Gateron Melodic vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gateron Melodic and the Huano Sakura. The Gateron Melodic rejuvenates the traditional clicky switch with modern enhancements, such as factory lubrication and dual-railed stems, providing users with a satisfying, auditory click coupled with smooth keystrokes. For those who enjoy the nostalgic sound and tactile feedback of clicky switches, the Melodic is an invigorating choice marked by its buttery, resonant character. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura represents a different philosophy; this linear switch is designed for a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it exceptionally suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. While the Melodic caters to enthusiasts who appreciate the lively engagement of a clicky switch, the Sakura is perfect for users looking for a smooth, effortless typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Huano Sakura switches, a notable distinction is found in their top housings. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its inherent stiffness which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This choice in material enhances the transference of sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, renowned for its impressive durability and smoothness, boasting a higher coefficient of friction than common materials like LY. While the Melodic’s polycarbonate produces a resonant tone, the Sakura’s POK material yields a smooth and clacky sensation, showcasing how different materials can lead to unique auditory and tactile experiences even while serving similar functional roles in the switch.
The bottom housings of both switches reveal a crucial similarity between the Gateron Melodic and the Huano Sakura, as both are constructed from nylon. This classic material is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This mutual choice in bottom housing ensures that users will experience a consistent auditory quality when bottoming out, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. The nylon's sound-dampening qualities serve to create a rounded bottom-out sound for both switches, affording a degree of familiarity for users who appreciate the traditional feel and sound of nylon.
Ultimately, while the differences between the top housings of the Melodic and Sakura switches create distinctive sonic characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their performance to some extent. The top and bottom materials work in tandem to shape the overall typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon releasing the key and the bottom housing leaving its mark on the bottom-out feel and sound. Thus, while the switches may exhibit unique traits, such as the Melodic's crisper tones versus the Sakura's smoothness, they also benefit from a complementary nylon base that offers a full and rich auditory foundation, ensuring that users can find satisfaction regardless of the switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there's a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has an unspecified actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This disparity in force means that the Sakura switch is easier to activate and requires less effort to bottom out, which may be beneficial for users looking for a lighter typing experience, especially during long sessions at work or gaming. Conversely, the Melodic's medium bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing. As a result, users seeking a lighter and more effortless keystroke should opt for the Sakura switch, while those who enjoy a heftier tactile experience may lean towards the Gateron Melodic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Melodic switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional switch standards and offers a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This shorter distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it a better choice for those who prioritize speed in their keystrokes. However, for users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Gateron Melodic's longer travel distance may be preferable, providing a more deliberate action. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Gateron Melodic is the longer option at 4 mm, and the Huano Sakura stands at a shorter distance of 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic switch offers a vibrant auditory experience characterized by its resonant, crunchy tones. This higher-pitched sound profile delivers a clean and sharp auditory feedback, evocative of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The Melodic's clicky nature not only adds joy to typing but also provides an engaging sensory experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its medium acoustics and a feather-light touch, but specific details about its sound profile have not been disclosed, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in timbre. However, with the right board and keycaps, both switches are likely to contribute positively to your overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Melodic stands out with its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. The smooth factory lubing and dual-railed design contribute to a seamless keystroke experience that is both uniform and effortless. Meanwhile, the pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force make typing feel snappy and responsive. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch's feel is not clearly defined, which leaves an open question as to how it compares. However, given that it’s known for a light touch, it may offer a type of experience that focuses more on ease and comfort, particularly suited for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in both sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory cues and a rich typing sensation. The lively clicks and smooth, buttery feel can be immensely satisfying during use. While the Huano Sakura linear switch’s capabilities remain less defined in the areas of sound and feel, its feather-light touch suggests it could still be a great option for those who prioritize comfort and ease, especially for prolonged use. Ultimately, personal preference will play an integral role in your choice, and you may achieve similar results with either switch by considering the specific characteristics that matter most to you.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile and immersive typing experience, the Melodic switch is an excellent option, particularly if you appreciate the satisfying clicky sound and feedback it offers. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides enough resistance to feel engaged while typing, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks, especially when you want auditory confirmation of your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, light touch for extended typing sessions, the Sakura switch would be the better choice. With a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, it allows for quick and effortless key presses, making it ideal for fast typing or gaming where you want to minimize finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider the balance between sound, feedback, and ease of use to choose the switch that aligns best with your personal comfort and typing style.
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