KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing experiences. The KTT Ash Gray is designed for those who appreciate tactile feedback; it offers a satisfying tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, making each keystroke feel responsive without being overwhelming. This switch, characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', strikes a harmonious balance, appealing to both typists and gamers alike seeking a nuanced typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g boasts an emphasis on a quiet, serene typing sound, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, this linear switch caters to typists who prefer a smooth keystroke that is both light and satisfying, minimizing distractions from typing sounds. Each switch presents unique advantages tailored to diverse user preferences, yet let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom constructions, which significantly affect their acoustic profiles and overall sensory experience. The KTT Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This creates a crisper typing experience, enhancing clarity especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g uses a nylon top housing, which provides a softer and rounder sound profile. This dampened effect results in a deeper, fuller auditory experience, contrasting with the sharper tones of the Ash Gray's polycarbonate housing.

When we shift focus to the bottom housing of each switch, the roles of material properties are similarly distinct yet complementary. The KTT Ash Gray has a nylon bottom housing, which continues the tradition of warmth and depth in sound, creating a fuller and more resonant typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g's bottom housing is composed of polycarbonate. This choice enhances clarity and sharpness to the sound profile, which influences the bottom-out feedback when a key is pressed. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for the Ash Gray's bottom and polycarbonate for the Silent Sakura's top, the materials create a contrasting interplay between the two, delivering different acoustic results based on each switch's unique configuration.

Despite these differences, one could achieve similar sensory results by customizing their keyboard setup. By carefully selecting keycaps that accentuate or soften sound characteristics, users might enhance or diminish the impact of each switch's housing materials. Furthermore, additional sound dampening methods, like installing rubber O-rings or utilizing sound-absorbing materials underneath the switch, can balance the tonal expressions created by both the polycarbonate and nylon housings. Therefore, while the materials differ, both switches can produce versatile auditory experiences depending on the user's preferences and modifications.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it's evident that their actuation forces differ, while both exhibit the same bottom out force. The Ash Gray switch features an actuation force of 38 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Silent Sakura requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches have an identical bottom out force of 53 grams, meaning that when fully pressed, they provide the same resistance. Thus, users seeking a lighter overall experience would find the Ash Gray more suitable, while those who favor a firmer keystroke might opt for the Silent Sakura.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ash Gray switch provides a shorter distance of key travel compared to the Silent Sakura switch, making it potentially more responsive for gaming enthusiasts who favor quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced and deeper keystroke, offering a different tactile experience. Overall, those seeking faster response times might prefer the KTT Ash Gray, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean toward the HMX Silent Sakura.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch produces a sound profile that can be classified as neutral, striking a balance that is moderately loud without being overly intrusive. This characteristic makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its moderate actuation force ensures that it gives adequate feedback without the clackiness or distraction often found in more audible switches. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is specifically crafted for a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of raindrops, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a noise-free environment, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. While both switches have their unique auditory traits, the Ash Gray's sound is more noticeable, whereas the Silent Sakura excels in discretion.

When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch shines with its easy-to-press design. It provides gentle resistance during key presses, which requires minimal force to activate. This means that prolonged typing can be comfortable and less strenuous on the fingers, greatly reducing fatigue. Its tactile feedback is substantial but not overwhelming, giving a satisfying experience without the harshness typical in some tactile switches. In contrast, the specifics of the feel for the Silent Sakura - 53g switch remain unknown, but it's designed for a balanced 53g bottom-out force, which might suggest a level of resistance similar to that of the Ash Gray. Both switches likely emphasize comfort and responsiveness in their unique ways.

In summary, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch cater to different typing preferences. The Ash Gray offers a balanced sound and substantial tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a moderate yet engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura focuses on providing a silent yet satisfying keystroke, making it ideal for quieter settings. While their sound profiles diverge, both switches emphasize comfort and ease of use, which can lead to a pleasurable typing experience regardless of your choice. If you're seeking a tactile experience with some aural presence or a quiet linear feel, each switch brings a unique quality to the table, ensuring that typing is enjoyable.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your typing style and environment play a critical role in your decision. If you enjoy having tactile feedback in your keystrokes without being overwhelming, the KTT Ash Gray is an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate easy-to-press switches that reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile, allowing you to use it comfortably in both home and workplace settings without the worry of being too noisy. On the other hand, if you prioritize a very quiet typing experience, perhaps due to working in shared spaces or simply preferring a more serene atmosphere, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. With its balanced force and whisper-quiet operation, this switch ensures that your typing remains discreet, making it ideal for environments where silence is paramount. Ultimately, your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound levels, and typing experience should guide your choice between these two quality switches.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more