Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the subtle differences between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a typing feel that bridges the gap between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Its smoothness combined with a mild clackiness offers a unique sensation that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, also a linear switch, is distinguished by its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, which cater perfectly to those who engage in extended typing sessions without feeling fatigued. While the Ink Yellow leans towards a more pronounced sound profile, the Sakura emphasizes a gentler experience that prioritizes comfort during long uses. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Ink Yellow providing a more tactile feedback and the Sakura offering a light touch for sustained typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of Gateron's Ink Yellow switches and Huano's Sakura switches, it is evident that there are notable differences in both the top and bottom housings. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which produces a pointed, higher-pitched sound that can be described as clacky yet not overly sharp. This sound profile is indicative of the characteristics imbued by the INK blend, which likely emphasizes a more vibrant auditory experience during key releases. In contrast, the Sakura switch's top housing is made from POK material, a polyketone known for its low friction coefficient and durability. This results in a smooth operation that also contributes to a clacky sound, yet the slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to the INK blend may lead to subtle differences in tactile response and sound when keys are released.

The bottom housings of the two switches present an interesting comparison as well. The Ink Yellow's bottom housing continues the theme of the proprietary INK blend, maintaining the same high-pitched sound profile that contributes to an overall clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory signature. The inherent softness of nylon acts to mute some of the higher frequencies typical in harder materials like the INK blend, contributing to a rounder sound when the key bottoms out. Here, the differences in material composition culminate in distinct auditory experiences, reinforcing the impact of each switch's bottom housing on sound and feel.

Ultimately, the performance of each switch can be expected to exhibit unique qualities influenced by their individual housing materials. While both the Ink Yellow and Sakura switches convey a clackiness, the combination of a higher-pitched sound from the Ink Yellow's homogeneous INK blend and the deeper, rounder sound of the Sakura's nylon creates distinct typing experiences. However, if the housing materials were more aligned in terms of auditory characteristics, one might find that both switches could deliver similarly satisfactory results depending on user preferences. In this scenario, the mixed materials would mean the overall sound signature is a blend of their respective attributes, leading to a typing experience that captures the clacky elements from both switches while also highlighting their unique tonal qualities.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch is significantly lighter, boasting an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura ideal for users who prefer lighter switches that enable longer typing sessions and less finger fatigue. In summary, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is the heavier option, making it suitable for those who desire a firmer tactile feedback, while the Huano Sakura is the lighter alternative, catering to individuals who favor ease of typing. Both switches provide different experiences based on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Ink Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm indicates that the Ink Yellow may provide a more responsive feel, catering to gamers who favor quicker actuation. Conversely, the Sakura's longer distance could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a bit of extra depth that some users find comforting. In summary, if you prioritize fast response times, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the better choice, whereas the Huano Sakura might suit those who appreciate a deeper actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized by a unique combination of neutrality and a pronounced clackiness. The switch produces a moderate sound suitable for both casual and professional environments, making it a versatile choice for different scenarios. The clacky sound produced when typing offers a sharp and percussive feedback that many users find satisfying, creating an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, while specific sound descriptors for the Huano Sakura switch are absent, it is noted that the switch features medium acoustics, suggesting that it provides a balanced sound that avoids being overly loud or disruptive, thus maintaining a subtle presence during typing.

In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics, delivering a gentle yet refined typing experience. The mild nature of the switch makes it approachable for users who may find more aggressive switches intimidating. The polished finish greatly enhances key travel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth operation, which promotes a comfortable and efficient typing experience over extended sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Sakura switch, while not explicitly detailed, tends to be described as feather-light. This suggests that it may provide an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions, foundationally targeting similar comfort.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Huano Sakura linear switches offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Ink Yellow's clackiness and smooth feel may appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile experience with audible feedback, while the Sakura’s feather-light touch and medium acoustics might be attractive for users seeking a quieter, less physically demanding option. Ultimately, while the switches may cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, both can provide enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to select based on their personal taste and typing style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a medium-heavy switch that provides a satisfying clack and a slightly shorter travel, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. It showcases a smooth and polished feel, making it well-suited for those who desire a balance between laptop and traditional mechanical keyboard typing experiences. Additionally, its clackiness adds an engaging auditory element, which can enhance your overall typing satisfaction, whether at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless typing experience, especially for prolonged typing sessions, the Sakura switch might be the better option. With its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, the Sakura allows for quick, comfortable keystrokes that minimize fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique qualities that cater to different preferences; selecting the one that aligns best with your typing habits and environment will result in a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more