HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, both of which are linear switches but offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its serene, whisper-quiet operation, designed to mimic the soothing sound of raindrops, making it an excellent choice for those who value a peaceful workspace without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of a 53g bottom-out force. In contrast, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative ball-bearing mechanism that reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a medium-high pitched sound signature. While the Silent Sakura focuses on hush and a balanced keystroke for light typists, the WS Pearl aims to elevate the tactile sensation, catering to users who enjoy fluid and responsive actions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both feature a nylon top housing, which contributes to their shared characteristic of a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a warmer and rounder acoustic experience. This similarity in top housing means that both switches will produce a satisfying tactile feedback and sound when pressed, making them appealing options for typists who appreciate a robust auditory experience. The design choice of using nylon for the top housing in both switches reinforces a familiar tactile quality, allowing users to expect similar performance in terms of sound and feel when engaging with the keys.
The bottom housings of the two switches present a contrast in materials that significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This creates a more resonant acoustic profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly when typing quickly. Conversely, the WS Pearl features a nylon bottom housing like its top, which leads to a more consistent sound experience since both housing components will produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This means that while the Silent Sakura offers a more dynamic range to the auditory feedback, the WS Pearl aims for a cohesive, warmer sound throughout.
In essence, the differences in bottom housings between the Silent Sakura - 53g and the WS Pearl highlight how material choices can distinctly shape a switch's auditory experience. Users of the HMX Silent Sakura can anticipate a clearer sound signature that might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a more uniform sound throughout the keystroke, thanks to its all-nylon construction. Ultimately, while both switches may elicit similar tactile sensations when typing, the impact of their material differences can lead to varied sound experiences, catering to different preferences for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Silent Sakura has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the WS Pearl's lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference indicates that the Silent Sakura may provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for its tactile feedback. However, while the Silent Sakura requires more force to trigger a keystroke, it has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is lighter than the WS Pearl's bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the WS Pearl, despite its lighter actuation, ultimately requires a more substantial push to bottom out. Therefore, if one desires a switch that feels lighter during regular typing, the WS Pearl is the better choice, while those who prefer a stronger push might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that offers a satisfying depth for those who enjoy a hearty feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to gamers and users who favor faster response times. This shorter distance can enhance the overall responsiveness, though some may find it feels too abrupt. Therefore, if you prioritize a satisfying push and depth, the HMX Silent Sakura is the better option, while the WS Pearl caters to those seeking quick action with its slightly reduced travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00.
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 notably quiet experience, akin to the soft patter of raindrops, which makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is essential. This particular switch’s design contributes to its subdued sound profile, ensuring a typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature. The presence of ball-bearings in these switches may give them a unique auditory quality, making them sound distinct when pressed. However, in both cases, the final sound experience will depend on various external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is characterized by its balanced 53g bottom out force, providing a light yet satisfying keystroke that many typists appreciate. This balance allows for a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue while still delivering feedback that lets users know they've registered a keypress. Contrastingly, the WS Pearl switch is renowned for its surreally smooth keystrokes, attributed to the use of ball-bearings that reduce friction during activation. This smoothness contributes to an effortless typing experience, appealing to those who prefer quick, gliding motions without the signature feel often found in conventional switches.
In conclusion, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches offer different sound profiles—whisper-quiet versus medium-high pitched—they each cater to distinct preferences in typing experiences. The Silent Sakura prioritizes a serene, satisfying touch, making it ideal for confidential settings, while the WS Pearl excels in providing a smooth, frictionless feel. Ultimately, a user’s specific preferences will dictate which switch is a better fit, but both options promise unique benefits in sound and feel that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you value a quieter typing experience and appreciate a lighter feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice, as its 53g bottom-out force provides a satisfying yet gentle keystroke perfect for late-night typing or shared spaces. The near-silent operation makes it ideal if you want to avoid disturbing others around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bit more resistance, the WS Pearl switch with its 58g bottom-out force offers a unique typing experience thanks to its ball-bearing technology. This switch provides a smooth keystroke sensation that many find incredibly satisfying, making it a great option for those who enjoy robust feedback and are seeking an engaging typing feel. Consider the sound and tactile feedback that resonates with your style; if you lean towards a quieter, softer touch, go for the Silent Sakura. However, if you favor a medium touch and the distinctive smoothness typical of ball-bearing switches, the WS Pearl will serve you well.
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