TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type plays a crucial role in defining the typing experience, and two popular options are the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch. The Gold Brown spring mechanism strikes a balance between a slight tactile bump and a moderate weight, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback without overwhelming their fingers. Its softer, rounded sound profile offers a more subdued acoustic atmosphere compared to other switches, appealing to those who enjoy a nuanced typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switches are designed for an ultra-quiet environment, emitting gentle sounds reminiscent of raindrops, while their feather-light activation force of 43g caters to typists who favor a less strenuous touch. Each switch brings unique attributes to the table: the Gold Brown offers a balanced tactile sensation, while the Silent Sakura focuses on tranquil, effortless typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound, while its bottom housing is made of nylon, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs a nylon top housing that absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a rounder sound profile, and combines it with a polycarbonate bottom housing that sharpens the acoustic feedback when the switch bottoms out. This juxtaposition between the two types of plastic lays the groundwork for understanding the unique auditory experiences each switch offers.
The interplay between the housing materials results in a distinct sound character for each switch. In the case of the Gold Brown, the polycarbonate top housing ensures that the sound produced during the release of the key is crisp and punchy, while the nylon bottom enhances the thump felt at bottom-out, creating a balanced auditory experience that caters to both tactile feedback and sound quality. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing softens the initial keystroke sound, fostering a quieter typing experience, while the polycarbonate bottom injects clarity into the bottom-out sound. This differentiation showcases how the choice of materials in either the top or bottom housing can segment the sound profile and tactile feedback based on their physical properties.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials in their housings, their overall performance can be harmonized to achieve satisfying results. The Gold Brown's combination of crisp and deep sounds results from the contrast between the stiff polycarbonate top and the soft nylon bottom, while the Silent Sakura achieves a similarly engaging typing experience by utilizing the opposite materials arrangement. Users can expect a tactile and auditory engagement that varies in depth and sharpness, but both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience characterized by a well-defined sound profile, proving that exploring different housing materials can yield similar levels of satisfaction depending on individual preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown boasts an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance that can provide a substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Silent Sakura requires a lighter touch with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who favor ease of typing over longer periods, such as during gaming or work sessions. Therefore, the Gold Brown is the heavier switch, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, catering to different preferences in typing feel and experience. If one seeks a comparable typing feel to the Silent Sakura with similar lightness, they would inherently favor lighter switches like the Silent Sakura, but not with the same tactile feedback that the Gold Brown provides.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key. This equal travel distance results in comparable tactile feedback and actuation feel, making them suitable choices for users who prefer consistent key travel. Consequently, if you're looking for switches with identical travel characteristics, either option will yield the same results in terms of how far the switch travels when actuated.
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 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 tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable distinctions arise. The Gold Brown boasts a rounded sound profile that is softer than the majority of mechanical switches on the market, which allows it to fit well in both home and office environments without causing disturbances. Its neutral auditory quality makes it versatile for various situations. In contrast, the Silent Sakura is engineered specifically for a whisper-quiet experience. It produces a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops, ensuring a serene atmosphere for typing. While the Gold Brown provides a nuanced auditory experience, the Silent Sakura is designed to minimize sound altogether.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown is characterized as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. This means that it offers a gentle yet engaging tactile feedback with a smooth keystroke experience, making it approachable for all users. The tactile bump is present but not overwhelming, striking a balance between feedback and fluidity. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Silent Sakura - 43g switch are not detailed; however, with its ultra-light 43g actuation force, it insinuates a light and effortless typing experience. This may appeal to typists who prefer a less pronounced and more fluid keypress, potentially contrasting with the more tactile feedback of the Gold Brown.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a well-balanced sound and feel characterized by mild tactility and a softer sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking both feedback and comfort. On the opposite end, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch prioritizes tranquility in sound while presenting an ultra-light typing experience that may appeal to those who favor a minimalistic setup. Ultimately, while the two switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards tactile feedback and the other towards silence and lightness—they each promise a satisfying experience suited to distinct typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force and enjoy the reassuring feedback of a slight tactile bump, especially for typing tasks or gaming that benefit from a bit of tactile sensation, then the Gold Brown will likely be your best bet. It's ideal for a variety of environments, whether you're at home or in an office, providing a neutral sound profile that won't disrupt those around you. On the other hand, if you're a light typist who values a quiet environment, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered to deliver an ultra-light, whisper-quiet experience, perfect for late-night writing or shared workspaces where sound can be a concern. So, depending on your priorities—whether it’s the satisfying feedback of tactile feedback or the serene silence of linear switches—these guidelines will help you make an informed decision tailored to your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
