TTC Brother vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Brother and the Huano Sakura stand in stark contrast, each appealing to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Brother is a clicky switch celebrated for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, coupled with a satisfying crunch that provides audible feedback every time a key is pressed. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the tactile and auditory stimulation of clicky switches, enhancing the typing experience with precision and clarity. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is a linear switch known for its feather-light touch and smooth key press, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions without the distraction of loud clicks or tactile bumps. This switch caters to users who favor a quieter environment and a seamless, uninterrupted typing feel. While both switches have their unique advantages, including the TTC Brother’s engaging clickiness and the Sakuras’ effortless glide, the choice between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. 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
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the Huano Sakura switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic properties. The Brother features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material enhances the switch's sound resonance, making it ideal for users who prefer a bright and vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is built with a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which, while also contributing to a desirable sound profile, tends to produce a smoother, and clackier sound. The differences in these materials underscore the distinct auditory signatures of the two switches, catering to varying user preferences in terms of tactile feedback and overall sound experience.
While the top housing materials differ, both the Brother and Sakura switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to some commonalities in their acoustic performances. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound vibrations compared to harder materials. This shared characteristic means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similarly warm and rounded acoustic response from the bottom housing. The combination of nylon in the bottom of both switches acts as a bridge, allowing the switches to maintain a coherent sound profile even though their top housings diverge in material composition.
Overall, the interplay between the different materials in the top and bottom housings of the TTC Brother and Huano Sakura creates unique auditory experiences that can be tailored to individual preferences. While the polycarbonate and POK materials dictate how the sound is articulated at the top end, the consistent use of nylon reinforces a deeper sound quality at the bottom end for both switches. Those seeking a crisp response might lean towards the Brother, while users who favor a smoother tactile feel may opt for the Sakura. Ultimately, the choice of switch boils down to a balance of personal taste in sound profiles and tactile feedback, allowing each user to find their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Brother switch features an actuation force of 37 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sakura's actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Brother switch may provide a more substantial feel during typing, which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. However, the Brother switch does not have a specified bottom-out force available, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a defined bottom-out force of 45 grams, signifying that it requires a moderate amount of force to press the key all the way down. Overall, the Brother switch is heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Sakura switch provides a lighter actuation and a known bottom-out force, making it better for users who prefer a lighter typing experience and potentially longer usage without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences are subtle yet significant for typing preferences. The TTC Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Sakura offers a slightly longer distance at 3.6 mm. This means that the Brother switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or those who favor a more responsive feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sakura switch's longer travel distance can offer a more substantial typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize quick response times or a more pronounced feedback from your keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by a distinctly crunchy signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, providing a clear and crisp sound that is satisfying to many users who appreciate clicky switches. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch has a more subdued sound, described as medium acoustics. This means that while the Sakura may not offer the same kind of pronounced auditory feedback, it creates a quieter typing environment, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a less intrusive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Brother switch is celebrated for its easy-to-press design, requiring only 37g of force for actuation, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The tactile bump is stepped, offering a clear delineation in the keystroke that can be distinctly felt, providing pleasant feedback without being overwhelming. The subtle nature of the tactile feedback allows users to be productive without distraction. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Sakura linear switch remains unknown, which could imply that it may not have any tactile bump and focuses solely on a smooth keypress experience.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a highly engaging and responsive typing experience with distinctive auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura linear switch caters to users looking for a quieter, smoother experience, although specifics on its feel are not available. For newcomers, understanding these differentiating factors can help in making an informed decision about which switch aligns better with their typing preferences, whether they favor the auditory pleasures and tactile feedback of the Brother or the smoother, quieter traits of the Sakura.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and style. If you enjoy an engaging typing experience filled with auditory feedback and tactile response, the TTC Brother is an excellent choice. With its crisp, crunchy sound, easy-to-press actuation, and a well-defined tactile bump, it's perfect for those who thrive on the satisfying click of each keystroke and desire a light touch to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, especially for long sessions, the Huano Sakura switch is ideal. Its feather-light touch and linear feel provide an uninterrupted glide, making it particularly suitable for those who like to type quickly without tactile distractions. In summary, your choice should reflect your typing habits: opt for the Brother for an enjoyable, clicky response, or the Sakura for effortless, smooth key presses.
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