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TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant, bassy sound signature that offers a poppy undertone, making each keystroke a delightful auditory experience. Moreover, its lightweight actuation force of just 47g ensures a speedy and effortless typing experience, ideal for those who value quick responses in their daily typing or gaming activities. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for users who prioritize a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. With its gentle tap reminiscent of raindrops, this switch manages to deliver a pleasing tactile response at a harmonious 53g bottom-out force, making it a superb choice for office environments or shared spaces. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they serve different needs and 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

42g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

47g

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

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

The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches highlight distinct approaches to sound and tactility in mechanical keyboards. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a crisp, high-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing for clearer sound resonance upon key release. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is noted for generating a deeper and fuller sound. This deeper tone arises from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound waves rather than amplifying them. Thus, while the Flaming Purple excels in delivering sharp auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura offers a rounder, more muted sound experience.

Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals a reversal of material applications, which consequently influences their sound characteristics in a unique manner. The Flaming Purple employs a nylon bottom housing, reinforcing the deeper, fuller sound profile similar to what the Silent Sakura achieves with its top housing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to that sharper sound experience typical of polycarbonate, enriching the click and bottom-out feedback. This interplay of materials means that while the switches have different textures and auditory outputs, they maintain an intrinsic balance; the Nylon in the Flaming Purple softens the sound on the bottom end, while the polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura clarifies it.

Ultimately, the comparisons between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch housings underscore how varying materials affect both the auditory and tactile experience. Users who prefer articulate and vibrant sounds may gravitate towards the Flaming Purple, while those who value a muted yet rich auditory feedback may lean toward the Silent Sakura. However, since both switches integrate a combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their top and bottom housings, individuals can achieve nuanced sound results that reflect these material qualities regardless of their preference, maintaining a balance between assorted auditory experiences through thoughtful housing design.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find notable differences in their specifications. The Flaming Purple switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, the Flaming Purple switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura - 53g is heavier. Although both switches have their unique characteristics, the Silent Sakura’s heavier bottom out might result in a firmer feedback during use compared to the Flaming Purple's lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it's clear that they differ in their measurements. The Flaming Purple features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flaming Purple is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which may be ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a deeper press, providing a more substantial tactile feedback. Thus, if you want a quicker response, the TTC Flaming Purple is the preferable choice, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura might be better suited for users seeking a more pronounced keypress experience.

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 - 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

When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Flaming Purple is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience with each keystroke. Its resonant nature contributes to a clearer, sharper sound that adds an engaging flair to typing. In contrast, while the Silent Sakura switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, the specifics of their sound are unknown. The focus on silence suggests that typists using the Silent Sakura may prioritize a more muted typing experience, potentially favoring the Flaming Purple for those who enjoy an audible feedback loop.

When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple switches shine due to their feathery, easy-to-press nature. Requiring minimal force to activate, they provide an effortless and enjoyable typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue over long sessions. Additionally, the silky texture enhances smoothness, making each keystroke feel seamless. In comparison, no specific characteristics are available for the feel of the Silent Sakura switches. Without additional details, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison, leaving a gap in understanding how they might differ in tactile engagement.

Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch represents a bold, engaging auditory experience with a smooth and light feel that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, while the Silent Sakura switches aim for a quieter operation, their tactile and auditory qualities remain unclear. For an enthusiast focusing on auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, the Flaming Purple stands out, whereas those seeking a quieter set-up may find value in the Silent Sakura, though without detailed information on its feel and sound, a full comparison remains elusive.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your preference and typing environment will play crucial roles in determining the best fit for you. If you seek a responsive and lightweight typing experience that thrives in both gaming and daily tasks, the Flaming Purple's 47g actuation force is particularly appealing. Its light, feathery feel and unique bassy resonance create an engaging auditory signature that can make typing more enjoyable. This switch is ideal for those who type quickly and often, as it reduces finger fatigue and encourages a fluid typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feel, the Silent Sakura's 53g actuation force provides a balanced touch that still steers clear of unnecessarily loud keystrokes. This switch is particularly suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and character of the Flaming Purple or the serene subtlety of the Silent Sakura, both of which can tailor your keyboard experience to your unique needs.

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