TTC Gold Brown vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Sakura offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch is celebrated for its balanced feel, which combines a subtle tactile bump with a moderate weightiness, providing satisfying feedback without overwhelming the user. Its rounded sound profile offers a softer typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory experience while still wanting noticeable feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are designed for effortless key presses, characterized by their feather-light touch that makes them perfect for marathon typing sessions. With medium acoustics, the Sakura switches deliver a smooth and quiet keypress, ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness over tactile engagement. Each switch has its unique benefits: the Gold Brown caters to those who enjoy tactile sensations, while the Sakura is perfect for those who prefer a more fluid, linear experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Sakura switches, it is evident that the two switches use different materials for their top housings. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is renowned for its stiffness and translucency. This creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially compatible with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual experience alongside auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. This choice prioritizes smoothness and durability, producing a nice clacky sound while maintaining long-lasting performance. Therefore, while both switches aim for an engaging auditory experience, they achieve varying qualities in sound rather than sharing a similar acoustic profile at their tops.
In terms of bottom housings, both the TTC Gold Brown and Huano Sakura utilize nylon, which is a classic choice for switch manufacturers due to its acoustic properties. Nylon's softer consistency contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing more sound than harder materials do. This similarity in materials means that the bottom-out feel and sound of both switches would likely be comparable, as both rely on nylon's inherent characteristics. Consequently, although the top housing materials differ significantly in terms of sound resonance and aesthetic appeal, the use of nylon in the bottom housing fosters a common base for their auditory properties.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the differences and similarities in housing materials reveal how both switches achieve their distinct profiles. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown provides a brighter sound, the POK top housing of the Sakura delivers smoothness with a clackier response. Yet, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a fuller auditory experience. Users may notice that while each switch has unique attributes owed to their top housing, the overall sound signature when bottoming out keys will resonate similarly due to the dampening properties of nylon. Therefore, achieving a balanced auditory experience is possible, allowing users to appreciate the differing characteristics of each switch while still benefiting from the tradition of nylon as an effective housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch that allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. Therefore, for those who prioritize a lighter feel for extended use or gaming, the Sakura switch is the clear choice, while the Gold Brown is better suited for individuals who appreciate the feedback of a heavier keystroke. Overall, while the Gold Brown offers a firmer push, the Sakura remains the more delicate option for those seeking a lighter actuation and bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the TTC Gold Brown boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the TTC Gold Brown offers a longer travel distance, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced and deeper activation feel, which some may find more satisfying to type on. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Huano Sakura can provide quicker response times, appealing to gamers and those who favor rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for more responsiveness, the Sakura's 3.6 mm distance will meet that need, whereas the Gold Brown's 4 mm distance caters to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch presents a rounded and soft auditory profile, making it an inviting choice for both beginners and experienced users. The neutrality of its sound means it won’t draw attention to itself, allowing it to comfortably fit into various environments, whether at home or at work. In contrast, while information on the sound of the Huano Sakura switch is not specified, its medium acoustics suggest that it would also remain unobtrusive, aligning with the preference for a more subtle auditory experience, especially during extended typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown excels with its balanced design that offers a mild typing experience characterized by a gentle tactile bump. This makes it approachable for most users and provides a buttery smooth keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. Its polished finish results in reduced friction and a refined sensation that many find appealing. However, details on the feel of the Sakura switch are not provided, leaving an unknown aspect of its performance. That said, given its characterization as a linear switch, one might expect a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump, which would make for a very different typing sensation compared to the tactile feedback offered by the Gold Brown.
In conclusion, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Sakura switches will largely depend on your personal preference for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness. The Gold Brown is designed for a balanced experience with a gentle tactile bump and pleasant sound profile, while the Sakura, though less defined in subjective qualities, seems to offer a light touch suited for longer typing periods. Whether you favor the tactile or the linear feel, both switches provide pleasant yet distinct typing experiences, highlighting the versatility available in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you value a balanced typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice; its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams strikes a harmonious balance, making it suitable for both casual and intensive use. This switch is particularly ideal for environments where you want a moderate sound profile—quiet enough to use in an office without disturbing colleagues yet engaging enough for pleasurable typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura with its lighter 45-gram force might be more to your liking. The Sakura’s feather-light actuation promotes swift key presses and can minimize finger fatigue during long hours at the keyboard. Hence, if you need a smooth, linear feel without tactile feedback, especially for gaming or rapid typing, the Sakura is your go-to. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and slight resistance or a smooth, effortless key press, making each switch unique to your specific needs.
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