TTC Ice vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the TTC Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences. The TTC Ice stands out with its crystal-clear transparent design, offering not only a visually appealing look but also a smooth and responsive typing experience accompanied by a satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and everyday users alike who appreciate tactile feedback and aesthetics. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is expertly crafted for those who seek a quieter typing experience. With its 53g bottom-out force, this switch is designed to deliver a light yet fulfilling keystroke, mimicking the soft sound of raindrops, which can create a serene atmosphere in noisy environments. While both switches offer a linear feel, their unique characteristics cater to distinct needs—whether it’s the vibrant auditory feedback of the Ice or the peaceful silence of the Silent Sakura. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The TTC Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both employ distinct housing materials that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The TTC Ice features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sound that is characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a bright auditory experience when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through vividly. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g uses nylon for its top housing, which provides a fuller, deeper sound due to its softer texture that absorbs sound waves. This contrast in materials leads to differing audio experiences, impacting how each switch responds to keystrokes.
Interestingly, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housings, which means they share a commonality in their performance at that level. The similarity in material results in a clearer, resonant sound profile when the key bottoms out, providing a consistent auditory experience for users who appreciate the crispness that polycarbonate offers. The Silent Sakura - 53g, despite having nylon in its top housing, will therefore create an interesting melding of sound profiles. The bottom-out sound will still exhibit the sharpness from the polycarbonate, but the overall experience could feel slightly more subdued or rounded because of the nylon in the top housing.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials highlight the importance of sound profiles in keyboard switches. The TTC Ice, with its entirely polycarbonate construction, offers a more vibrant and crisp typing experience, heavily driven by the material's stiffness. In contrast, while the Silent Sakura - 53g’s nylon top engages a deeper and more muffled auditory feel, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing ensures that users will still benefit from a clear bottom-out sound. For individuals seeking a balanced sound profile, both switches have their merits; the Ice appeals to those who prefer heightened clarity, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who desire a rich depth in their typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both share an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating they will provide a similar typing experience in that regard; users can expect to trigger each keystroke with the same amount of force. However, when it comes to their bottom out forces, the differences become apparent. The TTC Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Sakura - 53g has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura switch is lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions, especially for those who prefer less resistance. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Silent Sakura’s lighter bottom out force caters more to those seeking a gentle feel, whereas the TTC Ice is more suited for individuals who enjoy a firmer response.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Ice measuring 3.6 mm and the Silent Sakura at 4.0 mm. This makes the TTC Ice the shorter option, catering to users who prefer a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance that may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper keystroke experience. While both switches serve distinct user preferences, the differences in their travel distances may influence how users perceive responsiveness and tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you lean toward faster response times, the TTC Ice may be preferable, while the Silent Sakura might suit those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
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 - 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
The TTC Ice linear switch delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound, offering a pleasant auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. This crisp sound contributes to a premium feel, especially during intense gaming sessions or prolonged typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch excels in providing a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This characteristic is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where minimal noise is appreciated. While the Ice switch's sound is lively and engaging, the Silent Sakura prioritizes subtlety and discretion, appealing to users who value quiet operation.
When it comes to the feel, the TTC Ice switch is smooth and responsive, ensuring a seamless typing experience without any noticeable bumps or interruptions. This makes it well-suited for both gamers and typists looking for an effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a perfectly balanced bottom-out force of 53g, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch—making each keystroke feel satisfying yet manageable. Both switches offer a linear experience, but the Ice tends to feel more dynamic, while the Silent Sakura provides a gentler resistance that can be beneficial for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ice switch shines with its engaging sound and smooth feel, making it great for interactive use, while the Silent Sakura is designed for those who prioritize a quiet yet comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value acoustic feedback and liveliness or a serene and gentle keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you’re looking for a visually striking switch with a medium strength of 60 grams, the Ice offers a satisfying feel and sound that can enhance both your gaming and daily typing experience. The responsive nature of the Ice switches, combined with their crystal-clear design, makes them a fantastic option if you enjoy a switch that’s both attractive and effective for a variety of tasks. Conversely, if you need a quieter experience, perhaps due to working in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent alternative. With a lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams, these switches deliver a smooth and whisper-quiet keystroke that mimics the gentle sound of rain, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you’ll be using these switches.
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