TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a gentle bump at actuation, delivering subtle feedback that allows typists to remain immersed in their work without the distraction of loud keystrokes. This switch is particularly favored by those who appreciate a polished and low-pitched typing experience that is both smooth and muted. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch that excels in providing an ultra-light and whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle sound of rain. With a bottom-out force of just 43g, it caters to light typists who desire a serene and distraction-free environment for their work or gaming endeavors. While both switches offer unique advantages— the TTC Gold Brown Pro for its tactile feedback and the Silent Sakura for its almost silent operation— choosing the right one ultimately hinges on the user's typing 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound. This characteristic makes the switch ideal for RGB setups as its translucent design enhances lighting effects. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound due to its softer consistency. The result is a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more muted typing experience compared to the crispness of the polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro. Thus, the two switches cater to different preferences in auditory feedback, with the Gold Brown Pro providing clarity and sharpness, while the Silent Sakura offers a warmer sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a reversal in material choices that continues to shape the auditory characteristics of each switch. The Gold Brown Pro sports a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances the deep and rounded sound profile typical of nylon materials. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, injecting clarity and a sharper pitch into the sound experience. This interchange of materials means that users will experience the unique qualities of each material at different points in their typing experience. Specifically, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress while the top housing affects the sound produced when the key is released. Consequently, users can expect a nuanced auditory experience when using these switches, with each housing material playing a crucial role in shaping that experience.
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g ultimately highlight the importance of housing materials in switch design, and they achieve their unique sound profiles through a careful balance of contrasting materials. When fully considered, these switches portray how housing material affects both the bottom-out experience and the release sound, with the Gold Brown Pro favoring a cleaner, brighter ascendance and the Silent Sakura leaning towards warmth and depth. Despite their differing materials, users who may appreciate both switches can find common ground in the quality of sound and tactile feedback they provide. Thus, while their individual characteristics diverge, they lead to enjoyable typing experiences, showcasing how various materials can coexist in the realm of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a noticeable difference in actuation force is evident. The Gold Brown Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the Silent Sakura's lighter 37 grams. This difference may affect typing experience, with the heavier Gold Brown Pro providing a more substantial feel, potentially preferred for users who enjoy a firmer response. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro remains unknown, while the Silent Sakura has a specified bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura will feel lighter overall, especially in actuation, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who favor a sturdier switch might lean toward the Gold Brown Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it's clear that they differ slightly in their specifications. The Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g extends to 4.0 mm. This makes the Gold Brown Pro the shorter option, offering a more responsive experience that gamers might prefer for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura - 43g can provide a more traditional feel, which some users may find more satisfying or substantial. While both switches serve different preferences, choosing the Gold Brown Pro could be ideal for those seeking a snappier response, while opting for the Silent Sakura may appeal to those who appreciate deeper keystrokes.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there's a notable difference in their auditory characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro offers a thocky, low-pitched sound that is both rich and satisfying, producing a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" with each key press and release. This sound is further enhanced by its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the Silent Sakura is engineered specifically to ensure a whisper-quiet typing experience, though its exact sound characteristics are less defined. While both switches provide a quieter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro's auditory presence allows for a more dynamic auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura promises an almost inaudible performance.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished, silky smoothness that creates a refined typing sensation. Its mild tactile feedback provides a gentle and comforting experience without overwhelming the typist, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The stepped nature of the switch means that there is a noticeable yet subtle distinction as keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience without being too assertive. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura's tactile characteristics are not explicitly defined, but the ultra-light actuation force of 43g suggests a lighter and more effortless typing feel. Even so, this contrasts with the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown Pro, likely resulting in a more linear and smooth experience, perhaps favored by those who prefer a more straightforward keystroke.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch cater to users seeking a quieter working environment, they achieve this through different means. The Gold Brown Pro combines subtle tactile feedback with a rich, low-pitched sound and a smooth typing feel, appealing to those who appreciate a tactile experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura seeks to deliver an exceptionally light and whisper-quiet performance, making it ideal for those prioritizing silence over tactile feedback. Depending on your typing style and preferences, each of these switches can serve your needs effectively, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a richer experience and the Silent Sakura emphasizing muted efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a gentle yet noticeable tactile feedback with a rich, thocky sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is your ideal choice. Its polished and silky feel allows for smooth typing, making it perfect for both work and home settings where you might want to remain focused without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you're looking for an ultra-light switch that provides a serene and whisper-quiet experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go. This switch is designed for light typists who prefer minimal resistance and a calm typing atmosphere, making it perfect for shared spaces or situations where noise is a concern. By understanding these differences, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment, ensuring a satisfying and productive experience.
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