HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown represent two distinct yet appealing options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those who value a silent typing experience, delivering a soft, whisper-quiet keystroke that allows for focused work without disturbing others. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these linear switches provide a light yet satisfying feel, making them ideal for typists who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted action. In contrast, the WS Brown switches cater to users who appreciate tactile feedback during their typing sessions. With a medium-light actuation force, they allow for a responsive feel that enhances typing accuracy, complemented by the nostalgic click sound that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts adore. The nylon housing and POM stem combination of the WS Brown further ensures comfort during prolonged use, striking a balance between tradition and innovation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown keyboards both utilize nylon as their top housing material, which gives them comparable characteristics in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, recognized for its softer texture that creates a deeper, fuller sound when typing. Both switches benefit from this characteristic, providing users with a typing experience that absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback. Consequently, users of either keyboard can expect a similar acoustic response when pressing the keys, fostering a comfortable and engaging typing environment.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials for the two switches differ significantly. The Silent Sakura - 53g employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the WS Brown uses nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and resonance. This means that when you bottom out on the Silent Sakura switch, the sound produced will be crisper and more articulate than that of the WS Brown. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Brown carries forward the deeper and fuller sound quality of the top housing, leading to a more muted bottom-out experience. This distinct difference in sound profile when bottoming out will be apparent, impacting how users perceive each switch during use.
Ultimately, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Wuque Studio WS Brown share nylon as their top housing material, the varying bottom housing creates a divergence in sound characteristics. The Silent Sakura, with its polycarbonate bottom, produces a bright and resonant auditory response, contrasting with the softer and rounder profile of the WS Brown. Each switch's unique combination of materials provides a distinct typing experience, though users fond of the characteristics offered by nylon will be pleased with both switches' top housings. The overall user experience will ultimately hinge on personal preference for sound and feedback, shaped by the specific designs of the bottom housings.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that may cater well to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown's bottom out force is slightly higher at 55 grams, but its actuation force is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. As a result, while the Silent Sakura provides a consistent and defined feel, the Wuque Studio switch’s characteristics remain uncertain. Thus, we can conclude that the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch due to its known actuation force, while the WS Brown may offer a heavier feel at bottom out, depending on its actuation force, but currently cannot be definitively ranked in that aspect.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. As such, players seeking a switch with a more pronounced depth will find the Silent Sakura appealing due to its longer travel distance, which offers a more classic typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a snappier and potentially more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers or users who favor quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a more robust key press, the Silent Sakura is the better option, whereas if you desire a more immediate response, the WS Brown serves that purpose well.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Silent Sakura - 53g and WS Brown.
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 offers a remarkably quiet typing experience, akin to the soft patter of raindrops. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a muted environment while typing, ensuring that your keystrokes do not disturb others around you. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch produces a more familiar auditory feedback, characterized by a gentle tactile bump that creates a pleasing and audible typing sound reminiscent of traditional mechanical switches. However, both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the specific keyboard construction and keycap materials, meaning that while the Silent Sakura leans heavily towards silence, the WS Brown embraces a balanced auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a soft and smooth keystroke, providing a 53g actuation force that many typists find satisfying yet light enough to minimize fatigue during prolonged usage. This makes it ideal for those who prefer effortless gliding across the keys without much resistance. In contrast, the WS Brown switch features a medium-light actuation force that yields a tactile bump, offering a reassuring feedback that many enthusiasts find comforting and familiar. This combination allows typists to maintain a relaxed typing posture, making it suitable for long periods of use without sacrificing response.
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura delivers with its subdued sound profile while still providing ample tactile satisfaction with its actuation force. Conversely, if you value a more traditional tactile bump accompanied by a gentle auditory click, the WS Brown is designed to deliver that familiar experience. Both switches cater to different typing styles, and your choice will ultimately reflect your typing habits and the environment in which you record your thoughts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura is your best bet; its subtly weighted 53g actuation force allows for smooth and silent keystrokes, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feedback of tactile bumps that signal actuation and you appreciate a more traditional typing experience, the WS Brown switches will serve you well. With their slightly heavier 55g actuation force and tactile response, these switches provide a satisfying audible and physical feedback that many typists cherish, especially during long typing sessions. Thus, whether you lean towards the whisper-soft feel of the Silent Sakura or the tactile elegance of the WS Brown, considering your typing style and the sound environment will guide you to the right choice for your keyboard setup.
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