TTC Gold Silver vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, making it essential to understand the nuances of each option. The TTC Gold Silver switch is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth actuation, offering a satisfying bottom-out feel with each keystroke. Its polished, thocky sound signature and low-pitched resonance enhance the tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who value speed and precision in gaming or typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed for typists who prefer an exceptionally quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a lightweight 43g bottom-out force, it caters to users who seek a serene typing environment without the distraction of loud clicks or clacks. While both switches are linear and aim for a smooth typing experience, they cater to different preferences: the TTC Gold Silver emphasizes tactile feedback and speed, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes quietness and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Gold Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit distinct characteristics influenced by their choice of housing materials. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to polycarbonate's rigid structure. This material not only enhances clarity and resonance but is also visually appealing with its translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g adopts a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience that may appeal to users seeking a more muted keystroke.

Interestingly, the bottom housing materials of both switches reverse the roles typically associated with their top housings. The Gold Silver uses a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the depth of sound, making for a more resonant bottom-out feel. This similarity in material lends to a consistent auditory experience that balances the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top with the deeper tones of its nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that again sharpens the sound profile, but in this case, it manifests in how the key sound is perceived upon bottoming out. The contrasting materials result in varied sound experiences when keys are released and pressed, despite both switches having nylon in one part and polycarbonate in the other.

When evaluating the overall sound characteristics and performance of both switches, one must consider the interplay of their hybrid housing configurations. The Gold Silver's setup allows users to experience a bright, resonant sound with deeper undercurrents, while the Silent Sakura - 43g serves up a harmonious blend of soft, muted keystrokes balanced against crisper key releases. Ultimately, while the housing materials differ between the switches, the balance achieved through their combinations still results in distinct yet complementary sound profiles. This means that if you prioritize specific auditory experiences, understanding how to manipulate these materials will guide you toward similar results, whether that be sharpness, depth, or a mix of both.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, it becomes clear that the Gold Silver is the heavier option. The higher actuation force of the Gold Silver may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer feel during use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, with its lighter actuation force, is likely to be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, reducing finger fatigue over time. Furthermore, while the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 43 grams indicates that once fully pressed, it requires a consistent force, contributing to a predictable typing experience. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch, the HMX Silent Sakura would be a suitable choice, while those looking for a heavier feel might lean towards the TTC Gold Silver.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that users of the Gold Silver switch may experience faster response times, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quick key activations. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switch, with its 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper key engagement, which some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth during typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch presents a rich auditory experience characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This combination lends itself to a deep, satisfying sound with each keystroke, providing a sense of heft and presence that many typists find rewarding. The solid bottom-out enhances this quality, creating a distinctive “thud” that resonates with users who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback to their typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch completely redefines the sound profile by offering an ultra-quiet, whisper-like experience that is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment. Although the exact sound characteristics of the Silent Sakura are not detailed, it is designed to minimize noise, making it a perfect choice for shared workspaces or quiet settings.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver shines with a polished and silky smooth typing experience. The smooth key travel is complemented by mild resistance, making it accessible for all types of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. This refined finish ensures that each stroke feels fluid and satisfying, enhancing overall typing enjoyment. Conversely, the Silent Sakura’s tactile qualities remain unspecified, leaving its exact feel largely unknown. However, given its 43g actuation force, it is reasonable to infer that it caters to a light and gentle typing experience, appealing to those who favor a more effortless touch.

Overall, while the TTC Gold Silver and HMX Silent Sakura switches cater to distinctly different preferences, users can expect varying qualities in sound and feel. The Gold Silver provides a robust auditory presence and a luxurious typing sensation, perfect for those who appreciate feedback in both sound and touch. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura emphasizes tranquility and ease, ideal for users seeking a quiet and gentle typing experience. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on personal preference—whether one desires a more pronounced tactile connection or an almost inaudible operation.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you prioritize a responsive and engaging typing experience, where every keystroke is met with a solid bottom-out and a satisfying sound, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent option. Its polished and silky feel combined with a thocky sound profile makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audibly rewarding typing experience, especially in settings where the sound will not be disruptive. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more serene typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are the way to go. With their ultra-light actuation force and subtle typing feedback, they are well-suited for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, consider your priorities—be it speed and feedback with the Gold Silver or smooth, discreet performance with the Silent Sakura—to make an informed choice that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more