TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switch can significantly impact your overall typing experience, and two notable options worth considering are the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The TTC Bluish White, with its tactile feedback, is celebrated for delivering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience characterized by its snappy sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke that enhances the joy of typing. Its buttery yet polished tactile response makes it a great choice for typists who seek both engagement and feedback. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a linear switch experience designed for ultimate quietness, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light yet satisfying keystroke that caters to those who prefer smooth and uninterrupted typing. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Bluish White for a tactile and audible sensation, and the Silent Sakura for a discreet and fluid motion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, it's evident that each switch employs a unique combination of materials in its construction that significantly influences the sound profile and overall experience of typing. The TTC Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clear sound transmission. This gives it a sharper and more resonant quality, perfect for users looking to enhance the vibrancy of RGB lighting through its translucent properties. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Consequently, users can expect a noticeably different auditory experience while typing on these switches, with the Bluish White emphasizing brightness and clarity, while the Silent Sakura highlights warmth and richness.
Delving into the bottom housings reveals another layer of distinction. The TTC Bluish White’s bottom housing is made of nylon, which provides that same, deep, and full sound signature that complements its top housing's crispness. This means that while the top housing contributes to the sharper sounds when releasing a key, the bottom housing's characteristics play a significant role in the bottom-out feel and sound, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contrasts with its top housing's nylon material. This shift introduces a crisper tone at the end of a keystroke, bringing a sense of clarity that can make each key press feel more defined, albeit against the softer tone of the nylon top housing.
Ultimately, while the TTC Bluish White and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches employ different combinations of housing materials, users can still achieve comparable results by leveraging the distinct qualities of each housing. The TTC Bluish White, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a balanced mix of sharpness and warmth, ideal for those who enjoy a bright sound with depth. The Silent Sakura - 53g, on the other hand, provides a more muted sound while still allowing for crisper feedback due to the polycarbonate bottom. The varying characteristics of the materials used in each switch result in different auditory profiles; however, both can deliver satisfying performance depending on the user's preferences for typing sound and feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, we observe some notable differences in weight characteristics. The Bluish White switch is lighter overall, particularly in the actuation phase, making it well-suited for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch, while only slightly heavier in actuation force, provides a more substantial feel with its higher bottom out force. This increased resistance can offer a more pronounced tactile response for users who prefer a firmer keypress. Thus, while both switches are designed for different typing preferences, the Bluish White's lighter actuation force may appeal more to users who prioritize ease of use over tactile feedback, whereas the Silent Sakura could be better for those who enjoy a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The TTC Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate that responsiveness. In contrast, the Bluish White's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm appeals to gamers and others seeking faster response times, making it a more suitable option for rapid keystrokes. Hence, if you prefer a snappier feel, the TTC Bluish White would be the better choice; on the other hand, if you favor a deeper typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura is the way to go.
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 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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch produces a snappy sound profile characterized by a deep, low-pitched tone. This results in a satisfying auditory feedback, offering a bass-heavy experience that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for an utterly quiet typing experience, akin to soft raindrops. This gentle and whisper-quiet nature makes it ideal for environments where noise minimization is essential, but the specifics of its tonal qualities are not detailed.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch provides a unique tactile experience described by several appealing qualities. Its buttery smoothness ensures a seamless keystroke, paired with a mild and approachable typing sensation that appeals to a broad range of typists. The stepped actuation can be felt distinctly, giving it an engaging but not overwhelming tactile feedback. Additionally, its subtle resistance contributes to a refined experience, allowing users to engage with the switch comfortably. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving potential users curious about its tactile characteristics compared to the more defined sensations offered by the Bluish White.
In conclusion, while the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a rich auditory and multisensory experience that is engaging and satisfying, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provides a muted alternative aimed at those prioritizing quiet operation. The Bluish White's sound profile and tactile intricacies stand in contrast to the enigmatic Silent Sakura; if you prefer poppy feedback and depth in sound, the former is suited for you. In both cases, personal preference regarding sound and feel will guide your choice, as the characteristics present distinct typist experiences tailored to various needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your decision between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you value a tactile feedback experience that is both snappy and enjoyable, the Bluish White is a compelling choice. Its lighter actuation force and buttery, mild feel coupled with a subtle low-pitched sound profile create an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively, responsive keyboard and often type in more private settings. On the other hand, if you seek a quiet and smooth keystroke that may be less intrusive in shared spaces, the Silent Sakura - 53g is your go-to option. With a slightly higher bottom out force, it provides a satisfying balance of light resistance and a whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, avoiding distraction while still delivering a refined typing feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a tactile response or a linear experience, along with how loud or quiet your typing needs to be in your chosen environment.
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