Keygeek Keylin vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Huano Sakura offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, both falling under the category of linear switches. The Keylin switch is celebrated for its innovative design, utilizing new molds from Keygeek that deliver a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who value tactile feedback and a luxurious typing feel. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is designed for comfort during prolonged use, featuring a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, which makes it particularly appealing for users who spend long hours typing and seek a lighter activation force. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they offer unique attributes that can cater to different preferences and needs. However, 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
38g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Huano Sakura, notable differences emerge in their top housings, which ultimately influences the overall typing experience. The Keylin uses a nylon top housing, a classic choice in switch manufacturing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the material to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounded acoustic output. In contrast, the Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while smooth and durable, offers a different auditory experience. The POK material, noted for its low friction coefficient, allows for smoother key presses but is likely to produce a clackier sound than that of the Keylin, creating a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of bottom housings, the Keylin and Sakura share a common material, nylon, which serves to align their acoustic properties in this aspect. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, reinforcing the softer auditory experience. This commonality suggests that regardless of the differences found in the top housings, both switches will deliver comparable sound characteristics in the bottom-out phase due to the properties of nylon. As a result, the tactile feedback and audio produced upon key bottoming out will feel consistent between the two switches, maintaining that familiar rounded sound.
When it comes to the overall performance of the Keylin and Sakura, the combination of differing top housing materials alongside the shared nylon bottom housing means the typing experience will inherently vary. The smoother, more durable traits of POK in the Sakura bring a unique feel that lends itself to a more responsive typing experience, while the Keylin's nylon top housing favors an acoustic dampening effect that produces softer sound feedback. Consequently, switching between these two models would reveal not only a contrast in sound profiles dictated by the top materials but also an overlap in acoustic characteristics at the bottom, demonstrating how both the choice of material and the design influence the overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Keygeek Keylin and Huano Sakura linear switches, we can see that both are on the lighter side, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Keylin switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Sakura switch features a slightly lower actuation force at 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is lighter than the Keylin switch in both metrics. The lighter actuation force of the Sakura switch makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where reduced finger fatigue is desired. Conversely, the Keylin switch, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for users who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches are light, the Sakura offers a marginally easier typing experience due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress distance when activating either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide a comparable typing feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, whether one opts for the Keylin or the Sakura, the key travel will yield similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, offering a more pronounced auditory experience that can enhance overall enjoyment during typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch presents a more muted profile with medium acoustics. This difference is crucial for users seeking a specific auditory feedback while typing; the Keylin's sound may add a satisfying resonance, whereas the Sakura is likely to appeal to those who prefer a quieter, less intrusive auditory feedback.
Regarding feel, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, providing a very fluid typing experience that many users find delightful. This smooth operation can contribute to fatigue-free typing, especially during lengthy sessions. On the other hand, the Sakura switch is designed with a feather-light touch, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize ease of pressing the keys. While both switches offer unique advantages in this regard, they serve slightly different preferences: the Keylin excels in a luxurious, smooth feel, while the Sakura caters to those who favor lightweight presses.
Overall, both switches possess distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard market. The Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out with its rich sound and exceptional smoothness, perfect for those seeking an elevated typing experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura linear switch delivers a lightweight touch paired with medium acoustics, ideal for long typing sessions where minimal effort is essential. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences regarding typing sound and feel to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a premium typing experience with smoothness and rich acoustics, the Keylin would be the ideal choice. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you often find yourself typing for extended periods and seek a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, the Sakura switch may be your best bet. Its lighter actuation force and comfortable feel are conducive for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches are excellent in their own right, but your specific needs—whether they lean towards a more robust auditory and tactile experience or a softer, more forgiving feel—will guide your ultimate decision.
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