HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the right option can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Xinhai, each offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a virtually silent experience, providing a delightfully unobtrusive typing sensation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, with a well-balanced 53g bottom-out force that appeals to typists who favor a lighter, yet satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai sets itself apart with its innovative PA12 top housing that promotes a softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that offers a crisp and higher-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate subtle sophistication and excellent feedback in their keystrokes. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, one thrives on a silent, gentle experience, while the other embraces a more pronounced auditory feedback. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the HMX Xinhai showcase both similarities and differences that contribute to their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, users can expect a consistently warm sound when typing on either the Silent Sakura - 53g or the Xinhai, underscoring how the nylon top housing plays a crucial role in defining the keypress's acoustic character across both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly. The Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily because polycarbonate is a stiffer material, promoting clear and resonant properties that enhance the acoustic output of the switch when typing. A clear housing aesthetic further complements this by allowing for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking both performance and visual appeal. In stark contrast, the Xinhai's bottom housing is also made of nylon, thus producing a sound profile similar to its top housing—deeper and fuller. This difference means that while the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a more layered sound signature due to the combination of materials, the Xinhai achieves a more uniform tonal quality, as both its top and bottom housings generate similar sound characteristics.
When considering the overall typing experience, the material combination within each switch affects how users perceive the acoustics and feel. The Silent Sakura - 53g's polycarbonate bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, providing a progressive shift in sound from the softer nylon top to the crisper polycarbonate bottom during key presses. Conversely, the Xinhai’s all-nylon construction results in a more cohesive sound experience, with both the top and bottom housing contributing to the same deeper, round sound profile. Consequently, while users of both switches can achieve similar results in terms of the warm sound provided by the nylon top housing, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers added versatility and depth through its polycarbonate bottom housing, catering to preferences for sharper auditory feedback.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch present a notable comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Xinhai stands out as the lighter option, requiring only 37 grams of actuation force and 45 grams to bottom out. This difference in weight means that users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Xinhai switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced feel under their fingers might favor the Silent Sakura. Overall, the Xinhai's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it a more suitable choice for individuals looking for a less strenuous typing experience, while the Silent Sakura appeals to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Silent Sakura the deeper option, providing a more substantial feel as it offers the traditional distance preferred by those who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, making it ideal for rapid key presses. While both switches serve their respective audiences well, users who favor responsiveness and speed might lean towards the Xinhai, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience might prefer the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preference regarding travel distance and the feeling it provides during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 excels in providing a serene typing experience, characterized by its whisper-quiet operation that evokes the soft, soothing patter of raindrops. Its design minimizes noise, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is key. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch delivers a more vibrant acoustic profile, described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. While the Silent Sakura may appeal to those seeking quietude, the Xinhai will attract users who enjoy the auditory feedback of their key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g is noted for its perfectly balanced keystroke, offering a light yet satisfying bounce that caters to typists who prefer a smooth and gentle input without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai combines various textures, revealing a lively, elastic feedback that gives a bouncy sensation upon pressing, along with a creamy, buttery experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The Xinhai's dual characteristics truly enhance the tactile sensation, allowing for a more engaging typing experience that contrasts with the smooth, understated nature of the Silent Sakura.
Overall, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and HMX Xinhai linear switches cater to different typing preferences, creating distinct experiences through their sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Sakura is ideal for those who prioritize silence while typing, whereas the Xinhai appeals to users who appreciate a more dynamic auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preferences—be it a quiet, balanced keystroke or a lively, crisp engagement—each switch can accommodate a unique typing style, delivering satisfying results tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're someone who values a quieter typing experience, perhaps for use in shared spaces or during late-night work sessions, the Silent Sakura is a superb option. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams strikes a balance that caters well to typists who want a satisfying feel without excessive resistance, all while keeping sound to a minimum. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more lively and responsive typing experience, the HMX Xinhai switch may be the way to go. With its lighter 45-gram actuation force, you can expect a "bouncy" sensation that provides a fun and engaging feedback, making it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who thrive on quick, snappy responses. Additionally, the Xinhai's crisp, bright sound and “creamy” feel lend themselves to a performance-driven setup. In essence, consider the Silent Sakura for a serene and balanced typing experience, and the Xinhai for an energetic and engaging one.
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