HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi each offer distinctive characteristics appealing to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura is celebrated for its whisper-quiet performance and balanced 53g bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a light and satisfying keystroke without disturbing their surroundings. In contrast, the WS Morandi stands out with its innovative design that enhances both the typing experience and aesthetic appeal. Its unique UPE stem and all-POM housing deliver a smooth, creamy feel while maintaining a subdued sound profile, perfect for those who prioritize both performance and visual flair, especially with RGB lighting. Both switches cater to specific needs and tastes—whether you lean toward the serene typing experience of the Silent Sakura or the airy smoothness of the WS Morandi. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles during typing. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to nylon's softer nature. This material effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a less resonant, rounder audio experience. In contrast, the WS Morandi is equipped with a POM top housing, which is known for creating a unique sound that is also on the deeper side but is characterized as being relatively muted. This difference highlights how the choice of material influences the subjective auditory experience, particularly during key releases, where the top housing plays a pivotal role.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Silent Sakura and Morandi switches opt for POM, which introduces a commonality in their sound profiles. POM is recognized for producing a pleasing auditory experience, contributing to the deeper tonal quality that is also noted in the Silent Sakura, despite its nylon top. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound is crucial; the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura is known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile. This contrasts with the Morandi's POM bottom housing, which emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound. Therefore, while both switches leverage POM for their bottom housings, the variations in the top housing materials yield notably different sounds when the switches are pressed.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials lead to a nuanced variation in sound and feel. With the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing enhancing the higher pitches and resonance, users may notice a vibrant sound when bottoming out and releasing the key. Conversely, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing promotes a more subdued auditory experience, underscoring the softer notes and resonance. Although both switches can yield deep sounds due to their shared bottom material, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura provides a distinct clarity that may appeal to typists seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Morandi offers a more cohesive and muted sound profile suitable for a gentle typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the WS Morandi's 50 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the Silent Sakura again edges out with 53 grams versus the WS Morandi's 60 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silent Sakura more appealing. Conversely, those who enjoy a heavier feel during typing may lean towards the WS Morandi for its increased resistance. Overall, if ease of use and fatigue reduction are priorities, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is the lighter option, whereas the WS Morandi offers a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it becomes clear that they differ in depth. The Silent Sakura switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional specifications, offering a more pronounced key press that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Morandi switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times often preferred by gamers. Consequently, if you prioritize a responsive experience for fast-paced activities, the WS Morandi's shorter travel may be advantageous. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, more deliberate key press, the Silent Sakura will likely suit your preferences better. Thus, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi provides a more compact, quicker feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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 provides a typing experience characterized by a whisper-quiet performance that resembles the gentle patter of raindrops. This makes them an excellent choice for those working in quiet environments or who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches produce a low-pitched, subdued sound profile that leans toward thockiness, offering a soft yet satisfying audio feedback reminiscent of a deeper thud or a soft knock. Both switches prioritize minimal noise, but while the Silent Sakura aims for silence, the WS Morandi strikes a balance between muted sounds and a rich auditory experience, allowing for a distinguishable but non-intrusive keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is lauded for its well-balanced 53g bottom-out force, providing a light yet satisfying resistance during typing. This switch design lends itself to a pleasant typing experience with a smooth actuation, although specifics on the tactile feedback are not provided. In contrast, the WS Morandi switches are praised for their buttery, creamy, and silky feel, all of which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience that glides effortlessly. The use of an airy UPE stem likely enhances the overall tactile pleasure, making each keystroke feel seamless and fluid. While the Silent Sakura has a commendable feel, the WS Morandi seems to elevate the typing experience with an enhanced smoothness.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches cater to different preferences, yet share a common ground in their muted sound profiles. The Silent Sakura is ideal for those seeking a quiet typing environment, while the WS Morandi excels in providing a richer auditory experience alongside an exceptionally smooth feel. Ultimately, regardless of the switch choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their specific needs, whether that’s minimal noise or buttery smooth keystrokes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches, consider the key characteristics that align with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight typing experience and a nearly silent keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice, catering to those who enjoy a smooth, unobtrusive sound profile that allows for concentration in quiet environments. This switch excels in settings where noise reduction is paramount, offering a soft, gentle feel that makes typing a peaceful experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that enhances your keyboard’s aesthetics with exciting RGB capabilities while still providing a satisfying, muted auditory experience, the WS Morandi is your go-to option. Its 60g bottom-out force delivers a medium-weight feel that balances a tactile and smooth typing sensation, perfect for users who appreciate richer auditory feedback with a deep, thocky sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, allowing you to select the switch that complements your unique preferences perfectly.
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