HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can often come down to personal preference and the typing experience one seeks. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for those who appreciate a serene and discreet typing environment, boasting a whisper-quiet operation that echoes the gentle sound of raindrops. With a balanced 53g bottom out force, it delivers a light yet satisfying keystroke, ideal for typists who crave a pleasant and low-noise experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch combines classic materials with modern engineering, featuring a unique 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy, gratifying feel. Enthusiasts love its lightweight design, which allows for smooth keystrokes while maintaining a familiar sound signature. Both switches cater to linear switch lovers but embody distinct qualities that may appeal to different users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches both utilize nylon for their top housings, lending them a distinctive auditory quality. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to its properties as a relatively softer plastic that absorbs sound better than its harder counterparts. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a similar typing experience when using either switch, particularly in terms of sound dampening and the rounded tonal quality that nylon tends to impart. Both switches will deliver a satisfying, muted sound during typing, which appeals to those seeking a quieter, yet rich auditory experience.
Conversely, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs polycarbonate while the WS Yellow features nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile—contrasting sharply with the characteristic of nylon, which offers a deeper and rounder sound. This divergence between the two switches indicates that the bottom-out sound produced by the Silent Sakura will be clearer and more resonant due to the stiffer polycarbonate, while the WS Yellow's nylon bottom housing will maintain a softer sound that aligns with its top housing. The difference in bottom housing materials suggests a distinctive typing experience at the moment of bottoming out.
In summary, while both switches share similarities in their top housing that lend to a cohesive sound experience, the contrasting bottom housing materials create diverse auditory profiles during keypresses. Users of the Silent Sakura - 53g will find a brighter, more elevated sounding bottom-out experience, whereas the WS Yellow will provide a more subdued and fuller sound due to its consistent use of nylon across both housings. This amalgamation of materials allows each switch to cater to different preferences, highlighting the nuanced effects that housing materials have on the overall tactile and auditory feedback of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it becomes evident that they exhibit some similar characteristics while differing in their actuation force. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it feel medium-light, while the WS Yellow has an unknown actuation force, but features a bottom out force that matches the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that both switches will provide the same bottoming out experience, but the Silent Sakura will activate with less force, making it the lighter option overall. The difference in actuation force could cater to varying preferences, with the Silent Sakura being ideal for extended typing sessions where less pressure is desirable, whereas the WS Yellow may appeal to users who, despite the unknown actuation force, prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the WS Yellow switch may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times—an advantage often favored by gamers. However, if you appreciate a more traditional feel and a hearty depth when pressing down on keys, the Silent Sakura switch with its longer 4 mm travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch you find more comfortable; shorter travel distances can feel abrupt to some users, while others may enjoy the tactile experience of a deeper press.
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 Yellow.
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 is designed for a nearly silent experience, akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This whisper-quiet nature makes it ideal for environments where noise is a concern, allowing users to type with minimal disruption. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow’s sound signature is more traditional, as it incorporates a blend of materials that enthusiasts have come to appreciate. While it still maintains a relatively subdued noise level, it does not match the Silent Sakura's ultra-quiet profile, producing a sound that some may find more familiar and satisfying. It's important to note that the actual acoustic characteristics will also depend on factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Silent Sakura boasts a balanced 53g bottom-out force that caters to typists seeking a light yet satisfying keystone experience, although specific details on the tactile feedback are undisclosed. Conversely, the WS Yellow switch offers a notably creamy sensation, describing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This creamy quality often results from factory-applied lubrication or specific material choices, which help create an effortless glide during typing. Furthermore, the WS Yellow provides a mild and polished feel, making it approachable for most users and ensuring smooth key travel without friction, thus enhancing overall typing comfort.
In sum, while both switches cater to typists looking for smooth linear action, their sound and feel characteristics are distinct. The Silent Sakura excels in delivering a whisper-quiet experience, ideal for more sensitive settings, while the WS Yellow offers a classic and delightful typing experience with a slightly more audible sound. Those seeking an ultra-quiet switch will likely prefer the Silent Sakura, whereas users who appreciate a more traditional sound and an exceptionally smooth feel may gravitate towards the WS Yellow. Ultimately, your choice will depend on individual preferences, such as the importance of sound levels and desired tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches, your choice largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. Opt for the Silent Sakura switches if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, as their design ensures a whisper-soft sound that won't disturb those around you. They offer a balanced feel with a medium-light actuation force that proves ideal for extended typing sessions, making them especially suitable for writers or office workers who value a serene workspace. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a smooth, creamy feel with delightful tactile feedback, the WS Yellow is likely the better choice. These switches are designed to provide a satisfying bounce and fluid keystrokes due to their unique spring design and polished finish, appealing to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a lively and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as well as the primary activities you will be using your keyboard for.
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