HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Silent Sakura switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who work in shared spaces or enjoy a serene atmosphere as they type. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light yet satisfying keystroke that caters to typists seeking a gentle touch. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch, known for its chewy tactile feedback, delivers a bright and clacky sound profile that stands out with a resonant quality at the bottom-out point. This makes it perfect for users who enjoy a more audible and playful typing experience, emphasizing a tactile and audible response. Both switches belong to the linear category, yet they cater to distinct sensory preferences and typing environments. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the PH Studio Yoel, distinct differences emerge that influence both the auditory and tactile experience of each switch. The Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing, while the Yoel utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. The nylon material, being softer, promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic enhances the overall experience, producing a duller, rounder sound that is often preferred by those looking for a more muted auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Yoel's top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material’s rigidity allows for clearer and more resonant sounds, making it especially appealing for users who value auditory clarity and crispness in their keystrokes.
For the bottom housing, the Silent Sakura again features polycarbonate, which contributes to a clearer sound profile, reinforcing the sharper auditory output. This synergy between the top and bottom housing leads to a more harmonious sound experience when bottoming out keys. The Yoel, however, diverges in its choice by incorporating POM for the bottom housing. This POM material is known for its unique capability to produce a deeper and more muted sound, adding an interesting contrast to the sharper top made of polycarbonate. Thus, when users engage with the Yoel, they experience a balance: the crispness from the polycarbonate top combined with the richer, deeper tones generated by the POM bottom housing.
Despite these differences in materials, both switches can yield similar results in terms of performance and overall typing experience when utilized with compatible keycap designs. The Silent Sakura's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom may resonate to create a more rounded sound, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top and POM bottom can enhance the experience with distinct tonal richness. Users can find satisfaction in both switches with the right setup, such as using layered keycaps that can amplify the subtle nuances of each material. Ultimately, the choice between the Silent Sakura - 53g and the PH Studio Yoel may come down to personal preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback, as both switches are crafted to deliver high-quality typing experiences through their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may appeal to different user preferences. The Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for quicker keystrokes and potentially less finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for that tactile feedback. Regarding bottom out forces, the Silent Sakura bottoms out at 53 grams, whereas the Yoel has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use would likely gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, while those who appreciate a firmer resistance might opt for the Yoel. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the Yoel offers a heavier feel for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Silent Sakura measuring 4 mm and the Yoel at 3.2 mm. This makes the Silent Sakura the longer of the two switches, offering a more traditional depth that caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Yoel's shorter 3.2 mm travel distance aligns with the current trend favoring quicker response times, particularly appealing to gamers seeking rapid actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing a hearty depth and the other prioritizing speed—they highlight the growing diversity in switch designs, accommodating various typing styles and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 offers a remarkably quiet typing experience, designed to keep noise levels to a minimum, reminiscent of soft raindrops against a window. This switch prioritizes a subtler auditory landscape, making it ideal for environments where silence is golden. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch presents a bright and clacky sound profile, described as sharp, crisp, and resonant. The acoustic quality of the Yoel switch adds a lively dynamic to key presses, creating an engaging and pronounced auditory feedback that contrasts sharply with the almost silent function of the Silent Sakura.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g caters to typists seeking a balanced yet lightweight keystroke, though its precise tactile characteristics are less clearly defined in this context. The Yoel switch, on the other hand, excels in providing a "creamy" typing experience, characterized by smooth and buttery keystrokes, likely aided by factory lubrication or specific material choices. This lends itself to a polished and silky sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience with minimal resistance. While the Silent Sakura may not highlight these tactile qualities as effectively, typists may still find satisfaction in its design aimed at comfort during prolonged use.
Overall, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch present distinctly different typing experiences through their sound and feel. The Silent Sakura is perfect for quiet environments, offering a soft auditory footprint with a comfortable keystroke, while the Yoel switch delivers a vibrant and tactile experience characterized by a pronounced sound and smooth feel. Depending on your preference for either a serene or an expressive typing experience, either switch can cater to your needs, though they offer unique traits that cater to different aspects of typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately hinges on your particular preferences for sound and feel while typing. If you prioritize a quiet environment and enjoy a softer touch, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent option. Its whisper-quiet keystrokes and balanced 53g bottom-out force make it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels matter. Additionally, its smooth and light typing feel can enhance your experience if you're an avid typist who values a satisfying yet discreet action. On the other hand, if you relish a more pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly firmer typing experience, the Yoel should be your go-to choice. Its 60g bottom-out force provides a bit more resistance, which some users find satisfying, especially if you enjoy that bright and clacky sound profile that adds personality to each keypress. Ultimately, consider your environment, typing style, and sound preferences to select the switch that aligns with your unique needs and enhances your keyboard experience.
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