HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Weightlessness stand out for distinct reasons tailored to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of raindrops gently tapping on a window, making them ideal for environments where noise is a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, they cater to typists seeking a light yet satisfying keystroke without distractions. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile feedback that ranges from subtle to moderate, enhancing the typing experience by allowing users to feel each key press while maintaining a balanced sound profile. This makes them particularly appealing for those who enjoy a sensory connection with their typing but prefer a quieter workspace overall. Each of these switches offers a unique blend of feel and sound, presenting their own set of advantages depending on your typing style and environment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Weightlessness switches both feature nylon as their top housing material, resulting in a similar sound profile when typing. By utilizing nylon, both switches offer a deeper, fuller sound, with the material's softer properties allowing for better sound absorption. This shared characteristic contributes to a more pleasant typing experience, as users can expect a reduced harshness to the sounds produced by the switches. With this commonality in top housing materials, users can appreciate a subdued, rounded auditory output from both switches, making them ideal for those seeking a quieter keyboard experience.
Contrastingly, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This distinction has a significant impact on the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura results in a sharper and crisper sound; its rigidity enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing in the Weightlessness maintains the softer sound characteristics, yielding a rounder auditory experience. This difference means that users will detect a clear variation in sound at the bottom-out point between the two switches, with the Silent Sakura providing a more articulate sound and the Weightlessness offering a more muted effect.
Ultimately, while the top housing of both the Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Weightlessness is the same, the divergence in bottom housing materials means that they will offer different auditory experiences and tactile feedback during use. The Silent Sakura, with its polycarbonate bottom, excels in delivering a bright and resonant keystroke sound, while the Weightlessness retains a consistent, softer sound profile throughout. Users seeking a nuanced auditory experience may prefer the distinct mixing of materials in the Silent Sakura, whereas those who prioritize uniform sound absorption might find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing. The combination of nylon top and differing bottom housings illustrates how the interplay of materials in keyboard switches can significantly affect typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, offering a smoother typing experience ideal for extended use. In terms of bottom out forces, the Silent Sakura's is measured at 53 grams, while the Weightlessness's bottom out force remains unknown. This ambiguity means we cannot directly compare the bottom out experience of the two switches. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch between the two, making it an attractive option for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, while the Weightlessness may appeal more to those who favor a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, significant differences emerge. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper feel, appealing to those who appreciate more substantial key presses. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, aligning with the trend of shorter travel distances that many gamers prefer for quicker response times. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Weightlessness switch may be the better choice, while those seeking a more pronounced key action might lean towards the Silent Sakura due to its longer travel distance. Overall, the Silent Sakura offers a depthier experience, while the Weightlessness caters to the demand for speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switch is designed to provide a whisper-quiet typing experience, delivering a soft auditory profile that resonates with the delicate sound of raindrops. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch presents a subtle to moderate sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics; however, it does not quite reach the level of quietness that the Silent Sakura achieves. Both switch types may still exhibit varying sound levels depending on factors such as the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, but the Silent Sakura stands out as the quieter option.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a light and satisfying keystroke with its balanced 53g bottom-out force, making it appealing to typists who favor a smoother, linear action. The Weightlessness switch, in contrast, is characterized by its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which provides an engaging typing experience that many tactile switch enthusiasts appreciate. While the Sakura switch leans towards a more fluid motion without the tactile bump, the Weightlessness offers a satisfying tactile sensation, resulting in fundamentally different experiences for users who prefer either linear or tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch emphasizes a quiet and smooth typing experience perfect for those who value sound dampening, the Gateron Weightlessness switch caters to those who enjoy a tactile feel with balanced acoustic feedback. The distinctions in both sound and feel highlight the unique characteristics of each switch type, allowing typists to choose according to their preferences. Whether you opt for the tranquility of the Silent Sakura or the tactile satisfaction of the Weightlessness, both switches provide distinct experiences that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel while typing. If you value a quiet and smooth typing experience with a light keystroke, the Silent Sakura switches are an excellent choice, especially if you work in shared spaces or prefer a serene environment while you type. Their medium-light 53g bottom out force provides a satisfying yet gentle feedback that can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate the subtle feedback of tactile switches and enjoy a more engaging typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the switch for you. With its tactile response, it offers just enough of a bump to enhance your typing without being overly loud. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing environment and personal comfort; choose the Silent Sakura for a whisper-quiet ambiance, or embrace the tactile sensation of the Weightlessness for a more interactive feel.
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