TTC Flaming Purple vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence both the typing experience and overall enjoyment. The TTC Flaming Purple and Huano Sakura are two popular linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience during each keystroke. With a lightweight bottom-out pressure of just 47g, it provides a responsive and feathery feel, making it an ideal choice for both enthusiastic gamers and everyday typists seeking speed and comfort. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura excels with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, which are perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. While both switches share the linear design characteristic of smooth keystrokes, their auditory and tactile experiences present distinct advantages depending on user preference. 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
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Sakura, notable differences arise primarily from the composition of their top housings. The Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate, a material recognized for its stiffness and translucency, which not only contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile but also enhances the aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting. This combination allows for light to pass through effectively, maintaining brightness while ensuring clarity in the sound produced during typing. In contrast, the Sakura employs POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which is lauded for its durability and smoothness. The POK's slight increase in the coefficient of friction compared to other materials translates to a tactile experience that feels slick yet controlled, contributing to a more clacky sound profile due to its exceptional strength and resonance.
On the bottom side, both the Flaming Purple and the Sakura share a common ground with their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This choice is strategic, as nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb sound effectively, producing deeper and fuller audio feedback during use. Despite the variations in the top housing materials, the similarity in the bottom housing makes it easier to achieve comparable sound qualities when typing on either switch. Since both switches leverage the nylon properties to help dampen sound and provide a richer auditory experience, users can expect a similar depth in the overall sound, even as tonal nuances from the different top materials emerge.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top and the Sakura's POK top highlight how the interaction between materials shapes the auditory and tactile experience of each switch. While the Flaming Purple may lean towards a sharper and more defined sound due to its stiffer top housing, the Sakura offers a combination of smoothness and durability that accompanies its clackiness. The nylon bottom remains a shared feature that ensures a full-bodied typing experience, demonstrating how pineing a versatile material choice across both models can harmonize differing qualities from the top housings, leading to an engaging and resonant sound profile regardless of the specific switch.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both offer a light typing experience, but they differ slightly in their force specifications. The Flaming Purple features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura switch the lighter option overall, which can be beneficial for users who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Flaming Purple, though still considered light, provides a slightly heavier feel, which might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While both switches bottom out at relatively close forces, the Sakura's lighter actuation force indicates that it may be easier to type quickly and effortlessly.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same distance when pressing down on either switch. This congruence in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and performance during use, making them well-suited for those who prefer a consistent keystroke experience. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect comparable results in terms of responsiveness and feel, regardless of their choice between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 TTC Flaming Purple switch stands out with its resonant, bassy character, providing a rich auditory experience during typing. The deeper, low-pitched tones contribute to a unique popup quality, offering a clean and sharp sound profile that engages the typist. The sound is naturally influenced by factors like the keyboard type and keycap choice, but the Flaming Purple’s inherent acoustic qualities lean towards a captivating auditory flair. In contrast, information on the sound profile of the Huano Sakura switch is not available, leaving its acoustic characteristics unexamined.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple excels with its feathery touch and silky smoothness, requiring only 47g of force to bottom out. This lightweight actuation minimizes finger fatigue, making it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions. The gentle resistance during key presses enhances comfort, allowing for a seamless typing experience. The overall sensation is effortlessly responsive, making every keystroke feel luxurious. Details about the tactile feedback and overall feel of the Huano Sakura switch are not provided, so that aspect remains unknown.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple switch offers a distinctive auditory and tactile experience characterized by its resonant, bassy sound and silky, feathery feel, the Huano Sakura switch remains a mystery in terms of its sound and feel qualities. For those seeking a switch with an engaging auditory profile and comfortable typing experience, the Flaming Purple is an excellent choice, while more information would be needed to accurately gauge the comparative advantages of the Sakura switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Sakura linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a slightly bassier sound with a resonant character, the Flaming Purple is your go-to option. Its feathery feel and light bottom-out force of 47 grams make it ideal for both gaming and typing, allowing for swift keystrokes without tiring your fingers. The engaging auditory experience it provides adds a layer of enjoyment to your typing sessions, making it suitable for those who prioritize sound and a smooth, comfortable feel. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch paired with medium acoustics, the Huano Sakura, with its bottom-out force of 45 grams, might be more appealing. This switch is designed for extended typing sessions, promoting comfort and reducing fatigue, which is great for long periods of work or study. In short, go for the Flaming Purple if you want a more immersive and engaging typing experience, while the Sakura is perfect for a more subtle and fatigue-reducing option. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize sound and responsiveness or a lightweight, fatigue-friendly experience.
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