TTC Gold Silver vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and Huano Sakura can significantly impact your typing experience. The TTC Gold Silver, known for its rapid responsiveness and silky, smooth keystrokes, allows users to enjoy a compelling tactile experience thanks to its shortened travel and thocky sound signature. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists who crave quick, decisive actions and a satisfying auditory response with each press, making it ideal for both fast-paced gaming and everyday typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, promoting comfort during prolonged typing sessions with its medium acoustics and gentle feedback. This makes the Sakura switch a great choice for users who prioritize ease of use and ergonomic comfort over sharp responsiveness. Both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences; 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Sakura switches present a notable contrast in their top components, while sharing a similarity in their bottom housing. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. This transparency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal—especially with RGB lighting—but also promotes a resonant acoustic experience. In comparison, the Huano Sakura utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also adept at delivering high sound quality, contributes a smoothness characterized by its lower friction coefficient. This material offers durability advantages, being significantly stronger and more shock-resistant than conventional plastics used in switch designs, leading to a slightly different tactile and sound profile.
Both switches, however, share the same material in their bottom housing: nylon. This classic material is known for its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. The use of nylon in both the Gold Silver and Sakura allows for a warm sound signature that contrasts with the sharper qualities of their respective top housings. As a result, while the Gold Silver’s polycarbonate top promotes clarity, the nylon bottom adds warmth to the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Sakura benefits from the same nylon material to generate a rich depth in sound, enhancing the overall performance during use.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top materials with a shared nylon bottom means that both switches can achieve distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. The Gold Silver leans towards a more pronounced and bright output with its polycarbonate top, whereas the Huano Sakura, with its POK top, offers a smoother tactile response. The deeper sound resulting from the nylon bottoms in both switches ensures a fulfilling typing experience, suggesting that while they offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, similar outcomes in terms of warmth and depth are attainable due to the unified use of nylon for their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out force highlight their distinct characteristics. The Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is significantly heavier than the Sakura's actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Gold Silver requires more force to trigger a keystroke, potentially resulting in a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is not specified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison on that aspect. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it provides a consistent tactile feedback as it bottoms out. Since the Sakura has a lighter actuation force, it may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the TTC Gold Silver might cater to those who favor a heftier key feel. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sakura, while those who appreciate a heavier force might opt for the Gold Silver, depending on the unspecified bottom out force of the latter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option and the Sakura the longer one. For users who favor quicker response times, the Gold Silver may be more appealing due to its reduced travel distance, which allows for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences—those seeking speed might choose the Gold Silver, while those favoring a more pronounced keystroke might lean toward the Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Gold Silver stands out with its resonant, thocky sound, characterized by low-pitched acoustics that produce a satisfying deep thud or soft knock when pressed. This auditory feedback not only enhances the tactile experience but also fosters a sense of closure with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Sakura switches remains undocumented, leaving uncertainty about their acoustics. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, potentially leading to different results even with similar switches.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is exceptional, featuring a polished and silky smooth action that promotes effortless key presses. This reduces friction and enhances the seamless flow during typing, allowing for a mild and subtle touch that is accessible for all users. The smooth key travel encourages prolonged typing sessions without discomfort. Conversely, details regarding the tactile feel of the Huano Sakura switch are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares; thus, any direct comparison in feel remains unknown and invites further exploration.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch presents a compelling option with its rapid responsiveness, distinctive sound signature, and superior smoothness, making it an excellent choice for speed typists and those who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, while the Huano Sakura linear switch offers potential benefits, the lack of available information on its sound and feel leaves an ambiguous overall impression. As each switch boasts distinct qualities, it is possible for users to experience similar results when their preferences align, yet the known strengths of the Gold Silver provide a more defined choice for those seeking a precise typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely hinges on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a responsive, smooth, and tactile experience, the Gold Silver switch would be your go-to option. Its feather-light actuation and polished feel make it ideal for rapid typing and gaming scenarios where you desire instant feedback and quick reactions. Furthermore, the thocky and low-pitched sound profile of the Gold Silver can enhance the aesthetic of your workspace, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards comfort during extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch is a suitable choice with its light bottom-out force of 45 grams and medium acoustics, which reduce finger fatigue. While the Sakura may not quite match the Gold Silver's speed, it compensates with its feather-light touch that can make long hours of typing feel effortless. Thus, consider the TTC Gold Silver for fast-paced, engaging environments requiring rapid input, while the Huano Sakura will serve you well for longer, more relaxed typing experiences where comfort takes precedence.
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