Gateron CM vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron CM and the Huano Sakura, both of which fall into the linear category. The Gateron CM distinguishes itself with its innovative full nylon housing that produces a rich, deep sound signature, complemented by an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a smooth, gliding typing experience. Its lengthened, dual-staged spring provides a delightful bounciness that many typists appreciate, making it ideal for those who favor a polished and thocky feel. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is designed for those who prefer a lighter touch, offering medium acoustics that make it perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. While the CM is great for tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile, the Sakura shines with its effortless key presses and versatility for extended use. 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
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Huano Sakura switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing construction. The Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing, prized for its acoustic properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound waves, which leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs a top housing made of POK material, which is a type of polyketone known for its durability and slick texture. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK allows for smoother key presses while delivering a more crisp and clacky sound profile. This divergence in materials indicates that users can anticipate differences in sound and feel when engaging with each switch.
Both the Gateron CM and the Huano Sakura feature nylon for their bottom housing, establishing a commonality in their acoustic characteristics. Just as with the top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, enhancing the sound experience upon bottoming out the keys. This shared use of nylon means that, regardless of the top housing material, the bottoming out sound will retain a full and rounded quality in both switches. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing suggests that users will experience similar auditory feedback when bottoming out the keys in both switches, showcasing the fundamental role the bottom housing plays in the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron CM and Huano Sakura switches differ markedly in their top housing materials, they share commonality in using nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similarities in sound quality during key actuation. The Gateron CM’s nylon top housing will create a deep sound profile, whereas the Huano Sakura’s POK top housing will lean towards a sharper, more tactile acoustics, resulting in a unique typing experience despite the similar bottoms. This contrast in the top housing materials suggests that while users may find the bottom-out characteristics to be quite similar, the overall auditory experience of these two switches will differ significantly, largely shaped by the distinct properties and resulting sounds of nylon and POK materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron CM features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Huano Sakura's actuation force is significantly lighter at 35 grams, with a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is not only easier to press down to register a keystroke but also provides a lighter overall typing experience. As a result, typists who favor a lighter touch for prolonged usage, such as during working hours or extended gaming sessions, may gravitate towards the Sakura switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel might opt for the Gateron CM, which offers a stronger push due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback during typing.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that they provide the same tactile feedback and feel when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance results in a similar typing experience, as users will feel the same amount of key travel whether using one switch or the other. Consequently, those seeking consistent performance in their key switches can confidently choose either option, knowing that the travel distance will yield similar results in comfort and response during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out with its deeper and richer sound signature, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more bassy and thocky typing experience. The combination of a full nylon housing and an impeccable factory lubrication enhances the acoustic profile, providing a low-pitched and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers medium acoustics, which may not impart the same degree of richness or boldness as the CM. Consequently, while the CM delivers a more immersive sound experience, the Sakura's lighter touch results in a less pronounced auditory impact, leaving it somewhat undefined in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch excels in providing a buttery and polished typing experience. The factory lube contributes to a frictionless action, ensuring a smooth glide with each press, allowing for a refined and creamy sensation that many enthusiasts seek. The lengthened dual-staged spring adds a bouncy quality to the typing experience, creating a dynamic action that many find enjoyable. In contrast, the specifics of the tactile feeling of the Huano Sakura switches remain unknown, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, if you're looking for a lightweight typing experience, the Sakura may still shine during extended use.
Overall, while the Gateron CM linear switches offer a rich auditory and luxurious tactile experience, the Huano Sakura linear switches provide a more moderate sound profile with an emphasis on a feather-light touch. If you're prioritizing deeper sound and a fluid feel with minimal resistance, the CM is your best bet. The Sakura, while less defined in both sound and feel characteristics, could serve well for those who prefer lighter key presses and potentially longer typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and selecting between them will depend on whether you lean towards a rich auditory and tactile experience or a lightweight touch for longer use.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a more tactile experience with a deeper sound profile, particularly for heavy typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron CM is a great choice thanks to its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and its bouncy, buttery feel. The rich, bassy sound signature of the CM can also enhance your typing experience, making each keystroke feel more rewarding and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter typing action for prolonged typing without much finger fatigue, the Huano Sakura switches are ideal, especially with their light bottom-out force of 45 grams, which allows for fast and effortless typist actions. The Sakura's medium acoustics lend themselves well to a quieter environment, making it suitable for office settings or shared workspaces where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the deeper, richer feedback of the Gateron CM or the feather-light touch of the Huano Sakura, tailoring your keyboard experience to your personal comfort and usage needs.
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