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The Cherry MX Northern Light and HMX Retro Sakura Silent switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 3.70 mm total travel, however, they come with different spring (barrel-shaped, gold colored vs 22 mm single-stage), actuation (45 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (99.9 g vs 48 g), pre-travel (1.60 mm vs 2.20 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Cherry MX Northern Light is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with top housing, bottom housing, and stem (standard shape). It features a barrel-shaped, gold colored spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 1.60mm. The 99.9g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Cherry. | The HMX Retro Sakura Silent is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 Nylon bottom housing, and POM+TPE (double-shot) stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm single-stage spring. The 42g actuation occurs at 2.20mm. The 48g bottom-out occurs at 3.70mm. Led diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by HMX. |
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| Name | Cherry MX Northern Light | HMX Retro Sakura Silent |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | - | PC |
| Bottom housing | - | PA66 Nylon |
| Stem material | - | POM+TPE (double-shot) |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | barrel-shaped, gold colored | 22 mm single-stage |
| Actuation | 45 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 99.9 g | 48 g |
| Pre-travel | 1.60 mm | 2.20 mm |
| Total travel | 3.70 mm | 3.70 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | Cherry | HMX |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the HMX Retro Sakura Silent is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Cherry MX Northern Light can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Cherry MX Northern Light and HMX Retro Sakura Silent switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Cherry MX Northern Light force curve | HMX Retro Sakura Silent force curve |
| No HMX Retro Sakura Silent force curve available. |
Cherry MX Northern Light sound test | HMX Retro Sakura Silent sound test |
No Cherry MX Northern Light sound test available. |
Comments on Cherry MX Northern Light switches | Comments on HMX Retro Sakura Silent switches |
In the quiet, clear nights of the North, the Northern Lights illuminate the sky with an unparalleled elegance. This unique aesthetic inspired us to create the MX Northern Light Switch — a fusion of innovative design and exceptional quality. The MX Northern Light captivates with its distinctive color palette, evoking the serene and mesmerizing beauty of the Nordic Aurora. Yet, its true highlight lies in its outstanding performance – Cherry. The MX NORTHERN LIGHT is proof to CHERRY’s neverending commitment to strife for excellence. Created by a team of in-house switch enthusiasts, the MX NORTHERN LIGHT combines the best components of existing CHERRY switches and enhances them with some new tricks, like an extra polished top housing and the new blue bottom, making this our smoothest linear switch ever – MonacoKeys. | A silent linear from HMX’s Retro lineup with a calm, restrained tuning. Thanks to its silencing elements, the sound is clearly dampened, while still avoiding a completely flat feel. The keystroke is typically HMX: pleasantly smooth, with a soft and controlled bottom-out. A great choice for users who like HMX quality but want a quieter, more comfortable build – MonacoKeys. |
