TTC Bluish White vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Bluish White and Huano Sakura present two distinct options that cater to varying typing preferences and experiences. The TTC Bluish White is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience that resonates with users who appreciate a more engaged and audible interaction with their keyboard. Its categorized sound profile is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, making it a delight for those who enjoy a tactile and responsive sensation while typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch that allows for smooth keystrokes, paired with medium acoustics that make them well-suited for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This makes the Sakura a compelling choice for users who prioritize a more fluid and effortless keypress. While each switch has its unique strengths—be it the tactile satisfaction of the Bluish White or the smoothness of the Sakura—selecting the best option ultimately depends on your individual typing style and preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and Huano Sakura switches employ different materials for their top housings, leading to significantly distinct acoustic profiles. The Bluish White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, noted for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This material's translucency makes it particularly synergistic with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Sakura's top housing is made of POK (polyketone), which, while also high-performing, offers a smoother typing experience due to its slightly higher coefficient of friction. Although polycarbonate contributes to a clearer sound, the POK material enhances surface smoothness, resulting in a different tactile experience for the user. Both materials aim to optimize the switch's performance, but they do so by focusing on different acoustic properties and tactile sensations.
When evaluating the bottom housing, however, both switches utilize nylon, creating a shared baseline for sound and performance characteristics in this aspect. Nylon is a classic material well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. With both the Bluish White and Sakura employing this classic switch housing material, users can expect similar auditory experiences from the bottom-out sound. The sound produced when the key is pressed down reflects this shared characteristic, ensuring that the deeper tones contributed by the nylon remain consistent across both switch models.
Together, the combination of materials in the switches exemplifies how contrasting acoustic properties can be achieved through different top housing choices while maintaining a uniform bottom housing experience. The polycarbonate and POK materials each bring unique qualities that influence the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. Users will enjoy a sharper release sound from the Bluish White due to its polycarbonate top, while the Sakura will offer a smoother, clackier sensation upon actuation. However, both switches' nylon bottoms ensure that the ground-level auditory experience remains deep and resonant, allowing for a satisfying typing experience across both options despite their variances in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is the lighter option overall, allowing for even less resistance during use. In contrast, the Bluish White provides a slightly heavier feel, appealing to those who might prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches share a light weight category, the distinct differences in their respective forces cater to varying preferences, making it essential for users to consider what they prioritize in a switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Bluish White the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who prefer a more responsive feel due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Sakura, with its longer 3.6 mm distance, may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial push and a less abrupt actuation. Thus, if you lean towards a swift response time, the Bluish White may be the better choice; however, if you prefer that deeper tactile feedback, the Sakura would be more appropriate.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Huano Sakura 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 TTC Bluish White switch is characterized by a snappy sound profile, which provides an audible feedback that many users find engaging and satisfying. This poppy typing experience enhances the joy of typing, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more responsive auditory element with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch produces medium acoustics, offering a more subdued sound that is ideal for extended typing sessions. This quieter operation makes the Sakura more suitable for environments where noise levels might be a concern, promoting a more focused typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switch delivers a buttery and polished typing experience characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke, coupled with a mild feel that caters to a gentle typing experience. This switch employs a stepped tactile design, meaning it offers distinct stages during the keystroke that keep the overall experience approachable yet engaging. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is noted for its feather-light touch, which enhances the typing experience by allowing for easier key presses and reduced finger fatigue during prolonged usage. However, the specific descriptors for the Sakura switch's feel were not provided, making a direct comparison in texture and feedback challenging.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Bluish White excels in providing a snappy sound and a refined touch that makes it enjoyable for quicker typing, whereas the Sakura emphasizes a quieter operation and a lightweight feel, perfect for those who type for long durations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes more auditory feedback or a muted, comfortable experience. Each switch's performance can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap materials, so users should consider these elements when making their selection.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment for the best experience. If you enjoy a responsive, tactile feel with a pronounced sound profile, the Bluish White may be your ideal choice. With its buttery and polished keystrokes, this switch provides a snappy typing sensation, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more engaging interaction with their keyboard—especially beneficial for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and feather-light typing experience for long hours at the keyboard, the Huano Sakura linear switch is likely to suit you better. Its gentle touch and medium acoustics allow for extended typing without fatigue, making it a solid option for writers or those who spend hours on the computer. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you enjoy tactile feedback and sound or a more subdued, smooth experience.
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