Cherry MX Orange vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and Huano Sakura both present compelling options that cater to different user preferences despite both being linear switches. The Cherry MX Orange, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and the revival of its original model, delivers a balanced performance suitable for both typing and gaming, making it a reliable choice for those who appreciate quality and consistency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers an exceptionally light touch and medium acoustics, ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it perfect for writers or those who spend long hours at their keyboards. While both switches have their unique merits, it ultimately comes down to individual typing style and usage needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Orange and the Huano Sakura switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which directly influences their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The MX Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs sound waves efficiently, facilitating a muted auditory experience that can be more pleasing for certain users who prefer a thocky, rounded sound. In contrast, the Huano Sakura incorporates POK (polyketone) material for its top housing. Although slightly stiffer, POK offers a unique combination of durability and smoothness with a desired clacky sound. This difference in material not only alters the sound produced but also affects the key feel during typing, with POK providing a slicker action due to its low friction coefficient.
When analyzing the bottom housings of both switches, we notice that they are identical in material, both employing nylon. This congruity means that the bottoming-out experience will retain similar dampening properties across both switches. The nylon construction of the bottom housing contributes to a rounder sound and a satisfying feel when the key is fully pressed down. Given that the bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out sound, users can expect a comparable auditory experience regardless of the different top housing materials. This consistency in the bottom housing ensures that both switches showcase a smooth transition and a similar tactile feedback, promoting a delightful typing or gaming experience.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings establish unique sound profiles and typing experiences for the Cherry MX Orange and the Huano Sakura switches. While the MX Orange’s nylon top creates a subdued sound, the Sakura's POK contributes to a sharper auditory experience. However, with identical nylon used in the bottom housing for both switches, the deeper, fuller sound characteristics persist across both models during bottom-out action. Therefore, while they offer distinct experiences in terms of typing feedback and sound during keystrokes, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall user experience between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it significantly heavier than the Huano Sakura's 35 grams, which could appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is not available, while the Sakura's bottom out force is 45 grams, classified as light. This means that the MX Orange would require a stronger effort to engage the keystroke, which may lead to fatigue over extended use compared to the lighter Sakura. Performance-wise, users of the Sakura switch may benefit from quick actuation, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for longer durations, ideal for work and gaming sessions, whereas the MX Orange may entice those who prefer a firmer keystroke feel. In summary, the Cherry MX Orange is the heavier switch, while the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, providing users with distinct tactile experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the MX Orange offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, providing users with a more substantial key press that some may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Sakura's 3.6 mm distance caters to those who favor quicker responsiveness, which is often preferred by gamers looking for faster reaction times. As a result, if you prioritize a more tactile experience, the Cherry MX Orange would be the better choice, whereas the Huano Sakura's shorter travel distance can appeal to those seeking swifter key presses. Overall, the MX Orange is the longer option, while the Sakura is the shorter one, and both switches cater to different preferences in key feel and response speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch tends to produce a sound profile that is more subdued and muted compared to some of its clicky or tactile counterparts, making it a good choice for those who prefer less auditory distraction while typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its medium acoustics, providing a pleasant auditory feedback that strikes a balance between quiet and loud. Both switches offer a relatively low noise level, which makes them suitable for environments where sound sensitivity is a concern; however, the Sakura’s medium acoustics may add a bit of character during typing sessions.
In regards to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a smooth, linear experience without any tactile bump, which is ideal for gamers and typists who favor a consistent keystroke feel. The MX Orange switches are well-regarded for their reliability and responsive action. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch delivers a feather-light touch that ensures easy actuation, making it very comfortable for long typing sessions but may feel different due to its lighter resistance. Both switches cater to users looking for a linear feel, but the Sakura's lighter actuation force might be preferable for those who require less effort in their keystrokes.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Orange and Huano Sakura switches cater to users who appreciate linear switches with minimal sound distraction. While the MX Orange excels in offering a muted auditory experience paired with a reliable, smooth feel, the Sakura shines with its lighter touch and medium sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and your desired sound signature while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch primarily hinges on your typing preferences and usage contexts. If you value a switch that offers a satisfying blend of tactile feedback with minimal resistance, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a smooth keystroke without excessive force, making it ideal for quick, repetitive actions during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you have a penchant for a lighter touch that supports extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, the Huano Sakura is your go-to. Its feather-light actuation with medium acoustics creates a tranquil typing experience, perfect for office environments or prolonged periods of work. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a responsive yet heavier feedback or a softer, quieter click while you engage with your keyboard.
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