HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Silent Sakura - 53g and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile exemplify two nuanced options that cater to different types of users. The Silent Sakura, with its whisper-quiet operation and perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, is perfect for those who desire a light yet satisfying keystroke experience. Its linear design means no tactile bump, making each keystroke smooth and uninterrupted – ideal for typists who prefer a serene workspace where concentration can flourish. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches offer a medium level of tactility combined with outstanding noise reduction, perfect for office environments where silence is paramount but users still seek that gratifying tactile feedback. The WS Silent Tactile's innovative construction eschews silicone dampeners while maintaining a crisp response, creating a harmonious balance between quiet operation and precise actuation. With these distinct attributes, your decision may hinge on whether you favor the serene fluidity of a linear switch or the subtle reassurance of tactility. 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
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon as their top housing material, which significantly influences the auditory experience when typing on these switches. The properties of nylon result in a softer touch, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since both switches share this nylon top housing, users can expect a similar acoustical characteristic when pressing down on the keys. As a classic switch housing material, nylon not only absorbs sound effectively, creating a rounder audio experience, but also contributes to a pleasant tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. This shared feature implies that the initial sound produced upon key press will be comparably muted and rich for both switches.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is made of polycarbonate, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that complements the qualities of the nylon top. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase of a keypress. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing in the WS Silent Tactile continues to promote a duller and rounded sound—a consistent characteristic that likely unifies the auditory experience across different presses. As a result, the tactile feedback will differ between the two switches, with the Silent Sakura offering a more vibrant tone at bottoming out compared to the WS Silent Tactile’s softer sound.
In summary, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile feature nylon top housings that deliver a similar sound profile, their bottom housings produce distinct acoustic experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura enhances the overall clarity and resonance, creating a unique starkness that users may find appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile will maintain a cohesive sound profile that continues to focus on comfort and muted acoustics, appealing to those who prefer a more cushioned experience. Ultimately, the construction of the bottom housing dictates the overall sound quality during key presses, establishing a key delineation between the two switch designs despite their shared nylon top.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal their unique typing experiences. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is on the lighter side, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without excessive finger fatigue. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, contributing to a heavier feel that can provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prefer a firmer resistance. While the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, its bottom out pressure indicates that it is designed for users who appreciate a stronger push. In summary, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, which promotes comfort during sustained use, while the WS Silent Tactile is the heavier option, catering to preferences for a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, the Silent Sakura would be the better option, providing a more pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter distance may appeal to gamers and users who prioritize rapid response times and a more snappy feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the hearty depth of the longer travel distance or the quick responsiveness of the shorter one.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch delivers a unique typing experience that is notably whisper-quiet, akin to the gentle sounds of rain, making it exceptionally suitable for environments where noise is a concern. This tactile yet muted sound signature ensures that each keystroke is not disruptive. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a sound profile that can be described as neutral and muted, offering a moderately quiet operation that is also ideal for both home and office settings. While both switches prioritize reduced noise, the Silent Sakura's description suggests it may provide a more delicate auditory experience compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which balances subtlety with a slight crispness that users may appreciate in tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a light yet satisfying keystroke, emphasizing a smooth linear action that typists can enjoy without any tactile bump or resistance to inhibit their typing fluidity. In comparison, the WS Silent Tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility and invigorating feedback, providing a snappy yet gentle actuation. This switch strikes an appealing balance; it is neither too pronounced nor bland, allowing typists to experience a responsive sensation without feeling overwhelmed. The feel of the WS Silent Tactile may appeal to those who prefer noticeable feedback while still benefitting from the quiet operation.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer superior quietness for those seeking a serene typing experience, but they cater to different preferences in terms of feel. The Silent Sakura excels at providing a smooth, linear action, while the WS Silent Tactile delivers a gentle but distinct tactile feedback that many will find invigorating. Ultimately, choosing between them depends on whether one prioritizes the smoothness of a linear switch or the satisfying tactility of a moderate one, as each can provide a similar level of noise reduction, making them both admirable options for a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you value a lightweight keystroke and a whisper-quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura is an excellent pick, especially for those who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted flow while typing. This switch is particularly suited for home use or any setting where a soft, serene sound is preferred, making it ideal for casual typists or those who might be sensitive to noise. On the other hand, if you're in search of a slightly firmer tactile response with a muted sound profile, the WS Silent Tactile will be more suitable for office environments or collaborative spaces where feedback is essential but noise must be minimized. Its medium-heavy actuation force provides a satisfying tactile bump, making it perfect for users who need to maintain focus and efficiency during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what you prioritize in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force, and you'll find the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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