TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and environments. The TTC Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, featuring a seamless typing experience that suits a variety of uses—from fast-paced gaming to traditional office work. Its neutral sound signature aids in creating a harmonious auditory landscape, making it a safe choice for those who value a balanced acoustic profile. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g emphasizes a uniquely tranquil typing experience, characterized by an ultra-light bottom-out force that appeals to light typists or anyone in search of a quiet workspace. This switch softens the keystroke sound to a gentle whisper, reminiscent of raindrops, making it ideal for shared environments or late-night typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different users' needs; 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches showcase distinct approaches to sound profile and tactile feedback due to their differing housing materials. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to nylon's softer properties that tend to absorb sound. This fundamental difference suggests that users can expect a brighter, more resonant sound from the Gold Red Pro, while the Silent Sakura – 43g will provide a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
When looking at the bottom housings of the two switches, the roles reverse, further influencing how each switch performs. The Gold Red Pro's bottom housing is composed of nylon, which maintains the fuller sound profile typical of this material. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that imparts a sharper sound quality. This interplay indicates that while the Gold Red Pro focuses more on creating a softer, subdued sound when bottomed out due to its nylon bottom, the Silent Sakura – 43g will introduce an element of clarity and brightness into the sound produced when a key is pressed down. Therefore, the overall sound experience is shaped by the combination of materials used in both the top and bottom housings, with each switch exhibiting a blend of characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they can still achieve comparable results in terms of sound profile through their unique configurations. Users can expect that the tactile feedback and auditory responses will be shaped significantly by their choice of housing; a switch with a softer top housing might yield a more pleasant shallow sound on release, whereas the firmer bottom housing could contribute to a crisper bottom-out sound. The synergy of the materials equips each switch with its signature auditory fingerprint, offering enthusiasts an array of experiences based on their individual preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience. The Gold Red Pro requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that the Gold Red Pro is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as its heavier actuation force provides a firmer push. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Interestingly, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Silent Sakura has a well-defined bottom out force of 43 grams, which adds to its overall light feeling. In conclusion, the Silent Sakura is the lighter of the two, offering a more delicate keystroke, while the Gold Red Pro caters to individuals seeking a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the differences are notable. The Gold Red Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that, for users who prioritize responsiveness, the Gold Red Pro, with its shorter travel distance, could be the preferred option as it allows for quicker keypress actions—ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel when typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Therefore, individuals looking for enhanced responsiveness might lean towards the Gold Red Pro, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional, full travel feel might find the Silent Sakura more suitable.
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 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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, the Gold Red Pro exhibits a thocky, low-pitched sound signature that is both deep and rich, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it versatile for various environments, as it’s neither too loud nor too subdued, making it a suitable choice for both gaming and office use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches are designed for ultra-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, ensuring a serene typing experience. While the exact sound characteristics of the Silent Sakura aren’t detailed, it is clear that its primary intention is to minimize noise, making it ideal for those prioritizing discretion.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gold Red Pro is lauded for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key travel that reduces friction and resistance. This mild and subtle switch design allows for comfortable usage, making it approachable for both novice and experienced typists. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Silent Sakura are not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given its light 43g actuation force, it can be inferred that these switches prioritize a gentle and smooth typing experience, which may appeal to typists who favor a lighter touch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to slightly different needs in the typing experience. The Gold Red Pro is versatile in sound and feel, appealing to a wide audience with its polished characteristics and balanced sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Sakura focuses on offering a quieter typing experience, perfect for environments where noise is a concern. While both switches share an emphasis on smooth key travel, the specific attributes of the Silent Sakura in terms of feel remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these options will depend on whether you prioritize sound versatility and tactile feedback or the silence and gentleness of key presses.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in a versatile setting—whether that's gaming, typing at the office, or casual writing—the Gold Red Pro would likely serve you well. Its adaptable nature ensures a smooth and easy keystroke, catering to various tastes with its neutral sound and polished feel. This makes it a fitting choice for users who appreciate a satisfying yet unobtrusive typing experience. Conversely, if you prioritize a quiet and serene environment—perhaps you work in a shared space or prefer a less distracting setup—the Silent Sakura - 43g would be more suitable. Its ultra-light actuation force allows for effortless typing while maintaining a whisper-quiet profile, making it ideal for those who seek a more subdued and peaceful experience. Ultimately, consider your lifestyle and preferences in sound and tactile feedback when making your switch choice.
Mentioned in this article
