HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those who crave a serene typing environment, providing a whisper-quiet operation akin to soft raindrops. With a balanced actuation force of 53g, they offer a light yet satisfying keystroke, making them ideal for late-night typing or shared office spaces where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches deliver an engaging tactile feedback with a pronounced bump, allowing typists to enjoy a more dynamic interaction without compromising on a smooth keystroke. Their neutral sound profile adds to the versatility, making them suitable for both typing and gaming in various environments. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize silence or tactile feedback in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, the use of differing materials for the top and bottom housings serves to create unique sound profiles that characterize each switch. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This properties stand in contrast to the WS Light Tactile, which utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. When typing on the Silent Sakura, users will likely experience a more muted auditory feedback due to the nylon’s sound-dampening qualities, which cater to those who prefer a less intrusive but rich typing experience. In contrast, WS Light Tactile’s polycarbonate top accentuates the sounds produced, providing users with a livelier engagement when pressing keys.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Silent Sakura employs polycarbonate, mirroring the characteristics of the WS Light Tactile’s top housing. This creates a unique duality in the Silent Sakura where, despite the soft top housing of nylon, the bottom housing will produce a more resonant sound profile typical of polycarbonate. In comparison, the WS Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing that has deeper sound absorption properties, contrasting the sharp profile of its polycarbonate top. Therefore, while both switches leverage nylon and polycarbonate, the Silent Sakura creates a more nuanced and rounded auditory experience, whereas the WS Light Tactile offers a brighter sound when bottoming out, illustrating how the same materials, arranged differently, influence the overall typing feel and sound.
Overall, the differences in housing materials lead to varied sound profiles and tactile feedback in each switch. While the Silent Sakura delivers a more integrated sound where the absorption properties of nylon and polycarbonate interlace, the WS Light Tactile contrasts this through the combination of stiff and softer plastics to create distinct auditory notes. However, if a user seeks to enhance their experience similarly, they can capitalize on the sound profiles through intentional usage of the switches to accentuate their preferred typing style. Choosing a switch with a specific material composition facilitates the sound feedback one desires, creating a unique typing environment that caters to individual preferences in sound and response.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences that cater to varying typing preferences. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Silent Sakura reaching 53 grams while the WS Light Tactile bottoms out at a lighter 50 grams. This difference may affect the overall typing experience, as the heavier Silent Sakura could provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Thus, the Silent Sakura is the heavier option overall, while the WS Light Tactile is the lighter choice; depending on individual preference for tactile response versus lightweight feel, one switch may appeal more than the other.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning you'll experience the same distance when pressing down on each key. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent feel in terms of key travel when utilizing either switch, making them suitable for those who prefer a uniform keystroke experience. Since the travel distances are equal, you can achieve similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness with both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
The sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is crafted for a quiet experience, capturing the gentle and soothing essence of raindrops tapping against a window, making it an excellent choice for users looking for discretion in their typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a neutral sound signature, which provides a moderate sound profile suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in professional settings. While the Silent Sakura offers a more muted auditory experience aimed at silence, the WS Light Tactile serves as a balanced option that does not overpower with noise, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a smooth typing experience with a focus on a satisfying yet light keystroke, ideal for those seeking to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile provides a stepped tactile feedback, where users can expect a mild bump that manifests as two distinct stages during the keypress. This tactile response enhances the typing experience by allowing for a clear sense of actuation while remaining easy to press, making it accessible for prolonged typing sessions without discomfort. While both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the tactile nature of the WS Light Tactile introduces an extra layer of feedback absent in the more linear Silent Sakura.
In summary, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a whisper-quiet experience with a focus on a light keystroke, while the WS Light Tactile combines a snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on whether one prioritizes a silent operation or an engaging tactile feedback while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a quieter, more subdued experience with a smooth keystroke, the Silent Sakura switch is an excellent choice, especially in settings where noise minimization is crucial, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions. Its medium-light force of 53 grams provides a balanced feel that is both satisfying and comfortable for prolonged typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile response that enhances your typing with a light feel, the WS Light Tactile switch is the way to go. With its lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a stepped tactile bump, this switch is perfect for users looking for a responsive typing experience that still allows for comfortable, low-impact keystrokes. In essence, choose the Silent Sakura for a whisper-quiet and smooth typing experience, and opt for the WS Light Tactile if you want that delightful tactile feedback without sacrificing ease of use.
Mentioned in this article
