HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those seeking a serene and quiet typing experience, much like gentle raindrops, with a 53g bottom out force that strikes a balance between lightness and satisfaction for typists who enjoy a subtle yet responsive feel. On the other hand, the WS Red switches provide a bouncier typing experience thanks to their 22mm double-stage spring, offering a heavier actuation force that enhances the tactile feedback and delivers a substantial typing sensation, all while maintaining a classic sound profile. While both are linear switches that prioritize smooth key presses, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the tranquility of the Silent Sakura or the more pronounced heft of the WS Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, making their acoustic properties and typing experience remarkably similar. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory profile during typing. This shared material choice contributes to a more muted and rounded sound signature, which is particularly pleasant for users who prefer a softer typing experience. Whether you choose the Silent Sakura or the WS Red, the nylon top housing ensures that both switches will deliver a comparable auditory experience, highlighting the nuanced tactile feedback each switch has to offer.
Diverging in their choice of materials for the bottom housing, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate while the WS Red sticks with nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall acoustic experience when bottoming out. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows it to contribute a more resonant sound, often ideal for users looking to accentuate the auditory feedback from their switches. In contrast, the WS Red's nylon bottom housing brings back the deeper sound profile, aligning it with the character of its nylon top. This difference means that while the tactile experience may remain solidly consistent across both models due to their nylon top housing, the bottom-out sound and feel will vary significantly.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the different housing materials create a unique profile for each switch, making them suited for different preferences. The Silent Sakura - 53g will appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with a brighter sound when bottoming out, thanks to its polycarbonate base. Meanwhile, the WS Red maintains a softer and rounder sound profile throughout the entire key press, with a less pronounced bottom-out sound due to its nylon bottom. Thus, users seeking an even, deeper acoustic signature may find themselves gravitating towards the WS Red, while those who appreciate the crispness of sound and tactile feedback are likely to prefer the Silent Sakura.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, significant differences emerge in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura - 53g features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and ideal for those who appreciate a lighter touch during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red switch has an unspecified actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This indicates that the WS Red requires a more considerable force to reach the bottom, providing a more substantial feel which some users prefer. While the actuation forces can't be directly compared due to the unknown specification for the WS Red, the clear distinction in bottom out force suggests that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming periods, while the WS Red, being the heavier choice, caters to those who favor a firmer feedback with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm reflects the preferences for key feel and responsiveness in gaming environments. The Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and hearty depth that some users may find more satisfying, especially those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Red's shorter travel distance caters to gamers looking for quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation during gameplay. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that provides a more pronounced keystroke feel, the Silent Sakura would be the better choice, while if your priority is rapid response and less travel, the WS Red would be more suitable.
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 Red.
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 is celebrated for its exceptionally quiet performance, reminiscent of the gentle raindrops tapping against a window, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise can be a distraction. This switch is engineered for a discreet typing experience, allowing users to type without the audible clatter that often accompanies mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch offers a sound signature that is characterized by its classic material blend, producing a more pronounced yet still controlled acoustic that some may find familiar and comforting. Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura leans towards whisper-quiet operations, the WS Red provides a more traditional mechanical typing noise, albeit still within an acceptable range for most users.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch boasts a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, catering to typists who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke that doesn't demand excessive effort. This makes it an excellent option for prolonged typing sessions, as the lighter actuation can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force. This additional weight can give each keystroke a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer response under their fingers. Consequently, while both switches are linear and provide a smooth actuation, the Silent Sakura tends to cater more to those who value lightness in touch, whereas the WS Red is geared towards those who appreciate a more weighted, tactile response.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and Wuque Studio WS Red switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura is exceptional for those seeking a quiet and light touch, perfect for focused environments, while the WS Red provides a bouncier, more substantial feel that appeals to traditionalists and those who want a little more weight behind their keystrokes. Depending on your priorities—whether sound or tactile feedback—both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, but with varying nuances that will resonate differently among users.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a quieter typing experience that won’t disturb those around you, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a comfortable and gentle keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions, especially in shared or quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bouncier and more responsive typing experience, the WS Red switch is the way to go. The heavier bottom out force of 67 grams offers more resistance, which can be preferable for users who benefit from extra feedback in their keystrokes, such as gamers or those who type with more force. Ultimately, assess how you plan to use your keyboard, whether for extended typing or fast-paced gaming, and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing sound and feel.
Mentioned in this article
