TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuanced differences between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is designed for those who appreciate a subtle, yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Its gentle tactile bump allows users to stay immersed in their tasks without overwhelming them, and its subdued sound profile ensures a quiet typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or for those who type for long periods. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch offers a linear experience characterized by a light touch and medium acoustics, catering to typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted key press without any tactile feedback. This makes the Sakura ideal for fast-paced gaming or quick typing tasks where speed is paramount. Both switches have their unique advantages depending on your typing style 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its stiffness, which facilitates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile during key releases. This material’s translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a visually striking aesthetic when illuminated. In contrast, the Huano Sakura uses a different material for its top housing—POK (polyketone)—which, while not as well-known as polycarbonate, boasts a very low coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest materials available. The POK housing contributes to a clackier sound during key presses, blending well with the switch’s overall tactile experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a fuller, rounder sound due to its inherent softness. The use of nylon in both the Gold Brown Pro and Huano Sakura means that typing on either switch will yield a similar auditory experience characterized by a deeper sound. This consistency in bottom housing materials suggests that regardless of the differing top housing materials, users can expect a comparable tactile sensation and auditory quality when typing. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties help mitigate harshness, allowing for a more pleasant typing experience that is enhanced by the unique characteristics of their respective top housings.
When considering the overall performance of the switches, the differing materials of the top housings lead to distinct sound profiles during both the key press and release phases. The polycarbonate housing of the Gold Brown Pro enhances higher frequencies and provides a clear, resonant tone, while the POK material in the Sakura furnishes a smooth, clacky sound that enriches the tactile feedback. Despite the variation in sound during these phases, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rounded and cohesive auditory experience. Ultimately, users looking for a satisfying tactile and auditory experience can expect reliable performance from both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Huano Sakura switches, albeit with distinct nuances in sound depending on the type of housing used.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing to different types of users. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sakura weighs in lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Sakura requires less effort to actuate, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Gold Brown Pro's lack of a specified bottom out force leaves uncertainty about how it compares in that regard. In contrast, the Huano Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires the same effort to fully press down as it does to actuate the keystroke, giving it a consistent feel. In summary, the Sakura is the lighter option, perfect for those who enjoy a softer push, whereas the Gold Brown Pro may be appealing for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, assuming its bottom out force aligns closely with its actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's clear that the two switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sakura's 3.6 mm. This difference, though small, can influence the switch's overall feel and responsiveness during use. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Sakura might be more appealing, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing keys may prefer the Gold Brown Pro. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on whether you prioritize rapid actuation or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro stands out with its nuanced audio characteristics. It produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that resonates a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. This thocky profile is complemented by a neutral volume, making it suitable for both office and home environments without disrupting others. Conversely, while the sound profile of the Sakura is not detailed, the classification of linear switches generally suggests they tend to produce less audible feedback, leaning towards a smoother, quieter operation compared to tactile switches. This means that while the Gold Brown Pro provides a richer acoustic experience, the Sakura would typically offer a more subdued soundscape, making it potentially less distracting for the typist and those nearby.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky texture, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Its mild tactility and subtle resistance create a gentle touch that feels approachable and comfortable for extended typing sessions. The stepped tactile bump adds a layer of engagement, encouraging a relaxed typing rhythm without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch lacks specific feel descriptors, which leaves its tactile quality somewhat ambiguous. However, being a linear switch, it can be assumed that it provides an uninterrupted smoothness through the key press, albeit without the tactile feedback that typists might experience with the Gold Brown Pro.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a richly textured audio and tactile experience, blending pronounced thocky sounds with a polished feel that enhances typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch leans towards a quieter operation and a smooth key press, appealing to those who prefer a more minimalist interaction. While they cater to different preferences, both switches can foster great typing experiences in their own right; the choice between them ultimately depends on whether one values tactile feedback and sound, or opts for silence and fluidity in keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a subtle typing experience with nuanced feedback, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its gentle tactile bump and low-pitched, thocky sound make it ideal for environments where you want to maintain focus without interruption. This switch offers a polished and silky feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and maturity are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother keystroke, especially for gaming or extended typing where you want to minimize finger fatigue, the Huano Sakura linear switch will serve you well. The Sakura's lighter bottom out force and medium acoustics provide a responsive touch that flows effortlessly, making it suitable for those who enjoy quick, fluid movements without tactile feedback. In essence, consider the TTC Gold Brown Pro for a balanced, tactile typing experience and the Huano Sakura for a fast, seamless, and lighter action that suits your dynamic needs.
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