KTT Mallo vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and Huano Sakura present two contrasting options that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Mallo, with its gentle tactility, provides just enough feedback to enhance the typing experience without being overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate subtle sensations with a medium-light typing feel. Its neutral sound profile allows for versatile use in both quiet and lively environments. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch leans towards a linear design, offering a smoother and feather-light experience that is perfect for extended typing sessions, complemented by a medium acoustic signature that still allows for a satisfying auditory feedback. Each switch serves a distinct purpose: the KTT Mallo enhancing feedback for typists seeking a tactile sensation, while the Huano Sakura caters to those who prioritize speed and fluidity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and Huano Sakura switches showcase distinct characteristics in their choice of top housing materials, leading to unique auditory and tactile experiences during use. The Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it an ideal choice for users who intend to utilize RGB lighting, as the light can freely pass through, enhancing visual aesthetics. Conversely, the Huano Sakura uses a POK top housing, which, while offering a smooth experience due to its low coefficient of friction, delivers a sound profile that is described as "clacky." The contrast between polycarbonate's crispy clarity and POK's characteristic smoothness indicates that while both are engineered for performance, they cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity ensures that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a consistent level of fullness and warmth in sound when typing on either switch. Nylon's properties, which allow for greater sound absorption, contribute to a complemented acoustic profile when paired with the aforementioned stiffer materials in the top housing. Here, the combination of a softer nylon base enhances the sonic characteristics of both switches, supporting the argument that the foundational component of each design sustains a similar sound quality amidst the varying top materials.
When it comes to the overall effect of the different housing materials, it's essential to recognize how they work together for a holistic typing experience. Variances in sound profiles arise predominantly from the interaction between the top and bottom housings, allowing each switch to retain a unique identity. While the Mallo's polycarbonate may offer a more resonant and bright sound during release, the Sakura’s POK adds a distinctive clackiness that may appeal to different users. Ultimately, while the KTT Mallo and Huano Sakura leverage different top housing materials to achieve their sonic signatures, their shared nylon bottoms ensure a unified depth of sound, illustrating how the complementary properties can yield similar results in terms of typing feel and acoustics despite their differences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable distinctions in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Mallo switch has an unknown actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This difference indicates that the Sakura switch requires less force to activate and bottom out, making it easier on the fingers during extended typing or gaming sessions. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Mallo's higher bottom out force could be more appealing. Overall, the Sakura is the lighter option between the two, allowing for longer usage times with less fatigue, while the Mallo offers a more moderate tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Mallo features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mallo provides a more substantial key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Sakura’s 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for quick actuation. Overall, the Mallo is the longer option, providing a more pronounced keypress, while the Sakura's shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt to some users, but can enhance efficiency in rapid typing or gaming scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switches have a neutral and subdued quality. They produce a moderate level of acoustic feedback, which makes them versatile enough for various settings—whether in a quiet office or a bustling home environment. Their dampened sound profile ensures that they won’t become distracting to others or to you, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. The Huano Sakura switches, however, are noted for their medium acoustics; while specific descriptors haven't been provided, one can expect a less muted experience compared to the Mallo. This could indicate a sound that is more pronounced but still manageable, particularly appealing for users who prefer a bit of auditory feedback as they type.
In terms of feel, the Mallo switches are characterized by a feathery and mild touch that promotes comfort and reduces finger fatigue, making them ideal for long typing sessions. Their stepped and subtle tactile feedback allows for a gentle yet distinct experience, striking a balance that appeals to a broad range of users, from gamers to office workers. The Huano Sakura switches, noted for their feather-light touch, also aim to minimize effort during extended use. The specific feel attributes of the Sakura are less defined, but the emphasis on a lightweight typing experience suggests that they could similarly cater to those looking for ease and comfort in their keystrokes.
In summary, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch have qualities that cater to comfort and usability, albeit with nuanced differences. The Mallo’s more subdued sound and tactile feedback provide a refined typing experience, suitable for shared spaces, while the Sakura appears to lean towards a more pronounced audio experience without compromising on a light typing feel. Ultimately, each switch caters to users who value a combination of comfort and effective feedback, helping to create an efficient typing environment whether at work or play.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a noticeable yet gentle tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without overwhelming you, the KTT Mallo could be your go-to option. Its medium-light actuation force makes it suitable for long sessions, whether you’re typing for work or gaming, and its neutral sound profile ensures it fits well in both quiet and lively environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the Huano Sakura is designed for you. Its feather-light touch and medium acoustics are ideal for extended periods of use, minimizing finger fatigue and making it a real comfort when you’re engaged in lengthy typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother, lighter keystroke.
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