HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash can significantly influence your typing experience. The Silent Sakura, celebrated for its whisper-quiet performance and a balanced 53g bottom-out force, caters to typists seeking a serene work environment without compromising on a light and satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the WS Dash offers a vibrant clacky sound signature and a silky smooth keystroke, thanks to its innovative Hall Effect technology. This switch not only enhances the auditory feedback but also brings a refined aesthetic to your setup. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to your personal preference for sound and tactile feel; whether you appreciate the quiet elegance of the Silent Sakura or the lively responsiveness of the WS Dash, each offers a unique charm. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash present a fascinating contrast in their housing materials that affects both their acoustics and tactile experience. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound better than its harder counterparts. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a clarity in sound that is inherently different from the rounded tones of nylon. These differing sound characteristics mean that users will experience distinctly different auditory feedback when typing on these switches, leading to varied preferences based on individual requirements for sound quality during use.
Examining the bottom housing reveals another layer of contrast between the two models. The Silent Sakura uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which similarly enhances clarity and sharpness in sound, emphasizing the resonance when key presses hit bottom. On the other hand, the WS Dash employs nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound when the switch bottoms out. This means that while the top housing of each switch distinctly influences the sound upon release, the bottom housing will primarily affect the sound generated upon key press. Consequently, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura offers a balanced auditory experience, while the WS Dash's pairing creates an emphasis on the middle-to-bottom auditory profile.
Ultimately, both switches utilize a blend of nylon and polycarbonate, albeit in different configurations, to create uniquely different sound profiles. The Silent Sakura's nylon top coupled with a polycarbonate bottom yields a softer overall experience, ideal for those who prefer a more muted acoustic environment. Conversely, the WS Dash provides a more pronounced auditory experience with its sharper highs from the polycarbonate top and plushness emanating from the nylon bottom. Each design will cater to differing user preferences—players seeking a fuller sound profile may gravitate toward the Silent Sakura, while those desiring crisper, more resonant key presses might prefer the WS Dash. Nonetheless, users of either switch will find pleasure in the carefully considered materials that define their respective sound and feel profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge. The Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 45 grams while the WS Dash is significantly lighter at just 30 grams. This means that typists using the WS Dash might find it easier to type for longer periods due to the lighter actuation force, making it ideal for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura measures 53 grams, whereas the WS Dash has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. Therefore, while the Silent Sakura provides a firmer feel when fully depressed, the WS Dash's notably lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a less resistive typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor a lighter switch, the WS Dash is the clear choice; however, if you enjoy a more substantial feel, the Silent Sakura might be more suitable despite its heavier actuation.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects the preferences of different users: the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which some may find more satisfying and less abrupt, making it ideal for those who appreciate a heartier feel. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, aligns with the trend towards shorter switches that can enhance response times, particularly for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers a deeper experience, the Silent Sakura is the better option, whereas the WS Dash is suitable for those prioritizing speed and efficiency with a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 offers a remarkably quiet typing experience, with acoustics akin to the gentle patter of raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This pronounced auditory feedback can cater to those who enjoy a more vibrant sound profile while typing. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When considering the tactile feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g stands out with its perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, providing a lightweight yet satisfying keystroke that's likely to please typists looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash switch is characterized by a silky smooth keystroke that complements its clacky sound, which may appeal to users who enjoy a seamless transition between key presses. Both switches aim for a pleasurable typing experience, but the WS Dash's unique feel may offer a different dimension to those who appreciate hall effect technology.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Sakura is perfect for those seeking quietness and a light typing experience, while the WS Dash offers a more vibrant auditory experience paired with a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize silence or sound, along with the tactile sensation you prefer as you type.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a quiet, distraction-free environment—perhaps you're in an office setting or share a space with others—the Silent Sakura's whisper-quiet typing experience will be ideal for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for a feather-light touch and a comfortable typing experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions without the annoying click-clack that can disrupt focus. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience, the WS Dash switch would be more suitable. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams provides a robust feel, combined with a clacky sound signature that some users find satisfying. The silky smooth keystroke adds an element of enjoyment to both gaming and typing alike. Therefore, consider your environment and typing style—light and silent for a serene atmosphere with the Silent Sakura, or lively and engaging with the WS Dash—for a truly personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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