KTT Ash Gray vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Sakura stand out as distinct options catering to different user preferences. The Ash Gray switch is celebrated for its tactile response, offering a significant yet subtle feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and interaction. This makes it a suitable choice for anyone looking for a satisfying typing experience without the distractions of overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch provides a feather-light touch, designed specifically for prolonged typing sessions with its moderate acoustics, making it an ideal pick for those who prefer smooth keystrokes and a quieter workspace. While the Ash Gray excels in tactile feedback, the Sakura shines in its effortless actuation, offering distinct advantages depending on your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the Huano Sakura switches, the notable difference lies primarily in their top housing materials. The Ash Gray switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is lauded for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances resonance, making it an ideal choice for users favoring clarity, especially in RGB lighting scenarios thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which although known for its exceptional smoothness and durability, is characterized by a more subdued sound profile due to its slightly higher coefficient of friction. Thus, while both switches may project a distinct auditory and tactile experience, the Ash Gray leans toward a brighter tone, while the Sakura offers a smoother and more muted response in the sound department.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a harmonious similarity, as both the KTT Ash Gray and Huano Sakura utilize nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing means that, irrespective of the differences in the top housings, both switches will deliver that characteristic nylon sound signature when pressed, enhancing the overall feel and acoustics during typist interactions. Users can expect a similar tactile experience at the bottom-out point, as the qualities of the nylon are the same in both instances.
When it comes to the overall performance of the switches, the variations in top housing materials moderate the auditory outcomes, but when combined with nylon, both switches will retain a unique character founded on their respective top housings. The polycarbonate top of the Ash Gray will likely dominate the soundscape with its bright and resonant qualities, while the softer, clackier sound profile of the Sakura’s POK will still benefit from the deeper undercurrents provided by the nylon bottom. Thus, even with distinct top housings, users may achieve satisfying results tailored to their preferences for sound and feel, balancing the strengths and weaknesses of each material to deliver a nuanced typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that for typists or gamers who prefer a lighter key feel, the Huano Sakura is the better option, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Alternatively, users who favor a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the heavier Ash Gray switches. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Sakura, while those desiring a slightly firmer push would find the Ash Gray more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's clear that the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Sakura the longer option by a marginal 0.1 mm. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the Ash Gray's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel, adhering to the trend of production for faster activation. However, for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience, the Sakura offers a deeper travel distance, adding a touch of depth that some may find appealing. Therefore, your choice between the two switches may ultimately depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is characterized as neutral, offering a moderate acoustic output that strikes a balance between distinctness and subtlety. This makes the switch versatile, suitable for various environments, whether for a quiet office space or a lively gaming setup. The muted sound allows for a pleasant typing experience without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Sakura linear switch are not specifically detailed, leaving an unknown factor in how it compares acoustically.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, allowing for minimal force during key presses. This feature not only contributes to a comfortable typing session but also minimizes finger fatigue, making it especially favorable for extended typing. The switch’s mild tactile feedback maintains an approachable feeling for users of all experience levels, providing a smooth yet responsive experience. The feel of the Huano Sakura switch is not described, which leaves an uncertain comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound and a user-friendly feel that enhances comfort during long periods of use. While the specifics of the Huano Sakura linear switch remain unclear in both sound and feel, it is likely to provide a different experience due to its linear design and feather-light touch. Overall, the Ash Gray switch stands out for its balanced qualities, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a tactile experience, whereas the Sakura’s unique characteristics remain to be explored further.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile feedback while typing and prefer a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray switch would be an excellent choice, especially for a balanced experience that suits both home and work environments. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams strikes a great balance, making it user-friendly for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a feather-light touch and are looking for a switch that facilitates longer, more comfortable typing sessions, the Sakura linear switch might be the better option. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, it allows for effortless keystrokes and is well-suited for those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience. Thus, your choice should be guided by whether you value tactile feedback or a lightweight, linear feel; each option has its unique strengths tailored to different typing needs.
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