TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both classified as linear switches but catering to different typing experiences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a seamless and smooth typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, from gamers to office workers. Its neutral sound profile strikes a balance that makes it suitable for various environments, allowing typists to engage comfortably without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g emphasizes a whisper-quiet operation, perfect for those who value a discreet typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With its balanced actuation force of 53g, it provides a light yet satisfying keystroke that enhances the tactile feel without the loud clacks often associated with traditional switches. Both switches cater to different needs, making them excellent choices depending on your priorities in typing comfort and sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switch mechanisms present a compelling contrast in their upper housing materials, with the Gold Red Pro employing a polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which in turn produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly. This quality not only enhances the auditory experience for users but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly if RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better illumination effects. Conversely, the Silent Sakura’s nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the material’s softer properties that absorb more sound waves, resulting in a potentiated muffled audio experience. The distinction in these materials ultimately influences user perception and tactile feedback during typing sessions, showcasing the nuanced characteristics of each design.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches exhibit a reversal of materials, with the Gold Red Pro featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Sakura a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing enriches the tactile experience, producing a rounder, deeper sound that enhances the overall enthusiasm of bottoming out, which is a critical aspect for many typists and gamers seeking satisfying keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing contributes a crisper sound, ensuring a clear sonic experience while bottoming out yet retaining distinctness in sound during release. This juxtaposition illustrates how each switch utilizes its materials to create a unique typing experience rooted in acoustic and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, both switch types will offer unique, yet similar outcomes due to the nature of their materials. For instance, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Gold Red Pro is designed to produce a contrast between a bright top sound and a warm bottom sound, whereas the opposite configuration in the Silent Sakura (nylon top and polycarbonate bottom) would generate a more subdued top noise with a vibrant ground tone. As a result, despite their differences, users can anticipate similar satisfaction in their typing experience—both switches enable a balanced yet distinct auditory response while delivering on tactile comfort, appealing to varying preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura requires 45 grams of actuation force, slightly heavier but still classified as medium-light. The bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro remains unknown, whereas the Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. This suggests that users favoring a softer touch might prefer the Gold Red Pro for prolonged typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial tactile feedback could opt for the Silent Sakura, which offers a heavier, more pronounced bottoming out experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Gold Red Pro's lighter actuation force might appeal to users looking for comfort over long durations, whereas the Silent Sakura provides a bit more resistance for a more deliberate keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. 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 makes the Gold Red Pro the shorter option, favoring those who appreciate a quicker response time typical among gamers. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s travel distance may appeal to users seeking a more traditional feel and a hearty depth when typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 - 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, the Gold Red Pro offers a notably thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is deep and rich without being overbearing. This neutral sound signature makes it suitable for a variety of environments—whether you're at home or in the office, the sound won't be intrusive. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed specifically for a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of soft raindrops, yet the exact characteristics of its sound are unknown. This emphasis on silence makes it ideal for settings where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or quiet environments.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro switches shine with their polished and silky smooth operation, resulting in a refined, effortless typing experience. These switches provide mild and subtle resistance, offering a comfortable feel that minimizes friction during key presses. This combination makes the Gold Red Pro particularly approachable for all types of users, whether you're a seasoned gamer or someone who enjoys leisurely typing. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches remains largely unknown; however, given their design intention of delivering a satisfying keystroke, one could infer that they are crafted to provide a pleasant typing experience while prioritizing silence.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to different preferences and environments, with the Gold Red Pro excelling in versatility through its auditory profile and refined feel, making it suitable for most settings. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g emphasizes a quiet experience, perfect for those who prioritize minimizing typing noise. Ultimately, if sound is a priority, the Gold Red Pro may be the more engaging choice, while the Silent Sakura will appeal to those seeking tranquility in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you seek a versatile switch that effortlessly accommodates a wide range of activities, from gaming to professional tasks, the TTC Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its smooth, polished feel and neutral sound make it suitable even in quieter environments. The Gold Red Pro's mild resistance provides a gentle typing experience, perfect for extended sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces, the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch stands out. Its 53g bottom-out force strikes a balance between tactile feedback and softness, delivering a satisfying keystroke while minimizing noise—ideal for late-night typing or office work where silence is golden. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing comfort, sound preferences, and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard; each switch has unique strengths tailored to different user experiences.
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