TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple 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, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Flaming Purple is celebrated for its bassy and resonant sound profile, delivering a slightly poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory experience to each keypress. Coupled with a feathery touch and a bottom-out force of 47g, it provides an effortless typing experience—ideal for both enthusiasts and daily typists who appreciate a bit of auditory flair. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g caters to those who prioritize a quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an excellent choice for environments where minimal noise is crucial. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, these switches are perfect for light typists seeking a serene atmosphere while typing. Each switch has its own distinct appeal: the Flaming Purple is for those who enjoy a bit of sound and responsiveness, while the Silent Sakura is tailored for users needing a more tranquil experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it is evident that each switch adopts a distinctive approach by employing different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate’s stiffness. This is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced audio experience while typing, especially if RGB lighting is involved, as the material's translucency enhances lighting effects. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This results in a rounder auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a subtler and more muted typing sound.
Looking at the bottom housings of each switch reveals an intriguing flip in material usage, highlighting how the qualities of the housing can influence the overall auditory experience. The Flaming Purple utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, contributing to a more pronounced and resonant sound. This makes the Silent Sakura feel more lively on the bottom-out, while the Flaming Purple gives users a smoother sensation as it absorbs sound more effectively when they reach the bottom of a keypress.
Ultimately, the dissimilarities in housing materials between these two switches create a nuanced typing experience. Users of the Flaming Purple will benefit from a combination of the sharpness from the polycarbonate top and the mellowness of the nylon bottom, resulting in a balanced auditory profile that caters to those who appreciate clarity. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a full-bodied sound experience that is rounded by the properties of nylon on top paired with the sharper polycarbonate below. While each switch has unique characteristics defined by their material choices, both can deliver high-quality and satisfying typing experiences, appealing to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it feel slightly heavier and offering a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that while both switches are considered light, the Silent Sakura provides an even gentler touch, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the Flaming Purple switch is heavier, the Silent Sakura offers a softer push feel, making it more suitable for those prioritizing comfort over substantial feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura provides a deeper feel with more tactile feedback, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the Flaming Purple, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who enjoy quicker response times, making it a potentially better option for gamers who favor rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding keypress depth and feedback, with the Flaming Purple being the shorter option and the Silent Sakura - 43g being the longer one.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch distinguishes itself with a unique auditory profile. It possesses a bassy quality that adds depth to the keystrokes, giving it a rich, low-pitched resonance. This adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience, making it feel immersive with each press. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet performance, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. The sound quality of the Silent Sakura is less defined, as there is no specific descriptor provided, but it is inherently designed to facilitate a serene typing environment. Therefore, while the Flaming Purple offers a more vibrant auditory experience, the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence and discretion.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple shines as a feathery switch, requiring a light actuation force of 47g, which makes it exceptionally easy to press. This not only contributes to reduced finger fatigue over long typing sessions but also enhances the overall typing experience by offering a silky smoothness with minimal resistance. The HMX Silent Sakura, with its ultra-light actuation force of 43g, likely shares similar qualities in terms of reducing fatigue, although its specific tactile feedback characteristics are not described. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with soft and gentle key presses, making them well-suited for prolonged use.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple switch offers a captivating sound profile and a delightful, easy-to-press feel, catering to those who appreciate a richer auditory experience while typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura focuses on creating a quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for environments where discretion is paramount. While sound qualities notably differ, both switches excel in providing comfortable, low-impact typing experiences that will keep typists engaged during extended use. Ultimately, your choice might come down to whether you prefer auditory engagement or a peaceful, silent typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing and appreciate a switch that feels exceptionally light and responsive, the Flaming Purple, with its 47g bottom-out force and resonant, bassy sound, would be ideal for you. This switch can enhance the sensory enjoyment of your typing, making it suitable for both gaming and daily tasks, especially if you thrive on feedback from your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quiet and gentle typing experience that minimizes noise and distraction, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the better option. With a lighter 43g bottom-out force, it caters to light typists who seek a serene environment, making it perfect for shared spaces or situations where silence is paramount. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard; both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different needs.
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