TTC Brother vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch represent two distinct philosophies in tactile feedback and auditory experience. The TTC Brother is celebrated for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, offering a pronounced tactile bump that delivers a crunchy sound with every keystroke. This makes it an ideal choice for those who thrive on the auditory and tactile satisfaction that a clicky switch provides while enhancing typing speed and accuracy. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches prioritize a serene experience with their whisper-quiet linear operation. With a balanced 53g actuation force, they cater to typists seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for quiet environments or late-night coding sessions. While the Brother tantalizes with its distinctive click and feedback, the Silent Sakura provides a more subdued, focused typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switches showcase a fascinating interplay of materials that directly influences their acoustic and tactile profiles. The Brother’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiff composition. This plastic delivers a clear and resonant acoustic profile, making it ideal for users who value high clarity, especially in RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic output. Consequently, while the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Brother enhances brightness, the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura creates a warmer, more muted sound, making each switch suitable for different auditory preferences.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar dichotomy. The TTC Brother utilizes a nylon bottom housing, extending the deep, subdued acoustic quality that characterizes its tactile experience. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a more rounded sensation when bottoming out the switch. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which promotes a crisper sound profile that aligns with its top housing's acoustic clarity. This juxtaposition not only indicates differing auditory experiences but also highlights how each switch’s bottom housing will impact the bottom-out feel and sound, with the Brother emphasizing a softer bottoming motion while the Silent Sakura delivers a sharper response.
In summary, the contrasting materials utilized in the top and bottom housings of the TTC Brother and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches create distinctive auditory profiles that cater to various user preferences. While the Brother’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom offer a bright and deep sound respectively, the Silent Sakura’s configurations promote a more muted yet still resonant experience. If you are seeking a balance, using similar housing materials—whether swapping the top or bottom—will generate a more uniform sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches lies in the user's preference for either a pronounced clarity or a subdued resonance, making them uniquely suitable for different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences and similarities emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Brother switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the HMX Silent Sakura requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Brother switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The bottom out force for the Brother switch is unfortunately unavailable, whereas the Silent Sakura's bottom out force is confirmed at 53 grams, indicating a firmer push at the end of a keystroke. Overall, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier Silent Sakura switch, while those who value lighter switches for prolonged use may find the TTC Brother a better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The TTC Brother features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Brother switch has a shorter travel distance, which can provide a more responsive feel, making it appealing for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as it allows for a greater depth during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference—whether one seeks the rapid feedback of a shorter distance or the satisfying depth of a longer one.
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 - 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 Brother clicky switch provides a distinctly crunchy audio profile that resonates with clicky switch enthusiasts. This auditory experience is akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, producing clear and precise clicks that enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g presents a whisper-quiet environment, designed specifically for users prioritizing silence. Without a detailed description of its sound signature, it's understood to be much less intrusive than the Brother switch. This variance means that while the Brother offers an engaging soundscape to those who enjoy audible feedback, the Silent Sakura caters to environments where discretion is key.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch excels with its easy-to-press nature, characterized by minimal resistance that creates an effortless typing experience. The 37g actuation force allows for rapid key presses without overwhelming the fingers, while the stepped tactile feedback provides a clearly defined point during key engagement, making it particularly enjoyable. On the other hand, the feeling provided by the Silent Sakura switch remains unspecified, but given its linear design, it is likely to be smooth and consistent throughout the keystroke. This difference in tactile feedback highlights the Brother switch's distinctive bump, while the Silent Sakura aims to deliver a seamless and fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch offer divergent experiences tailored to different preferences. The Brother's crunchy sound and tactile feedback make it an ideal choice for those who relish an audible and responsive typing experience, while the Silent Sakura's silent operation positions it as an excellent option for users seeking a discreet typing environment. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your priorities: do you prefer the engaging auditory feedback and tactile sensation of the Brother, or the smooth, silent experience of the Silent Sakura? Each option stands out in its own right, catering to distinct typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find joy in the satisfying auditory feedback of a clicky switch and prefer a lightweight, responsive keystroke, the Brother excels with its effortless actuation and distinctive crunch, making it ideal for those who appreciate the tactile sensation paired with a delightful sound. It's perfect for informal settings or personal use where the clickiness can be embraced. On the other hand, if you need a more subdued typing experience, perhaps in shared workspaces or quiet environments, the Silent Sakura - 53g should be your go-to. With its balanced resistance and whisper-quiet operation, it provides a comfortable typing feel without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider your priorities: the dynamic feedback of the Brother for a more engaging typing experience or the gentle and silent nature of the Silent Sakura for focused, uninterrupted work.
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