HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Silent Sakura - 53g and Gateron Zero Degree 0° both stand out as excellent options, albeit with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its whisper-quiet performance, allowing typists to experience a serene typing environment with a gentle force of 53g that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and softness, making it ideal for long writing sessions or late-night typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch takes silent typing to another level with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering an exceptionally smooth and stable keystroke while also minimizing noise. While both switches are linear and designed for quiet operation, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a pleasing yet light keystroke, whereas the Zero Degree focuses on a plush, elastic touch that absorbs sound effectively. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches present an interesting contrast in their housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer plastic that absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This selection creates a more muted typing experience, which many users find pleasant for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes the sharpness of the keystrokes. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and clarity. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke. The distinctively different sound profiles serve to appeal to various user preferences, where the HMX prioritizes warmth and softness through its nylon material, while the Gateron emphasizes brightness and clarity with its polycarbonate.
Further delving into their bottom housings, the Silent Sakura relies on polycarbonate to deliver a crisp and resonant profile, effectively complementing the warmer tone of its nylon top. This combination allows the user to enjoy a balance of auditory experiences—melding the richer mids and lows of nylon with the highs of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° uses a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound similarly to its top counterpart, infusing a deeper tone that can somewhat soften the crispness generated by its polycarbonate upper. The interplay of these materials creates a unique dynamic where the tactile feedback and acoustic qualities can diverge under different pressing contexts, consequently modifying the loudness and pitch experienced during typing.
Ultimately, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences based on their material choices, yet they also demonstrate how similar materials can lead to comparable outcomes in the right configurations. Users who are accustomed to the soft warmth of nylon may find the Silent Sakura's combination more to their liking, alluding to a more enveloping experience, whereas those who enjoy the heightened clarity of polycarbonate may lean towards the Zero Degree. Nevertheless, both switches can yield satisfying results for their users since, despite the variance in materials, the acoustic experiences they offer can be harmoniously blended when one understands the roles each housing plays during typing. This reflects an essential principle in mechanical keyboard design: that achieving desired auditory outcomes is often a careful balance of material properties, regardless of whether nylon or polycarbonate is used predominantly.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch with the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, one noticeable similarity is their actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This shared actuation force suggests that users will experience similar responsiveness and sensitivity when typing or gaming with either switch, making both options suitable for extended use without fatigue. However, the bottom out force presents a significant contrast; while the Silent Sakura has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a moderate resistance when fully pressed, the bottom out force of the Zero Degree is unknown, making it difficult to assess its overall feel at the end of a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Silent Sakura is the heavier switch, given its defined bottom out force, while the Zero Degree could be perceived as lighter if its bottom out force is indeed less than 53 grams. Ultimately, those who prefer a more substantial feel might lean towards the Silent Sakura, while the Zero Degree offers uncertainty regarding its bottoming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional key switches and offers a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which makes it more suitable for gamers seeking speedy response times. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Silent Sakura provides a more pronounced depth, appealing to those who enjoy a substantial tactile experience, while the Zero Degree offers a quicker engagement, ideal for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, if you seek a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura is the better option with its longer travel distance, whereas the Gateron Zero Degree is more suited for those who prefer swift and responsive inputs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, creating an auditory experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it a fantastic choice for environments where noise reduction is crucial, providing a nearly silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch also aims for quietness, featuring an innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure that help absorb sound and minimize noise. Both switches prioritize silent operation, but the Silent Sakura's raindrop-like quality may provide a more soothing acoustic presence, while the Zero Degree emphasizes sound absorption without additional auditory characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g strikes a balance with its 53g bottom out force, offering a light yet satisfying keystroke that can appeal to typists who enjoy a smooth and gentle touch while still retaining a connection to the mechanical feedback. The Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch, known for its soft, elastic feel, is engineered for unparalleled smoothness and stability, enhancing the typing experience by providing a cushioning effect upon bottoming out. Both switches provide a satisfying linear experience, catering to typists who appreciate effortless keystrokes; however, the Silent Sakura may feel marginally lighter compared to the plush, elastic comfort of the Zero Degree.
In conclusion, both the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches cater to users seeking a silent typing experience, each bringing its own unique sound and feel qualities to the keyboard. The Silent Sakura excels in creating a serene, soft sound profile while offering a light keystroke, whereas the Zero Degree focuses on eliminating noise through innovative design while providing a plush feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, either switch will yield satisfying results, though your choice may depend on personal preference regarding sound nuances or the tactile sensation you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a medium-light keystroke with a satisfying response, you're likely to appreciate the Silent Sakura, which excels with its whisper-quiet operation and balanced resistance. This switch is ideal for those who often type in quiet settings, as its sound profile mimics a gentle drizzle, making it suitable for both home and office use without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience with super soft feedback, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° would be the better choice. Its innovative self-padding design absorbs sound effectively, making it perfect for environments where noise levels need to be minimized, such as shared workspaces or libraries. Overall, your decision should weigh the importance of the tactile feedback and the sound levels you prefer in your typing experience.
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