TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, selecting the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, particularly when comparing options like the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being lively and not overly intrusive, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and everyday typists seeking a premium experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a uniquely tranquil typing experience, designed to produce a whisper-quiet sound that’s reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a thoughtfully balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches appeal to typists who favor a light yet tactile keystroke, providing an almost serene environment. While both switches have their own compelling attributes, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, notable distinctions arise from the choice of plastics for the top and bottom housings. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the resonance of sound, making it particularly suitable for users who appreciate a bright audio feedback when typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate accents RGB lighting beautifully, adding a visual appeal that complements the functional benefits. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves effectively, resulting in a more rounded and muted acoustic experience. Consequently, this variation in top housing materials distinctly influences the auditory characteristics of each switch.
When examining the bottom housings, the TTC Flaming Pink takes on nylon while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Pink additionally supports a deeper acoustic profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more pronounced thock as the key bottoms out. The softer properties reinforce the absorbency of sound, creating a warm auditory feedback. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound, amplifying the impact of the bottom-out moment with a clearer resonance. This unique combination of differing materials for the bottom housing means that each switch will reflect distinct auditory experiences, influenced largely by the material selected for the bottom of the switch.
Overall, blending different materials for the top and bottom housings in both switches ultimately leads to a diverse typing sound and feel. In the case of the TTC Flaming Pink, the use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom results in a typing experience characterized by both clarity and depth. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g achieves a contrast; the nylon top lends itself to a warm, more subdued feedback, while the polycarbonate bottom maintains a vibrant and resonant sound characteristic. Ultimately, while these switches utilize different combinations of materials, achieving similar results in terms of typing satisfaction is possible as each switch uniquely balances its acoustic profiles, thereby delivering enjoyable auditory feedback tailored to user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we can note some key differences. The Flaming Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down and ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a firmer feel when typing. This makes the Silent Sakura a better option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, making it suitable for users who prioritize long-term comfort, while the Silent Sakura provides a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying experience for those who prefer keys that feel less abrupt and more substantial under their fingers. Overall, if you choose the Flaming Pink, you’ll likely experience a snappier response, while the Silent Sakura may appeal to users who value a more traditional, hearty depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch provides a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being disruptive. It delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that resonates well when you strike the keys, making it enjoyable for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for an ultra-quiet typing experience, producing a soft sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch focuses on providing a nearly silent operation, making it optimal for environments where noise control is essential. Therefore, while the Flaming Pink offers a more audible typing experience, the Silent Sakura prioritizes discretion, catering to different preferences and settings.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are characterized by their smooth and responsive touch, giving users a comfortable and premium typing experience. This switch is designed to enhance the tactile feedback during both fast-paced gaming and slow, deliberate typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a light yet satisfying keystroke, thanks to its balanced 53g bottom-out force. This weight makes it easier to press the keys and contributes to a different kind of satisfaction, particularly for those who enjoy a lighter touch without sacrificing performance. While both switches are linear, the Flaming Pink leans towards a more traditional linear feel, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes a slightly lighter experience that some may find more appealing.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to distinct preferences regarding sound and feel in mechanical keyboards. The Flaming Pink strikes a balance between a bright, satisfying sound and a smooth feel, making it versatile for various applications. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a whisper-quiet experience with a light touch that is especially suited for quiet environments. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on whether you prioritize an audible and responsive feel versus a silent and light experience. Both offer excellent performance, but align differently with individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience that combines a smooth and responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams can enhance your gaming performance, allowing for rapid key presses, while still being comfortable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter setup, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch would be the better choice. With its medium-light 53-gram actuation force, it offers a gentle yet satisfying keystroke without sacrificing the tactile feedback you might enjoy. In summary, choose the Flaming Pink for a more vibrant and audible typing experience, and opt for the Silent Sakura if you want tranquility without compromising on feel.
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