KTT Cream Yellow vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Huano Sakura represent two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound, characterized by a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem that produces resonant audio feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile auditory experience. Its lengthened spring further enhances the bouncy feel, adding an element of fun during use. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch that caters to users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. With medium acoustics, it strikes a balance between audible feedback and a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for both work and leisure environments. Each switch has its unique benefits, catering to different preferences; 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
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Sakura switches feature distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which play significant roles in shaping their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a higher-pitched, crisper sound due to its stiffness. This material's translucency is particularly beneficial for enhanced RGB lighting effects, allowing light to pass through vibrant colors. In contrast, the Huano Sakura opts for a POK top housing, characterized by its smoothness and durability—boasting superior wear and shock resistance compared to other materials like Nylon and POM. While both switches prioritize clarity and durability in their top housings, the Cream Yellow leans towards a sharper auditory experience, whereas the Sakura provides a smooth clackiness.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly influences the overall sound and feel during use. Nylon's softer nature leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound than the stiffer materials found in the top housings. This commonality in the bottom material means that users will experience a similar acoustic characteristic—specifically, a rounder and warmer sound during key presses across both switch types. Since the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feel and sound, the combined effects of nylon in both switches create a consistent auditory foundation, enhancing the final typing experience.
In essence, the differences in top housing materials between the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Sakura generate unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate housing of the Cream Yellow results in a bright, clear sound that complements RGB setups, while the POK material in the Sakura delivers a smooth and durable typing experience. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housings for both switches ensures a shared resonance, leading to a fuller and deeper auditory experience. Thus, while the top and bottom housing materials diverge in their physical properties and resultant sound characteristics, the nylon foundation harmonizes the overall performance, resulting in a balanced typing experience across the two switch types.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium in terms of weight. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is notably lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which falls into the light category. This means that the Sakura switch may be more suitable for users looking for a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue, making it ideal for work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Cream Yellow's heavier forces provide a more substantial tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the difference in force between these two switches offers users a choice based on their personal preference for typing or gaming sensations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Cream Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, offering a marginally more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses for faster response times. Conversely, the Sakura’s longer travel distance could cater to users who prefer a more substantial depth with each keystroke, providing a sense of satisfaction as the switch travels further down. Both switches fall within the range of contemporary preferences, with shorter distances gaining popularity, but the subtle difference means that users can choose based on their personal comfort and responsiveness needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctly clacky audio signature, characterized by a sharp and percussive tone that can elevate the overall typing experience. This clackiness is attributed to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which enhance resonant feedback, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and engaging. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics that provide a softer auditory experience—ideal for users looking for a more subdued sound while typing. While the Sakura’s sound profile doesn’t reach the same level of sharpness as the Cream Yellow, it remains pleasant for those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its uniquely bouncy typing sensation, which is made possible by its lengthened spring design. This gives the user a delightful responsiveness that can make typing feel more dynamic and lively. On the other hand, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch that is conducive to extended typing sessions, allowing for minimal fatigue during prolonged use. The difference in tactile response between these two switches caters to different styles: the Cream Yellow is ideal for those who enjoy an engaging, energetic typing experience, while the Sakura is better suited for individuals prioritizing comfort and effortless key presses.
Ultimately, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Sakura switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cream Yellow excels with its clackiness and bouncy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more spirited typing session. Meanwhile, the Sakura provides a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, perfect for extended use without much strain. Depending on your typing style and preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying experience, making the choice ultimately subjective to what you value most in your keyboard.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your specific preferences and typing habits play a crucial role. If you enjoy a tactile and engaging typing experience with a pronounced audio feedback that enhances your interaction with the keyboard, the KTT Cream Yellow is the better choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a balanced resistance that can keep your fingers active, making it ideal for those who crave a lively, clacky sound profile while ensuring that the typing feel is enjoyable without being overly strenuous. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions and prefer a gentler touch, the Huano Sakura with its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams will suit you perfectly. With its medium acoustics, it provides a softer sound and less resistance, making the typing experience smoother and less fatiguing over long periods. Ultimately, align your choice with whether you seek an energetic, sound-rich tactile experience or a softer, more forgiving switch that supports long typing marathons.