HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two popular options to consider are the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches that promise smooth key presses. The Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its whisper-quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a serene typing experience, akin to the soothing sound of raindrops, with a balanced 53g bottom-out force that provides a light yet gratifying keystroke. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a distinctively pillowy feel paired with a deep, rich sound profile, catering to users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While the Silent Sakura perfectly suits environments where noise control is paramount, the Wine Red switches cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Wine Red, the most notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound effectively. This acoustic characteristic creates a more muted and rounded sound experience. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer material that enhances clarity and gives a sharper, crisper sound profile. This difference in material impacts not only the auditory experience but also how each switch feels in tactile response. A user typing away on the Silent Sakura will appreciate the softer auditory notes, while the Wine Red will offer a more pronounced sound—perfect for those who favor clarity in feedback.
Examining the bottom housings reveals some similarities between the two models, as both the Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Wine Red use polycarbonate for their bottom housings. This commonality signifies that both switches will deliver a similarly sharp and resonant sound profile when the bottom of the switch is engaged. The polycarbonate material provides consistent feedback during bottoming out, enhancing the overall typing experience with a clean, crisp sound. Users can expect a reliable performance in terms of auditory response from both switches due to their shared material for the bottom housing, adding an element of familiarity for those accustomed to the pronounced notes of polycarbonate.
Ultimately, the synergy between the different housing materials creates distinct signatures for the Silent Sakura - 53g and KTT Wine Red. While the nylon top of the Silent Sakura softens the overall sound for a richer experience, the polycarbonate top in the Wine Red sharpens and clarifies the auditory output. The bottom housing, being polycarbonate in both switches, ensures a consistent and crisp bottom-out sound, allowing for a cohesive typing experience. When users operate these switches, they will feel the nuanced effects of the different top housing materials, but can rely on the reliable polycarbonate characteristics at the base for consistent performance across both models. Thus, each switch caters to varying preferences, whether one seeks a softer tone or a more defined auditory feedback.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, making them both appealing options for users who prefer medium-light switches. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Wine Red is slightly lighter at 44 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura bottoms out at 53 grams, which is also on par with the KTT Wine Red's 55 grams. As a result, while the actuation forces are very close, the Silent Sakura is marginally lighter overall, leading to a more effortless typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red provides a slightly firmer feel when bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches are designed to deliver a smooth and responsive experience, the Silent Sakura is better suited for those seeking a lighter touch, whereas the KTT Wine Red may appeal to those who appreciate a stronger push.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. Since their travel distances are identical, both switches will provide an equivalent tactile experience, enhancing the overall uniformity in typing and gaming performance across different setups.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 delivers a notably muted auditory experience, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. It evokes the sensation of soft raindrops gently tapping against a window, making it perfect for users who prioritize discretion while typing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch produces a deep and rich sound profile characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This results in a fuller auditory experience that provides satisfying acoustic feedback, making each keystroke feel pronounced yet not overwhelming. Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura offers a serene typing sound, the Wine Red caters to those who enjoy a more resonant auditory presence.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered to provide a light yet satisfying keystroke with a balanced 53g bottom-out force, ensuring that typists can enjoy a comfortable and responsive typing experience without excessive effort. This smooth linear action is conducive to long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch also presents a pleasant typing sensation, described as having a pillowy light feel, which may provide a slight cushioning effect during the key press. Although both switches are linear in nature, their tactile feedback varies, with the Silent Sakura focusing on a quieter and potentially more consistent feel, while the Wine Red leans towards a softer touch that's also very enjoyable.
In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and KTT Wine Red switches each offer distinct qualities suited to different preferences. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a silent yet satisfying typing experience, mimicking the gentle sounds of nature, while the Wine Red captivates with its rich, bassy sound and pillowy feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize a whisper-quiet environment or prefer a deeper, acoustically rich typing session. Both switches have their unique merits and can cater to a range of typists looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Wine Red linear switches should largely depend on your preferences for sound and feedback during typing. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the ideal choice, as it offers a smooth and gentle keystroke that feels balanced and is perfect for quiet environments—think late-night work sessions or shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams helps prevent finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a little more auditory richness in your keystrokes, the KTT Wine Red switches might be more to your liking. With a slightly heavier actuation force at 55 grams, they provide a pillowy feel coupled with a deep, bassy sound profile that can make typing experience feel more engaging and satisfying. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and personal comfort; if you need silence and subtlety, go for the Silent Sakura, but if you want a more pronounced auditory feedback with a plush feel, the Wine Red switches are the way to go.
Mentioned in this article
