KTT Mallo vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The KTT Mallo switches are a tactile delight, offering a subtle feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. Their medium-light feel and neutral sound profile make them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balanced experience in various environments. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches shine in their whisper-quiet operation, ideal for users who prioritize stealth and a serene typing atmosphere. The 53g bottom-out force provides a light yet satisfying keystroke, making them particularly appealing for late-night work or shared spaces. Each switch has its strengths: the Mallo caters to typists who desire tactile reassurance, while the Silent Sakura suits those who seek a tranquil typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Mallo Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, a notable contrast emerges between their top and bottom housings. The Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate upper housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which aids in creating a resonant and clear auditory experience. This translucency also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a softer, rounder auditory experience that is often preferred for those seeking a subtler keystroke feedback.

Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting reversal of materials. The Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, which bolsters the fuller sound profile established by its top housing. This is because the softer nylon dampens high-frequency sounds, resulting in a more pleasant and muted bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, responsible for producing a more resonant and crisp sound when bottoming out due to its stiffer construction. This combination of softer top housing and harder bottom housing creates a unique synergy in the Silent Sakura - 53g, blending the absorbing qualities of nylon with the clear resonating potential of polycarbonate.

Ultimately, despite the differences in materials, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience for users with distinct preferences. The KTT Mallo, with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon, tends to favor clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those who enjoy an expressive writing style. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balance of sound absorption and clarity, potentially appealing to users who prioritize a serene typing environment. Both switches exhibit how the interplay of housing materials can influence sound and feel, demonstrating that even with differing constituents, satisfying auditory experiences can be achieved based on user preference.

Weight

The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit differing characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a clearly defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, also falling into the medium-light category. This means that, in terms of actuation force, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, allowing for easier keystrokes that could be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Mallo is heavier at bottoming out, which could provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger typing experience. As such, if you prioritize lighter actuation for comfort during long use, the HMX Silent Sakura is a better choice, while the Mallo might appeal to those who enjoy a heftier key feel when bottoming out.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressed, they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity suggests that users will experience a comparable feel in terms of key travel when using either switch, resulting in similar tactile response and actuation characteristics. Therefore, if you're looking for a consistent key press experience, both switches will provide the same results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Mallo switches present a neutral and subdued audio profile. This means they neither dominate the auditory space nor fade into the background, making them an excellent choice for various environments, from home to office. Their dampened sound character adds to the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying feedback without causing disruption to others around you. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are engineered for an exceptionally quiet experience, intended to resemble the gentle patter of raindrops. While specific sound qualities for the Silent Sakura are not articulated in this analysis, they are designed for those who want minimal audible feedback, suggesting they will contribute a quieter typing scenario that may complement or diverge from the Mallo depending on additional factors like the keyboard build and keycap material.

The tactile feel of the KTT Mallo switches is noteworthy for its gentle and feather-light actuation that promises reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The milder tactile feedback, combined with a "stepped" sensation, offers typists a clear yet understated indication of when a key has been activated. This makes it approachable for both novice and experienced users. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g is characterized by its balanced 53g bottom-out force, which, while not elaborated upon in descriptive terms here, suggests a focus on providing a lightweight and satisfying keystroke. While the specific attributes regarding tactile feedback are unknown, the lighter force is likely to align well with users who prefer less resistance in their typing action.

In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches both cater to distinct preferences among typists. The Mallo excels in offering a neutral sound profile paired with a mild tactile experience, making it versatile for various settings. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura is tailored for those seeking an ultra-quiet operation with a light touch, albeit with less information available on its specific tactile feedback. While their approaches to sound and feel differ, both switches provide excellent options for different typing environments, implying that users can select based on their priorities—sound dampening or a combination of feedback and lightness—without sacrificing comfort for extended use.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a delicate tactile feedback that offers just enough resistance without being overwhelming, the KTT Mallo is an ideal choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, combined with a subtle sound signature, makes it perfect for both work and home settings, especially if you're looking for a switch that won't dominate your auditory landscape while typing. The feathery and mild nature of the Mallo is especially beneficial for lengthy typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and providing an overall comfortable experience.

Conversely, if you prioritize silence above all, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers an exceptional whisper-quiet experience, making it perfect for shared spaces or environments where noise is a concern. Its slightly lower actuation force of 53 grams ensures a satisfying yet gentle keystroke, which can make typing feel lighter and more effortless. This switch would be particularly suitable for those who often find themselves in quiet office spaces or prefer a more subdued typing ambiance. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environmental needs, ensuring a fulfilling keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more