KTT Kang White vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences for typists seeking both performance and sound profile. The KTT Kang White, celebrated for its low-pitched and neutral tone, presents an exquisite typing experience characterized by a dazzling sound and unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating materials. This switch is an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a satisfying auditory response while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g caters to those who prefer a quieter environment, providing a whisper-soft experience that evokes the gentle sound of raindrops. With a lightweight bottom-out force of just 43 grams, these switches are ideal for light typists who prioritize a serene and unobtrusive experience without sacrificing responsiveness. While both switches boast their unique strengths, 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
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches reveal intriguing contrasts that influence their overall sound profiles. The KTT Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This reflects the rigid characteristics of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, this material's translucence is a boon for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows the glow to shine through. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences; while the Kang White will emit a more pronounced "click," the Silent Sakura may offer more of a muted thock.
Examining the bottom housing reveals an interesting swap between the two models. The KTT Kang White employs a nylon bottom housing, consistent with the classic properties of nylon that absorb sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g contrasts this with a polycarbonate bottom housing, which retains the sharper, crisper characteristics associated with this material. This switches the impact each housing has on the key's feel and sound upon bottoming out. Users will discern that while the Kang White's bottom-out sound is fuller, the Silent Sakura will elicit a resonant and pronounced sound at the culmination of a keystroke.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Kang White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g contribute to their unique sound profiles and feels. However, it’s essential to note that both switches can yield similar usability for typists and gamers alike, albeit with distinctive auditory qualities. Users who appreciate a rounded sound might favor the combination of both nylon pieces in the Kang White, while those drawn to a more resonant experience may prefer the mixed materials in the Silent Sakura. Regardless of preference, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on what the user is looking for in their typing or gaming experience.
Weight
The KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users looking for a lighter touch, which can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Kang White is the heavier option. Given these differences, users will likely find that the Kang White requires more effort to actuate and bottom out compared to the more sensitive Silent Sakura, catering to distinct preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share a travel distance of 4 mm. This identical measurement means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys, resulting in comparable typing experiences for both switches. Since their travel distances are equal, neither switch can be categorized as shorter or longer; they will perform similarly in terms of key travel, allowing for a consistent tactile response across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch offers a typing experience characterized by a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. This means that the audio produced while typing is bass-heavy and mellow, allowing for a pleasant ambience whether you’re writing at home or in a more professional environment. The low, controlled acoustics lend themselves well to a versatile typing experience that won't be jarring or intrusive. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet performance, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This aspect makes the Silent Sakura an excellent choice for those who prioritize a serene typing experience, especially in quiet spaces. Together, the Kang White and Silent Sakura switches provide distinct auditory landscapes where the former is more pronounced while the latter seeks to minimize sound.
The feel of the KTT Kang White switch is noted for its smoothness, enhanced by its self-lubricating materials, which contribute to an effortless typing experience. This quality makes each keystroke a joy, providing tactile satisfaction that many enthusiasts cherish. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed for light typists with an ultra-light bottom-out force. This lower actuation force enhances the ease of keystrokes, particularly for those who may not want to exert much pressure while typing. While the Kang White promotes a more robust tactile engagement, the Silent Sakura is aimed at a softer, lighter touch, catering to diverse typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches have their unique strengths. The Kang White excels in delivering a richly satisfying auditory and tactile experience, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet and delicate typing feel for light typists. Ultimately, while sound and feel may vary between the two, both switches can cater to different environments and preferences, allowing typists to choose one that best suits their style and needs. Whether you prefer a poppy linear sound or a serene typing environment, each switch provides a distinctive approach to the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force that provides a bit more resistance during key presses, along with a smooth tactile experience and a pleasant, low-pitched sound, the Kang White is likely your best choice. This switch is ideal for those who find enjoyment in the auditory feedback of their typing and engage in activities where a moderate typing sound is acceptable, such as at home or in a casual office setting. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch and seek a quieter typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is specifically engineered for that purpose. With its ultra-light actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, it is perfect for environments where discretion is a priority, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing without disturbing others. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and intended use case to choose the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.