TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced performance, characterized by a mild tactile bump that provides a pleasing feedback without overwhelming the typist. This switch delivers a rounded sound profile, soft yet audible, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy the tactile sensation during typing while still maintaining a moderate weightiness at their fingertips. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is specifically designed for users seeking a quiet typing experience. With a light 53g bottom out force, these linear switches excel in delivering smooth keystrokes that evoke the gentle sound of raindrops, making them ideal for both silent environments and long typing sessions. While the Gold Brown caters to those who appreciate tactility and a nuanced auditory experience, the Silent Sakura invites minimal distractions with its serene operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, significantly influencing their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Gold Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making the typing experience feel crisper. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a nylon top housing that absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, yielding a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of material for the top housing fundamentally alters the auditory feedback of each switch, showcasing how the materials selected dictate the characteristics of the switches.
On the flip side, the bottom housings of these switches tell a different story. The TTC Gold Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which echoes the deeper, rounder sound profile associated with the material. This contrasts with the Silent Sakura - 53g, which features a polycarbonate bottom housing, adding a clearer, more resonant sound to the typing experience. The bottom housing tends to influence the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during keypresses more heavily than the top, meaning that while the Gold Brown might feel softer at the bottom while typing, the Silent Sakura will provide that sharper sensation. This underscore the unique ways in which each switch’s materials interact to shape user experience.
Ultimately, while both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they can still yield similar typing results depending on user preferences. If a typist desires a well-rounded sound profile that is softer to the touch, they may prefer the configuration found in the Gold Brown, while those who appreciate a more pronounced, crisp auditory feedback might lean towards the Silent Sakura. However, both switches possess a duality that creates a balance within their respective sound profiles, demonstrating how different approaches to housing materials can lead to diverse yet satisfying typing encounters. By understanding the interplay between materials, users can make informed choices based on their desired sound and feel characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura significantly lighter, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch offers a heavier feel with a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. As a result, users may find the TTC Gold Brown to be better suited for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a stronger keypress, while the HMX Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a medium-light option that allows for quicker keystrokes with less effort.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users will experience a comparable feel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in similar actuation feedback and responsiveness. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect equally consistent performance, making either switch a viable option depending on personal preference for tactile versus linear characteristics.
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 - 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch features a rounded profile that strikes a balance between being sufficiently audible and not overly loud, making it ideal for both home and office environments. While it produces a neutral sound, it is softer than many other switches, allowing for a subtle yet pleasant auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch promises a whisper-quiet experience that resembles the gentle patter of raindrops. The design emphasizes silence, catering to those who prefer a discreet typing sound, which can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces or during late-night sessions.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gold Brown offers a mild yet satisfying tactile experience. It provides a gentle bump that communicates actuation without being overwhelming, ensuring that typists can enjoy a polished and buttery key travel. The tactile nature of the switch is accentuated but not extreme, making it approachable for users of all experience levels. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, designed for a linear feel, likely delivers a smooth and fluid keystroke without any tactile bump. This could mean less feedback during typing, catering instead to those who prefer a lighter feel without any interruption in the motion.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown offers a balanced auditory and tactile experience that strikes a middle ground, making it versatile for various users. Conversely, the Silent Sakura focuses on silent performance with a smooth keypress, ideal for environments requiring minimal noise. Whether you opt for the tactile Gold Brown or the ultra-quiet Silent Sakura, each switch provides distinct experiences that align with specific user needs and preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch will hinge on your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a balanced typing experience with a slight tactile bump, the Gold Brown is an excellent option. Its medium weightiness and neutral sound profile make it versatile for both typing and gaming, suitable for various environments from home to the office. The satisfying feedback and buttery smoothness can enhance your overall typing experience, especially if you appreciate a more traditional feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience and prefer a lighter keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. Its whisper-quiet operation and softer actuation force cater perfectly to environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a gentle and satisfying feel, making it ideal for long periods of use without excessive fatigue. Thus, consider your typing habits and the environments in which you use your keyboard to make the best decision between these two fantastic switches.
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