TTC Neptune vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options worth considering are the TTC Neptune and the Huano Sakura, both of which are linear switches. The TTC Neptune is celebrated for its innovative internal structure, which provides a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience akin to the delightful feel of chewy mochi. Its ultralight design allows for quick keystrokes, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, the Neptune features a muted and thocky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch also delivers a feather-light touch, catering well to users who engage in extended typing sessions; its medium acoustics strike a balance between a tactile experience and noise levels. While both switches are ideal for different situations, each has unique characteristics that can cater to a variety of user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Huano Sakura, we witness a distinctive divergence in their top housing materials. The Neptune utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which produces a sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted spectrum. This indicates that while it offers pleasant acoustics, the results are characterized by a certain softness. In contrast, the Sakura’s top housing is made of POK (Polyketone), a material known for its smoothness and durability. The clacky sound produced by POK is a stark contrast to the Neptune's muffled output, illustrating that the choice of material significantly affects the auditory experience of each switch.
Turning to the bottom housing materials, the Neptune features polycarbonate, which contributes a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Sakura employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is traditionally valued for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile. This difference stems from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound better, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory response. The combination of these materials in both switches exemplifies how the bottom and top housings provide complementary characteristics that influence the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, while both switches utilize different materials, each housing contributes uniquely to the switch's performance. If the Neptune and Sakura were to be equipped with similar housing configurations—perhaps using POM for both top and bottom or nylon for both—the resulting audio profiles would converge, likely yielding a more muted and deeper sound, similar to that of the Neptune. Conversely, if both had polycarbonate, the result could be a crisper sound akin to the Neptune's bottom housing. The interplay of each housing material ultimately shapes the nuances of sound and feel during operation, underscoring the significance of material choice in crafting a desirable keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Neptune requires an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Neptune's higher forces provide a slightly more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Both switches, however, maintain a relatively light profile overall, making them suitable for users who favor less strenuous keystrokes while still offering different experiences in terms of tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction means that if you're seeking a more responsive keypress experience, the Sakura, with its shorter distance, may be the better option. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for their quicker response times. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Neptune’s longer travel distance might suit your preferences better. Thus, when considering these two switches, the TTC Neptune offers a bit more depth with 3.8 mm, whereas the Huano Sakura provides a snappier action at 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
The Huano Sakura 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the TTC Neptune and the Huano Sakura linear switches, the Neptune stands out with its muted, thocky sound profile that is characterized by a low-pitched and subdued tone. This results in a deeper, bass-heavy sound that many find satisfying when typing, offering a pleasing auditory experience without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the acoustic qualities of the Sakura switches remain unspecified; thus, it is challenging to directly compare their sound. However, since the Neptune switches are designed for a more accentuated yet muted auditory experience, they may not produce the crispness often associated with linear switches.
Focusing on the feel, the TTC Neptune offers a luxurious typing experience characterized by its buttery, frictionless glide, making key presses feel incredibly smooth and effortless. The unique gummy sensation when bottoming out adds a playful quality reminiscent of resilience, likening it to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The switch design emphasizes a refined and polished feel, which can enhance typing comfort significantly. The tactile feedback from the Sakura switches is not detailed, preventing a direct comparison; however, the Neptune's established characteristics would likely provide a superior tactile experience for those who favor a smoother typing action.
In summary, when evaluating the TTC Neptune and Huano Sakura linear switches, the Neptune switch clearly excels in both sound and feel, with its distinctive thocky sound and a remarkably smooth typing experience. Although the Sakura lacks specific qualitative descriptions, if one values a lightweight typing experience, they may still yield favorable results. Overall, if you're seeking a switch that delivers on sound depth and typing finesse, the TTC Neptune may be the preferable choice, while further insight into Sakura switches would be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Neptune linear switch or the Huano Sakura linear switch, your decision should weigh on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prefer a smooth, light, and almost frictionless typing experience that is complemented by a muted and thocky sound profile, the TTC Neptune is the way to go. It's ideal for those who enjoy the tactile sensation of a chewy texture, making it perfect for fast-paced typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you're looking for a feather-light touch with moderate acoustics, primarily suited for long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch is your best bet. Its lighter 45-gram actuation force will keep your fingers relaxed during extended use, making it a great choice for general productivity and a quieter environment. Overall, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you value a smooth and engaging feel with a more pronounced sound from the Neptune or a softer, lighter touch with the Sakura for prolonged tasks.
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