TTC Ice vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Ice switch stands out with its striking crystal-clear design and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and sound that enhances both gaming and daily use. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing feel and a bit of auditory feedback in their interactions with their keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on tranquility, engineered to deliver a whisper-quiet experience that mimics the gentle sound of raindrops. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura is designed for typists who prefer a subtler approach, minimizing noise without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches have their unique advantages: the TTC Ice for those who revel in a tactile and audible experience, and the HMX Silent Sakura for users who prioritize a serene atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, a notable difference arises from their top housing choices. The TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonances. On the contrary, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. Therefore, while both switches aim to offer valuable sound characteristics, they diverge significantly in the tonal qualities elicited by their respective top housing materials.
Interestingly, both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their bottom housing. The TTC Ice and Silent Sakura - 43g utilize polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound profile. This similarity provides a degree of consistency in their auditory performance when bottoming out, evoking that sharp and crisp tactile feedback characteristic of polycarbonate materials. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the impact sound when the key is pressed, both switches deliver similar results in this regard. This commonality helps streamline the performance between the two switches, despite the contrasting characteristics of their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials introduce a division in sound profiles, while the similar bottom housings offer a balanced sound experience. The Ice’s polycarbonate top delivers a brighter, more resonant sound when released, while the Silent Sakura’s nylon top translates to a more muted auditory response. Therefore, when pressed down, users will enjoy the sharper and clearer impact of both switches due to their shared polycarbonate bottom. However, the varied tonal qualities set user expectations differently based on the material of the top housing. Collectively, these features ensure that users will experience clear auditory feedback while having distinct preferences based on housing material when typing or gaming.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different preferences among users. The TTC Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a firmer feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which allows for quicker, more effortless keystrokes. This makes it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming, where reduced fatigue is a priority. Consequently, if you're looking for a heavier switch to enjoy a more tactile response, the TTC Ice would be the better choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura offers a lighter alternative for a smoother typing experience. Overall, these differences highlight the suitability of each switch type to varying user preferences regarding force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find a notable difference: the TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures 4.0 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice switch may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance provides a more cushioned and hearty feel while typing, which some users might prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, if you lean towards responsiveness, the TTC Ice would likely be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the HMX Silent Sakura would be more suited to your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound, providing a pleasant auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday use, as the sound can be satisfying without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience. The sound produced by these switches is reminiscent of raindrops gently tapping on a window, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. However, it's important to note that sound can vary based on the keyboard design and keycap material choices, which might influence how each switch performs in practice.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, allowing for quick actuation which is advantageous for gaming and fast typing. Users can look forward to a fluid motion with a clear tactile response whenever a key is pressed. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for light typists, providing an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g that gives a feather-like sensitivity for each keystroke. This combination allows for a soft and subtle pressure that adds to their comfort, particularly for those who prefer a gentler touch during extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, both the TTC Ice and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Ice stands out with its satisfying sound and responsive feel, making it versatile for both gaming and typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 43g excels in providing a quiet, serene environment ideal for more peaceful settings. Depending on your needs—whether you prioritize auditory feedback or require silence—the choice between these two switches will guide you towards a suitable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you’re looking for a versatile switch that balances both gaming and typing, the TTC Ice with its 60g bottom-out force might be the better option. It provides a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying sound that can enhance your overall experience, particularly if you enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing or playing games. On the other hand, if you’re someone who prioritizes a quieter operation and prefers a lighter touch, the Silent Sakura - 43g would be ideal for you. With a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, it’s designed for a softer typing experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is key, such as at the office or in shared spaces. Ultimately, you should choose the Ice switch if you value a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is your go-to for a serene and subtle typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
