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KTT Kang White vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The KTT Kang White stands out for its delightful poppy typing sound and its smooth feel, thanks to its self-lubricating material. This combination results in a satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a lively yet neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for quiet efficiency, providing a serene typing experience reminiscent of raindrops—perfect for those who value discretion without sacrificing the joy of a satisfying keystroke. With a balanced 53g actuation force, these switches cater to typists seeking a lighter touch. While both switches serve unique preferences—one prioritizing auditory feedback and smoothness, while the other emphasizes quiet operation and lightness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

53g

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

When comparing the KTT Kang White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, notable distinctions arise from their respective housing materials. The Kang White uses a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances its sound profile with a sharper, higher-pitched tone. This quality is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a clearer and more resonant acoustic performance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. This difference is rooted in nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound and results in a smoother, warmer audio experience. Therefore, while both switches produce distinct sound profiles, they leverage their respective materials to achieve those variations.

The bottom housings of the two switches also contribute to their overall sound characteristics, but with an inverse relationship to that of the top housings. The KTT Kang White incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which reinforces its deep and rounded sound profile. This choice leads to a pleasant dampening effect that softens the auditory sharpness often associated with harder materials. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, introducing a crisper and more resonant quality to the bottom-out sound. With these contrasting materials at the bottom, the two switches present unique auditory experiences, further emphasizing how the different characteristics of the materials influence sound during actuation and release.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches creates distinct auditory results for the user. The Kang White blends the sharpness of polycarbonate at the top with the warmth of nylon at the bottom, resulting in a unique balance of sound characteristics. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes nylon's deep acoustics at the top while combining it with polycarbonate’s clarity at the bottom. In essence, while both switches provide unique sound experiences due to their disparate materials, they share the potential for achieving well-rounded results by integrating both stiffness and softness within their construction. Ultimately, users can expect a variety of auditory experiences while typing, whether they choose the KTT Kang White or the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g.

Weight

The KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch display interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering a keystroke, which is beneficial for long typing or gaming sessions by minimizing finger fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kang White has a higher value at 58 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 53 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Kang White requires a slightly heavier push to bottom out, resulting in a more substantial feel during use. Therefore, the KTT Kang White is the heavier switch overall, which might appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the HMX Silent Sakura offers a lighter overall feel, catering to those who prioritize comfort over extended use.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a consistent keypress depth when utilizing either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches deliver a comparable tactile experience, allowing for similar typing dynamics and responsiveness. Consequently, whether opting for the Kang White or the Silent Sakura, users can anticipate an equal feel in terms of travel distance, enhancing their overall typing experience.

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 - 53g 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

The KTT Kang White linear switch produces a sound that can be categorized as low-pitched and neutral. This means that when you type on these switches, you'll experience a deeper, bass-heavy tone that is more calming and less piercing than high-pitched alternatives. The neutral profile allows them to function well in various environments, making them suitable for both casual and professional settings without being overly distracting. In contrast, while the Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, there are no specific descriptors provided for its sound profile. However, it is implied that the design ensures minimal noise, which can be particularly appreciated in shared spaces or offices.

When it comes to feel, the subjective qualities of the Kang White are not discussed, making it challenging to compare directly. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is noted for its perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, creating a typing experience that is light yet satisfying. This ideal resistance allows for effortless keystrokes that typists will find both enjoyable and comfortable over extended use.

In summary, the KTT Kang White linear switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that caters to a variety of environments, along with an unmatched smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating materials. While specifics on the feel of the Kang White are unknown, the Silent Sakura - 53g shines with its whisper-quiet operation and balanced actuation force, making it great for those who prioritize a discreet typing experience. Ultimately, if you're seeking a dynamic yet calm sound with smooth operation, the Kang White may fit your needs, while the Silent Sakura provides a more muted auditory experience with a light touch.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and want a typing experience characterized by a smooth feel and a satisfying, low-pitched sound, the Kang White is likely the better choice for you. This switch excels in delivering a rich acoustic feedback, making it ideal for those who want to relish the sensation of typing, whether for work or for gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter operation without compromising on the tactile satisfaction of your keystrokes, the Silent Sakura - 53g should be your go-to option. With its medium-light actuation force and designed to produce minimal sound, this switch is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise is a concern, yet you still want a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance between the tactile engagement you seek and the auditory considerations of your environment.

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