KTT Laurel vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Laurel and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer two distinct linear options that cater to different preferences. The KTT Laurel stands out with its medium-light actuation, full POM housing, and a design that combines a short travel distance with a long pole for optimal responsiveness and comfort. Its low-pitched, snappy sound profile makes it an appealing choice for users looking for a balance between tactile feedback and a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed specifically for those who prioritize noise reduction. With an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, it provides a soft, tranquil typing experience, perfect for quiet environments or for users who enjoy a whisper-quiet setup reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Both switches present unique advantages: the KTT Laurel for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel and sound, and the Silent Sakura for typists who need a discreet, serene atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present distinct auditory characteristics due to their differing housing materials. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This is contrasted with the Silent Sakura’s nylon top housing, which elicits a similarly deep and full sound profile but benefits from nylon's softer texture. Both materials foster an acoustic experience that leans towards the muted end of the sound spectrum, implying that users of both switches can expect a satisfying typing experience rich in low-end tones.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, diverge significantly in their materials and resultant sound profiles. The Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing, again promoting a deep and pleasing sound akin to that of its top housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes a notably higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This variation emphasizes the individual contributions of the bottom housing to the overall auditory experience: while the Laurel provides a consistent muted tone from top to bottom, the polycarbonate of the Silent Sakura introduces a resonating clarity that contrasts sharply with its nylon top.
When pressing either switch, the unique interplay of materials will be at play, leading to differing tactile and auditory sensations. The POM bottom housing of the Laurel is likely to deliver a more subdued bottom-out feel, reinforcing its overall muted sound scheme. Conversely, with the Silent Sakura's stiffer polycarbonate bottom, users will experience a sharper acoustic response alongside a clearer auditory feedback. Although both switches can achieve satisfactory results in terms of sound profile and typing experience, the materials used significantly influence the nuances, highlighting the importance of switch design in cater to individual typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a corresponding bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Silent Sakura switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch provides a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces, which some users might favor for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, whereas the Laurel is heavier, appealing to different user preferences based on desired typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance than the Silent Sakura, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker responsiveness due to the reduced distance. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, those who favor faster response times in gaming might find the KTT Laurel more suited to their needs, while users seeking a more traditional key feel may prefer the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 KTT Laurel linear switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a mellow tone that offers a relaxed auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed specifically for a whisper-quiet operation, presenting a sound that resembles gentle raindrops. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a tranquil typing atmosphere. Both switches produce sounds that are less intrusive than traditional mechanical switches, but the Laurel’s low pitch offers a soft yet noticeable resonance, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence completely. Ultimately, while both switches strive for a quieter typing experience, the Laurel provides a low-end sound that can add character to keystrokes, whereas the Silent Sakura focuses on minimizing noise altogether.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel is known for its snappy responsiveness. This quality comes from its medium-light action and longer spring design, giving each keystroke a lively and active sensation that many typists find exhilarating. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has not had its feel described, but the ultra-light 43g bottom-out force likely results in a smooth and delicate typing experience. Therefore, although both switches cater to different preferences regarding actuation force, the Laurel provides a more tactile experience through its snappy nature, while the Sakura's characteristics lean towards a feather-light touch that may appeal to users who prefer less resistance.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer appealing yet distinct experiences. The Laurel excels with its low-pitched sound and snappy feel, perfect for users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback alongside responsive key presses. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g stands out for its ultra-quiet operation geared toward those seeking a serene typing environment. While both switches can contribute to a satisfying typing experience, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound character, such as the Laurel's mellow tones, or a whisper-quiet performance like that of the Silent Sakura.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you’re someone who enjoys a snappy and responsive typing experience, the KTT Laurel, with its 50g bottom-out force, may be your go-to option. Its low-pitched sound profile adds a comfortable yet engaging atmosphere, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive typing sessions, especially if you like a bit of feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, if you prioritize a quiet and serene typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed specifically for you. With a lighter 43g bottom-out force, these switches excel in reducing noise while still delivering a satisfying linear feel, which is ideal if you work in shared or quiet environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback and the ambient noise levels of your workspace.
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