TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Huano Sakura, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences and use cases. The TTC Gold Red Pro is revered for its versatility, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience that is beneficial for a range of activities, from gaming to office work. It features a balanced sound signature that strikes a harmonious chord in various environments, making it an appealing choice for users who value a neutral auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch provides a feather-light touch, making it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions, while its medium acoustics add a pleasant auditory element without being overpowering. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability and support across various tasks, the Sakura stands out for its lightweight feel, catering to those who prioritize long-term comfort. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and Huano Sakura switches showcase different materials for their respective top housings, which significantly influence the acoustic profiles and overall user experience of each switch. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and inherent transparency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance, making it particularly ideal for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Conversely, the Sakura employs POK (polyketone) material, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability, contributing to a sound profile that is characterized as clacky. While both materials allow for distinct auditory experiences, their mechanical properties cater to different sound preferences, with polycarbonate emphasizing brightness and POK leaning towards a more robust and smooth engagement.
On the flip side, both the Gold Red Pro and the Huano Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a classic choice among switch manufacturers. This shared material choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing, as nylon contributes to sound absorption and reduces harshness during key presses. Because nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it enhances the tactile experience, providing a rounder sound that is pleasing to the ear. While the top housing materials diverge in terms of sound characteristics—polycarbonate providing more treble and POK more mid-range clackiness—the bottom nylon housings help unify the acoustic experience, ensuring that users experience a consistently satisfying typing sound regardless of the switches used.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches demonstrates a deliberate balance between differing sonic attributes and tactile feedback. While the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a crisp, resonant sound with its polycarbonate top, the Huano Sakura’s POK top yields a smoother experience, contributing a unique character to its clackiness. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches share a similar foundation of warmth and depth in sound, allowing users to achieve an enjoyable typing experience regardless of individual material preferences. This contrast in top housing materials paired with a match in bottom housing ensures that while the auditory profiles may slightly differ, the overall sound and feel can remain comparable when considering user experience holistically.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Sakura is lighter at 35 grams, making the Sakura more suitable for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Sakura has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is comparatively light. This indicates that while the Gold Red Pro requires more effort to initiate a keystroke, we cannot determine its resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, for users seeking a robust typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may seem more appealing; however, without knowing its bottom out force, it’s hard to compare comprehensively. Overall, the Huano Sakura offers a lighter actuation and a lighter bottom out feel, making it the better choice for those who prefer less resistance, while the TTC switch's heavier actuation could cater to users looking for more substantial feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of the switches. For gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, the Sakura's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may be more appealing, providing a faster actuation with less distance to travel. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Gold Red Pro being the longer option and the Huano Sakura being the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch offers a neutral audio profile characterized by a low-pitched, thocky sound when pressed, producing a deep, satisfying resonance that is neither too loud nor too soft. This versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into various auditory environments, whether in a quiet office or a lively gaming space. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch’s acoustics are described as medium but lack specific descriptors, making it less clear how its sound quality compares directly. Nonetheless, both switches should provide an enjoyable typing experience.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Gold Red Pro shines with a polished and silky touch that allows for exceptionally smooth key travel, complemented by a mild resistance that makes it approachable for all users. This makes it ideal for extensive typing sessions, as the reduced friction and subtle feedback maintain comfort over time. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch does not have defined characteristics available, leaving its tactile feedback and overall feel less understood. However, the reputation of Sakura switches for a feather-light touch suggests that it likely provides a lighter typing experience, which may appeal to users looking for less resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Huano Sakura linear switches present distinct attributes when it comes to sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in delivering a neutral, low-pitched sound with a polished, silky typing experience, catering to a wide range of users for various activities, while the sound profile of the Sakura switch remains less defined. Both switches promise a pleasant typing experience but may cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, if sound and tactile feel are top priorities for you, the TTC Gold Red Pro would be the safer choice for versatility, while the Sakura could attract those wanting an incredibly lightweight switch without a complete understanding of its acoustic profile.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it is essential to consider your specific typing needs and environments. If you're looking for a switch that excels in versatility, ease of press, and suitability for various activities—whether you’re gaming, typing for work, or just enjoying leisurely writing—the TTC Gold Red Pro is your go-to choice. This switch offers a polished and silky feel, ensuring a smooth typing experience that’s accessible for users at any skill level. Its neutral sound signature is also a big plus if you plan to use it in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch and engage in extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount, the Huano Sakura switch may be the better fit. With its light 45-gram bottom-out force, it reduces finger fatigue, making it appealing for long hours of usage. Additionally, the Sakura’s medium acoustics add a certain character to your typing without being overpowering. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and environment—it’s all about finding the switch that feels right for you.
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