HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Vintage Citrus 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 HMX Vintage Citrus are two compelling options, each tailored for distinct user preferences. The Silent Sakura switch is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, delivering a serene typing experience akin to gentle raindrops, which makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it provides just the right amount of resistance for typists who enjoy a lighter yet still satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkable low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid, responsive inputs. Its clacky sound profile and smooth push feel enhance the gaming experience, making every keypress feel impactful and precise. While both switches offer a linear experience, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a quiet, comfortable typing experience or an agile, dynamic gaming 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both incorporate nylon for their top housing, which serves as a classic choice in switch design. The key characteristics of nylon—as utilized in both switches—result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer texture that absorbs sound effectively. Users can expect a satisfying, rounded auditory experience when typing, regardless of whether they opt for the Silent Sakura or the Vintage Citrus. The consistent use of nylon for the top housing in both switches ensures that typing sound quality remains harmoniously rich and enjoyable, offering a similar tactile experience beneficial for both casual and intensive typists.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges, with the Silent Sakura - 53g employing polycarbonate while the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon. This fundamental difference allows for distinct sound profiles as the tactile feedback from each switch varies. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura is engineered to create a sharper, more resonant sound due to its stiffer nature. This crispness contrasts with the Vintage Citrus's nylon housing, which continues the trend of deeper sound absorption, creating a softer bottom-out sound. Thus, while both switches share a common foundation in their top plastic materials, the Divergence in their bottom housing presents a notable distinction in sound performance.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials will impact the overall typing experience of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and HMX Vintage Citrus. Even though both switches provide similar auditory qualities from the top due to the nylon top housing, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon bottoms will yield unique typing sensations. Users looking for a sharper sound profile will favor the Silent Sakura, while those desiring a more subdued typing experience will appreciate the Vintage Citrus. This means that while both switches can achieve a satisfying keypress, the characteristics of the bottom housing ultimately dictate the nuances of each model's performance and sound signature.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit some similarities, particularly in their bottom out force, which is the same for both switches at 53 grams. This means that both switches provide a consistent feel when pressed all the way down, ensuring a similar typing experience in that regard. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Silent Sakura requires a lighter touch at 45 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus's 48 grams. This difference makes the Silent Sakura a better choice for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons, allowing for less finger fatigue. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, providing a softer feel, while the Vintage Citrus leans toward a slightly firmer response.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact typing feel and response. The Silent Sakura, with its 4 mm travel, offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke that many users may find comfortable and satisfying, suitable for those who prefer a heftier typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's 3 mm travel distance provides a snappier response, making it an appealing choice for gamers or those who favor quicker keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you value deeper feedback and a familiar feel, the Silent Sakura is the way to go; however, for faster response times, the Vintage Citrus is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 boasts a remarkably quiet profile, akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This design makes it ideal for environments where noise control is paramount, allowing users to type without disturbing others around them. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright, clacky sound that caters well to gamers who thrive on auditory feedback during intense sessions. This contrasting audio experience means that those who select the Silent Sakura will enjoy a more subdued atmosphere, while Vintage Citrus users will revel in a more pronounced, energetic auditory response.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a balanced keystroke with a 53g bottom-out force, making it lightweight yet satisfying for typists. This combination ensures a comfortable typing experience, which can be appreciated during extended use. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch features an exceptionally low actuation force with a mere 1mm actuation distance, which is specifically designed for rapid inputs, making it perfect for gamers looking for speed and responsiveness. As a result, users of the Silent Sakura will likely appreciate the gentle balance and smooth experience, while Vintage Citrus users will experience a heightened, seamless push that facilitates quick reactions.
Overall, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch cater to different typing experiences and preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a quiet, comfortable feel for typists valuing subtlety, while the Vintage Citrus shines with its quick actuation and vibrant sound, ideal for competitive gaming scenarios. Depending on your primary use—whether it's typing quietly in shared spaces or making rapid inputs in games—you'll find each switch offers distinct advantages that cater to its user base, ensuring both can provide satisfying results in their respective contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and are engaged in tasks such as programming, writing, or office work, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures that your keystrokes won’t distract others around you, while the balanced 53g bottom-out force provides a satisfying feel that's not overly cumbersome. However, if you are a gamer seeking speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for you. With its exceptionally low actuation force and clacky sound profile, it allows for rapid-fire inputs that enhance your gaming performance without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. In essence, if silence and smoothness are what you seek, go for the Silent Sakura, but if you thrive on fast-paced gameplay and enjoy an engaging sound, the Vintage Citrus will elevate your gaming experience. Ultimately, assessing your usage will guide you to the switch that best fits your needs.
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