TTC Brother vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on individual typing styles and environments. The TTC Brother switch, renowned for its delightful clicky feedback, offers a satisfying tactile experience with a lightweight actuation force of just 37g. It's perfect for those who thrive on the auditory and physical feedback associated with traditional typing, delivering a crisp and crunchy sound that enhances the joy of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g caters to quiet environments, making it ideal for users who prioritize a stealthy typing experience. With a gentle actuation force and a smooth linear feel, these switches create minimal noise while providing a fluid keystroke, allowing for uninterrupted focus in shared spaces. While the Brother is suited for enthusiasts who relish tactile engagement, the Silent Sakura aligns with those seeking tranquility in their typing. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit significant differences in their housing materials, with the Brother featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Brother contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. The translucency of polycarbonate also provides the added benefit of showcasing RGB lighting effectively, making these switches particularly attractive for gamers and aesthetically inclined users. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer composition, which leads to a rounder auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound.
The bottom housings of both switches further emphasize their differing acoustic characteristics. The Brother’s nylon bottom housing enhances the overall depth of sound, adding a richer undertone to the keystrokes. As nylon tends to absorb sound more efficiently, it contributes to a softer and more muted bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing, with its stiffer nature, promotes a clearer and crisper sound when the key is fully depressed, which contrasts distinctly with the deeper profile of the Brother. This split in housing materials means that each switch offers a unique tactile and auditory experience, influenced heavily by which housing is located at the bottom versus the top.
When considering the cumulative effects of these housing materials, both switches deliver different sensory results, yet the overall mechanical action remains consistent across both models. Users can expect a refined typing experience regardless of their choice, given that each housing design intentionally shapes the sound and feel of every keystroke. Mechanics aside, the tactile feedback will still relate to how each switch is constructed; therefore, while they produce different sound profiles—sharp for the Brother and soft for the Silent Sakura—both will yield a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different auditory signatures influenced by their respective material combinations.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 37 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar amount of pressure required to register a keystroke with either switch. However, the differences become clear when considering the bottom out force; the Silent Sakura switch has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial feel when pressing down completely. In contrast, the bottom out force for the TTC Brother switch is unknown. Consequently, while both switches allow for a similar typing experience in terms of actuation, the Silent Sakura provides a heavier resistance at the bottom, making it suitable for those who prefer a more tactile experience. Thus, if you favor a lighter feel throughout your typing or gaming session, the TTC Brother would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura is ideal for individuals who appreciate the feedback of a heavier push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it becomes clear that the TTC Brother is the shorter option, with a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distances reflects varying use cases; gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Brother switch for its faster response time, while those who favor a more traditional typing experience might gravitate towards the deeper feel of the Silent Sakura switch. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, with the TTC Brother resulting in a snappier and more responsive feel compared to the more pronounced depth of the HMX Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Brother is celebrated for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which provides auditory feedback that many tactile enthusiasts crave. This pronounced clicking sound enhances the typing experience and provides a sense of satisfaction with every keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches are engineered for minimal noise, creating a typing environment that is almost whisper-quiet. While the sound from the Brother is distinct and engaging, the Silent Sakura fosters a tranquil ambiance, making it ideal for shared or quieter environments. Given that the Silent Sakura's sound characteristics are designed for a hushed operation, typing on them produces a serene click-free experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels with its lightweight and responsive actuation of just 37g, making it easy to press. It combines a subtle tactile bump with a stepped profile, allowing typists to experience a clear distinction between stages of key travel, which contributes to a satisfying typing rhythm without overwhelming pressure. This feature makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy tactile feedback without extreme force. On the other hand, while the specifics of the Silent Sakura's feel are not detailed, the description of its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force suggests a similarly comfortable typing experience. The linear nature implies a smooth travel without the tactile bump, potentially making it well-suited for typists who prefer a clean and uninterrupted key press instead of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch cater to vastly different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Brother stands out for its crunchy sound and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy active auditory engagement and clear responsiveness. In contrast, the Silent Sakura provides a tranquil, smooth experience devoid of noise, making it ideal for quieter workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Depending on your personal preference—whether you seek an engaging clicky experience or a serene linear feel—you'll find that both switches can provide satisfying results tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you revel in tactile feedback and the gratifying auditory experience of each keystroke, the Brother switch may be your ideal pick. Its lightweight actuation and satisfying click create an engaging typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more expressive interaction with their keyboard and don't mind the added noise. On the other hand, if you are looking for a serene and discreet typing experience, particularly in quiet environments like shared offices or late-night work sessions, the Silent Sakura will serve you well. With its whisper-soft operation and light bottom-out force, it invites extended typing without causing distraction or discomfort. Therefore, consider your typing style and environment; whether you lean towards playful clicks or a tranquil landscape of silence will guide your decision towards the switch that best suits your needs.
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