TTC Gold Red vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and Huano Sakura offer two distinct options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel and light-medium resistance, paired with a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle personality to your keyboard without being overbearing. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between a tactile typing experience and a sound that doesn't distract. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are known for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them exceptionally suited for extended typing sessions where comfort and ease of use are paramount. While both switches are linear and designed for efficiency, the Gold Red offers a polished and slightly thocky experience, while the Sakura focuses more on lightness and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In analyzing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Huano Sakura, we note distinct differences in their top housings. The Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that is renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. This material’s translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for those looking to combine aesthetics with performance. In contrast, the Sakura employs POK, or polyketone, as its top housing material. POK is notably strong and smooth, with specific attributes such as a low coefficient of friction which contributes to a clacky sound. While both materials are designed to optimize sound, they achieve this in different ways, with polycarbonate promoting clarity and brightness, while POK facilitates smoothness and durability.
On the other hand, both the Gold Red and the Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a common ground in terms of material choice. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This characteristic gives both switches a rounded sound profile that can be immensely satisfying for users who enjoy a more muted acoustic feedback. The consistent use of nylon in both models indicates that, while there are stark differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing provides a cohesive sound experience that can enhance the overall performance of both switches. As such, the deeper sound delivered through the nylon base in both models plays a pivotal role in shaping user perception.
The combination of differing top housing materials and similar bottom housings in the Gold Red and Sakura signifies how unique qualities can coexist within a switch, leading to distinct overall performances. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Red promotes a crisper sound during release, drawing attention to each keypress with brightness, while the smoother POK of the Sakura provides a juxtaposition that favors a more muted and muted release sound. However, because both switches share the nylon bottom housing, they align closely in delivering the same fuller sound profile during the bottom-out phase. Ultimately, despite their disparate top materials, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches achieve similar results in terms of depth and fullness, while the differing tops introduce unique character to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Gold Red switch requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Huano Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura the lighter option overall, which could be preferable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gold Red, being the heavier switch, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While both switches have light forces, their varying actuation and bottom out values contribute to distinct tactile experiences, with the Sakura being the easier choice for users seeking less resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Gold Red stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Red the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced feel when pressed. In contrast, the Sakura's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, reflecting a trend towards lighter, swifter keystrokes. While the Gold Red offers a more substantial depth that some users may gravitate toward for its tactile feedback, others might find the Sakura's more abrupt actuation to be preferable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean toward a traditional feel or a more responsive experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 linear switches provide a snappy sound profile that strikes a balance between being engaging and unobtrusive. They are characterized by a thocky and neutral sound, offering a deep, satisfying thud that can enhance the tactile experience without being overly loud. This makes them versatile for both gaming and typing at home or in an office environment. The specific sound profile of the Huano Sakura linear switches, however, remains unknown, limiting comparison in this aspect. Nonetheless, the sound can largely depend on the keyboard build and keycap choice, so both switches may yield a similar auditory experience depending on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switches excel with their buttery smoothness and light-medium level of resistance. They offer a mild, silky, and polished typing experience, making them an excellent choice for long typing sessions where comfort is key. This smoothness minimizes friction and enhances overall speed and fluidity during use. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Sakura switches are not specified, making direct comparisons difficult. However, if designed similarly in terms of linear smoothness, one might expect an equally pleasant typing experience from the Sakura switches.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a delightful blend of sound and feel, weighted towards smoothness and moderate sound levels that appeal to a wide range of users. While the specifics of the Huano Sakura switches remain unclear, especially regarding sound and tactile feedback, both options could ultimately deliver satisfactory results based on the user's preferences for typing experience. If the Sakura switches share qualities akin to Gold Red, users may find a similarly enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. The Gold Red switches, with their buttery smooth feel and thocky sound profile, are ideal if you appreciate a more balanced acoustic experience without overwhelming noise. Their mild resistive nature makes them great for mixed use, whether for gaming or general typing tasks, giving you a versatile option at 50 grams of bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch and primarily plan to engage in extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch is an excellent choice. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 45 grams and a feather-light touch, they can provide a more effortlessly pleasant experience for long bouts of typing, especially if sound levels are a consideration for you, thanks to their medium acoustics. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, slightly more auditory sensation with the Gold Reds or a lighter, almost whisper-like feel with the Sakuras.
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