TTC Gold Pink vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Pink features a remarkably light 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. This responsiveness makes it ideal for rapid typists and gamers who crave speed, while its clacky sound provides an engaging auditory feedback that many enjoy. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura boasts a heavier 53g bottom-out force, offering a more subdued yet satisfying keystroke that appeals to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. With its gentle, soft sounds reminiscent of rain, the Silent Sakura is perfect for quiet settings or late-night work sessions. While both switches offer a linear feel, their differences in actuation force and sound profile cater to different typing styles and environments. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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 TTC Gold Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we see fundamentally different materials used for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to create sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. This material's rigidity allows for a clear resonance, making it ideal for scenarios where RGB lighting is employed, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of the illuminated components. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material properties. This difference in materials indicates that, while both switches might deliver satisfying auditory feedback, their overall sound experiences will differ markedly due to the nature of the plastics involved.
Turning to the bottom housings, we find an intriguing switch in materials between the two products. The Gold Pink employs a nylon bottom housing, synonymous with producing a rounder sound that absorbs the impact of keystrokes. This bottom housing contributes to the overall tactile feeling of the switch, enhancing the typing experience with a softer feel upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, and as such, it will offer that sharper, more resonant quality to the sound produced during key presses and releases. Through this combination of materials, the contrasting properties of sound will become even more pronounced, with the Silent Sakura benefiting from a brighter tone while the Gold Pink maintains a richer, more muted sound signature.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize differing materials within their housings, the potential for favorable typing experiences remains. The interplay between the top and bottom housings dictates how sound and tactile feedback present themselves. While the Gold Pink aims for a crisper auditory output highlighted by polycarbonate at the top and softer housing at the bottom, the Silent Sakura brings a harmony of rounder and fuller sounds through the synergy of its nylon and polycarbonate materials. Thus, users looking for different sound profiles and feedback can choose between these switches based on personal preference, but both will yield satisfying typing experiences, rooted in the unique properties of their respective materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present distinct characteristics in both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different preferences among users. The Gold Pink features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes it ideal for users who favor a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, presenting a medium-light resistance that provides a more substantial typing experience without being overly strenuous. Thus, the Gold Pink is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura is heavier. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lightweight switch for comfort over long periods, the Gold Pink is your choice, while those preferring a stronger push feel might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With the travel distance being the same, both switches will provide equivalent feedback, allowing for a consistent keypress feel. Therefore, whether one opts for the Gold Pink or the Silent Sakura, the result will be the same in terms of key travel, ensuring a uniform experience in terms of depth and responsiveness.
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 - 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
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch stands out with a clacky sound that provides an exciting auditory experience while typing. This lively sound contributes to a dynamic atmosphere, especially when gaming or rapidly typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a remarkably quiet operation, designed to create a whisper-quiet environment akin to gentle raindrops. This subtle auditory presence makes it an excellent choice for those in shared spaces or seeking a more subdued typing experience. It’s important to note that the actual sound of both switches may depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which can further influence the acoustic profile.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch excels in providing a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. Its lightweight actuation at 37g allows for a nearly effortless keystroke that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extensive typing or gaming sessions. The smooth movement and refined finish enhance comfort and speed, giving users an enjoyable and fluid typing sensation. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is tailored to deliver a similarly pleasant typing experience but emphasizes a heavier actuation force at 53g. This switch is designed to offer a satisfying keystroke with a balanced resistance, catering to those who prefer a bit more weight while still delivering comfort. Though the experience may vary in terms of actuation force, both switches aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink and HMX Silent Sakura linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities suited to different preferences. The Gold Pink excels in providing a light, lively sound paired with an effortless typing feel, making it great for rapid tasks. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura caters to individuals seeking a quiet yet satisfying keystroke with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, both switches target unique user needs—whether you're after an energetic typing environment or a serene, noise-sensitive atmosphere, you’ll find what you’re looking for in either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use will play crucial roles. If you prioritize a fast and dynamic typing experience, especially for gaming or rapid typing tasks, the Gold Pink switch is the ideal choice. With its light actuation force of just 37 grams and a lively, clacky sound profile, it offers a buttery and feathery feel that allows for quick keystrokes with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience—perhaps for a shared workspace or a serene home office—the Silent Sakura switch is your best bet. With a medium-light 53g bottom out force, it delivers a balanced keystroke that remains satisfying while maintaining a whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. In essence, choose the Gold Pink for speed and fun, and the Silent Sakura for calm and comfort. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct advantages, so consider your typing habits and environment to find the perfect fit for your keyboard setup.
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