TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Gold Pink, with its exceptionally low 37g actuation force, is celebrated for its fast and effortless typing, making it the go-to choice for gamers and rapid typists who thrive on a lively and responsive feel. Its clacky feedback adds an enjoyable auditory element to the experience, offering what many describe as a 'buttery' and 'feathery' sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g shifts the focus to tranquility, providing a whisper-quiet operation that creates a peaceful typing environment, ideal for those who favor subtlety and serenity in their workspace. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 43g, this switch caters to light typists who appreciate the gentle sound of raindrops rather than the expressive feedback of its counterpart. Both switches have their merits, appealing to distinct preferences—whether you prioritize responsiveness and feedback or seek a calming atmosphere for focused work. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, there are notable contrasts that impact the overall sound profiles and feel during typing. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. This is beneficial for users who appreciate a snappy auditory feedback while typing and is a perfect match for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This leads to a more muted and rounded typing experience, making it preferable for quieter environments or for typists who favor more subdued sound.
The bottom housings of these switches reveal another layer of comparison. The Gold Pink utilizes a nylon bottom housing, further contributing to a softer and deeper sound profile during key presses. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances its overall clarity and resonance. Since the bottom housing has a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile response of a key, users of the Gold Pink will experience a more cushioned feedback, while the Silent Sakura's design delivers a snappier bottom-out experience, making the choice between these models dependent on individual preferences for sound and feedback characteristics.
Ultimately, despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, there are similarities that may lead to overlapping user experiences. Both switches employ nylon in their construction, which allows for the signature deeper sound profile to be part of the Gold Pink's character, while the sharper sound from the polycarbonate can still be present in the Silent Sakura's action due to its bottom housing. If a user prefers clear and resonant sounds, both switches can provide satisfying auditory responses in their own right, highlighting how nuanced differences in material selection can lead to distinct yet complementary results in key switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches share an identical actuation force, making them equally responsive, which means users will experience the same ease in triggering a keystroke. However, the TTC Gold Pink has a heavier bottom-out force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 43 grams, indicating that the Gold Pink will feel slightly more substantial when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, both switches are categorized as light overall, appealing to typists looking for comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, those preferring a heavier bottoming experience may lean towards the TTC Gold Pink, while the HMX Silent Sakura could be ideal for those who enjoy a slightly gentler touch.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation when pressing down on the keys. With identical travel distances, both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of depth and responsiveness during typing or gaming. As a result, users seeking a linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance will find comparable performance in both options, ensuring a satisfying keystroke experience regardless of their choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 Pink linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound, which adds a lively auditory element to typing. This energetic sound can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy feedback through auditory cues during their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, likening the sound to gentle raindrops on a window. This contrast makes the Silent Sakura a more suitable option for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as shared workspaces or while gaming late at night, where you do not want to disturb others.
Regarding the feel, the Gold Pink switch excels with a buttery smoothness coupled with a feathery lightness, allowing for an effortless keystroke experience. The mild and polished nature of this switch caters to a comfortable typing session, whether for long hours of work or rapid gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed for subtlety, delivering a gentle resistance that remains comfortable without the pronounced feedback of other switches. While both switches focus on lightness in actuation force, the Gold Pink incorporates a more vibrant feel, while the Silent Sakura emphasizes a tranquil and gentle typing sensation.
In summary, both switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Pink excels in providing a lively, feedback-oriented experience, while the Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes quiet and subtle interactions for those in need of discretion. Users seeking a vibrant, clacky sound with a buttery feel will gravitate towards the Gold Pink, whereas those looking for a serene typing experience with gentle acoustics will find the Silent Sakura to be a perfect fit. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific typing environment and personal preferences, both switches standing out in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your preferences and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you prioritize a fast and lively typing experience, especially for gaming or rapid text entry, the TTC Gold Pink is an excellent choice. Its 37g actuation force and mild feedback create a buttery and feathery feel that allows for quick responses with minimal finger fatigue. This switch's clacky sound adds an engaging auditory element to typing, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more expressive keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you work in a shared space or simply prefer a quieter environment, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g presents an ideal alternative. With its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43g actuation force, you can enjoy a serene typing experience without distracting others. The subtle feel of the Silent Sakura makes it perfect for long typing sessions where focus and tranquility are essential. Therefore, your choice ultimately hinges on whether you value an expressive, tactile experience or a quiet, gentle interaction with your keyboard.
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