginal advantage, while those seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Silent Sakura, which still maintains a relatively medium-light weight profile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Venus measures at 3.8 mm. This makes the Silent Sakura the longer switch, providing a more pronounced depth when pressing down, which some users might find satisfying as it gives a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus, with its shorter 3.8 mm travel distance, can offer quicker response times, appealing to gamers and those who favor a more immediate feel when typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes responsiveness, the Venus would be the better choice, while the Silent Sakura caters more to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 linear switch is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, evoking the gentle sounds of raindrops, which makes it an excellent choice for those prioritizing a discreet typing experience. The TTC Venus switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its muted and subdued sound profile, producing a low-pitched, thocky resonance that adds a rich and satisfying depth to keystrokes while still maintaining a relatively quiet overall output. Both switches aim to minimize noise, catering to users who require a subdued auditory environment, whether in an office or at home.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a balanced and light keystroke, ensuring typists experience satisfaction with every press while making it easier to achieve long typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch excels in providing a unique "Q-texture" sensation, described as buttery and frictionless, promising a smooth and effortless typing experience. This distinct feel, accompanied by a mildly gummy bottom-out sensation, can create a playful typing experience reminiscent of softer surfaces. While different in their specific characteristics, both switches offer enjoyable tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who appreciate nuanced differences in feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Venus linear switches are superb options for those seeking linear switches with quiet operation and satisfying tactile feedback. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a gentle acoustic experience and balanced keystroke, while the TTC Venus offers a unique and enjoyable texture alongside a muted sound signature. Users can expect distinct yet favorable results depending on their preferences, whether they lean towards a subtle auditory experience or a plush, smooth tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and prefer the sensation of a smooth keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice, especially if you often work or type in shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. Its whisper-quiet nature paired with a balanced 53g bottom out force ensures a light yet satisfying touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile, springy feedback with a uniquely pleasant, buttery feel, the TTC Venus switch may be more appealing. Its frictionless glide and muted sound signature offer a different typing experience that can enhance your engagement and responsiveness while typing, making it suitable for both casual and spirited gaming sessions. In essence, both switches provide you with different nuances in acoustics and tactile feedback, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience fully to your preferences.
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