KTT F2 vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the options between the KTT F2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences. The KTT F2 is celebrated for its unique auditory presence, characterized by a distinct hollow sound signature that adds a layer of engagement to the typing experience. Its medium-light weight provides a balanced feel, allowing for comfortable typing sessions without the strain of excessive force. Additionally, the lightly textured surface of the F2 keys offers a subtle tactile nuance for users who appreciate a light touch while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those seeking an ultra-quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for shared spaces or late-night gaming sessions. With an impressively low 43g bottom-out force, these switches are tailored for gentle typists who prioritize a serene experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops. While both switches deliver smooth linear performance, their distinct sound profiles and actuation weights highlight the different experiences they offer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, we find a notable difference in their top housings. The KTT F2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This quality allows for enhanced clarity in sound and is particularly beneficial when employing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate helps to diffuse the light brilliantly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a nylon top housing, a material traditionally recognized for generating a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon absorbs sound waves, leading to a more muted audio experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials significantly affects the auditory output when the keys are released, with the F2 leaning towards brightness and resonance while the Silent Sakura emphasizes warmth and richness.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material in their bottom housings: polycarbonate. Here, the KTT F2 and the Silent Sakura - 43g align closely in terms of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, directly impacting the sensation experienced when bottoming out the keys. Because of this consistent use of polycarbonate, both switches will offer a similar auditory experience at the point of bottoming out, despite the differing sound profiles created by their top housings. This commonality ensures that typists can experience a consistent feel and acoustic feedback as they press the keys down, creating an interesting blend of auditory characteristics influenced by both switch designs.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches present a compelling study of contrast and similarity. The differences in top housing materials—polycarbonate for the F2 and nylon for the Silent Sakura—fundamentally influence the key release sound profile, leading to distinct auditory experiences. However, thanks to their shared polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches achieve a sharp sound upon bottoming out, allowing for a unified tactile experience despite their varied sound profiles when the keys are released. Thus, even as these switches create differing atmospheres through the choice of top housing materials, they also harmonize in delivering a familiar crispness in their base design.
Weight
When comparing the KTT F2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT F2 features an actuation force of 43 grams, which is standard for a medium-light switch, alongside a bottom out force of 53 grams. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that, while both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the KTT F2 requires a significantly stronger push to bottom out compared to the HMX Silent Sakura. Consequently, the F2 is the heavier option overall, making it potentially less ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming, where lighter switches might offer greater comfort. In summary, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be more suitable, while those who appreciate a more substantial push might lean toward the KTT F2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT F2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The KTT F2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is the longer option. This means that users of the F2 switch may experience quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming, whereas the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional and hearty feel, preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keypress. If responsiveness is a priority, the F2 may be the better choice, though those who appreciate a more substantial press may lean towards the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance alters the overall typing experience according to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT F2 comes in at $3.90, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 auditory experiences of the KTT F2 and the Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches, the KTT F2 stands out with its distinct hollow sound signature that provides a unique auditory character. It produces a neutral sound profile that is subdued yet present, making it versatile for both casual use and more serious typing environments. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches are designed to be whisper-quiet, evoking the delicate sounds of rain. While the Silent Sakura lacks a detailed sound description, its primary focus on silence suggests that it produces a minimal sound profile, making it ideal for those who need to keep noise to a minimum in shared or quiet spaces.
In terms of feel, the KTT F2 switches offer a pleasantly textured experience, allowing for a subtly tactile response with each keystroke. Described as feathery, mild, and subtle, the F2's light actuation force promotes comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, reducing fatigue significantly. The Silent Sakura - 43g, with its ultra-light actuation force, aligns with this desire for comfort, providing a gentle typing experience that complements light typists well. However, specific feel characteristics beyond the actuation force remain undefined. Both switches emphasize a light touch, ensuring that users can enjoy a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience.
In conclusion, if you're seeking an engaging auditory experience combined with a nuanced feel, the KTT F2 linear switch offers distinct characteristics that will appeal to your senses. On the other hand, if your priority is to maintain a serene environment with minimal noise, the Silent Sakura - 43g poses an excellent option, especially for those who prefer lighter actuation forces. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with their emphasis on reduced strain and sound, making them suitable choices depending on your sound preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT F2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch will largely depend on your typing style and the environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a balance between lightness and tactile feedback, the KTT F2 is an excellent option, offering a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and a subtly textured feel that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is ideal if you want a satisfying keystroke without feeling too fatigued during long typing sessions, making it suitable for both work and gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter experience and often work in shared spaces where noise could be a concern, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for that purpose with its ultra-light 43-gram force and whisper-quiet operation. This switch caters to light typists who appreciate a serene typing environment and minimizes disturbances to those around you. Ultimately, consider how you type and the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice.
Mentioned in this article
