KTT Orange vs. Huano Sakura (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Huano Sakura (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Huano Sakura are two linear options that cater to the diverse preferences of users. The KTT Orange is celebrated for its bouncy feel, attributed to its 22mm long spring and expertly crafted components, including a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom. This design not only offers a slick, frictionless typing experience but also produces a low-pitched sound profile that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are lauded for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them a perfect choice for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. While the KTT Orange promises a refined and smooth key travel thanks to its factory-lubing, the Sakura leans toward providing an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits catered to different typing preferences, but 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
46g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the Huano Sakura differ significantly in their choice of materials for housing, influencing their sound profiles and overall performance. The KTT Orange opts for polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffer structure, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting but also ensures a resonant audio experience as each key is pressed. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. While POK contributes a smooth, clacky sound owing to its low friction properties and exceptional durability, the nylon bottom housing provides a more subdued and fuller sound profile, creating a balance between distinct auditory experiences with each key press.
The material composition of the KTT Orange results in a homogenous sound profile, where the properties of polycarbonate are consistent across both the top and bottom housings. This uniformity likely leads to a pronounced clarity when typing, as the stiffer housing materials work together to produce a resonant sound signature that is ideal for users seeking a sharp auditory feedback. Conversely, the Huano Sakura encapsulates a duality in its sound profile; the POK top housing enhances the quick and crisp sound on actuation, while the nylon bottom housing introduces a softer and rounder sound upon bottoming out. This combination enables the Sakura to cater to those who appreciate a variety of auditory experiences when engaging with their keyboard.
In summary, while both switches showcase unique characteristics rooted in their housing materials, they also share similarities in the way sound profiles are constructed. In both cases, the top and bottom housings contribute differently, affecting overall auditory feedback. The KTT Orange’s consistent use of polycarbonate provides an even sound profile, whereas the Sakura’s combination of POK and nylon creates a nuanced auditory experience, allowing the user to feel and hear each keystroke in distinct ways. Ultimately, those who favor sharper sounds may gravitate towards the KTT Orange, whereas those who appreciate a blend of clarity and depth will find the Huano Sakura appealing.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences largely due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Huano Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which places it within the light category. This difference in weight can significantly impact user preference; those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate toward the Huano Sakura, while users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel might prefer the KTT Orange. Given these specifications, one can expect a softer and easier keystroke with the Sakura compared to the medium-light feel of the Orange. Ultimately, the KTT Orange is the heavier option, whereas the Huano Sakura is lighter, making the choice between them a matter of individual typing preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we see a slight difference: the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura measures 3.6 mm. This makes the KTT Orange the shorter option and the Huano Sakura the longer one, though the difference is minimal. Gamers might lean towards the KTT Orange for a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who value a more pronounced keypress might prefer the Huano Sakura for its deeper feel. This distinction illustrates the varying preferences in switch design, emphasizing how even small differences in travel distance can cater to different user experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The Huano Sakura (V2) comes in at $4.50 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
The KTT Orange linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound profile, which contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience when typing. This low pitch can create a soothing ambiance for extended use, suitable for both office environments and home setups. The sound quality is largely influenced by the switch's build, including its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, which help to dampen noise and prevent harsh tones. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch has an undefined acoustic profile; however, it is noted for its medium acoustics. This suggests that while it may not be as deep as the Orange, it likely still offers a pleasant auditory experience without being overly sharp or intrusive, making it a versatile option for various typing settings.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch truly shines with its bouncy characteristic, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. The long 22mm spring ensures that each key press delivers a lively rebound, making it especially enjoyable for those who prefer an engaging tactile response. Coupled with a frictionless design, the Orange switch offers a remarkably smooth key travel with minimal resistance, allowing for effortless typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Sakura linear switch remains unknown; thus, it is difficult to directly compare its tactile characteristics. However, given the Orange's well-documented qualities, it can be anticipated that the Sakura may offer a different or possibly lighter touch that may cater to those who desire a softer input.
In summary, the KTT Orange linear switch is notable for its low-pitched sound and lively, frictionless feel, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an engaging and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura is appreciated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, although further specifics about its feel remain undisclosed. Users who gravitate towards either of these switches can expect satisfying results; the Orange is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback in sound and touch, while the Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle experience without compromising on acoustic comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Orange and Huano Sakura linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you find yourself wanting a somewhat bouncier feel with a bit more resistance during key presses, the KTT Orange is a solid choice. It offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, which provides a lively typing experience thanks to its bouncy and frictionless characteristics. This can be particularly enjoyable if you engage in fast typing or gaming sessions, as the smooth travel and low-pitched sound profile create an engaging environment. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions without much finger fatigue, the Huano Sakura with its 45-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable. Its lighter touch and medium acoustics allow for a more effortless and comfortable experience, making it ideal for those long hours at the keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you want your keyboard to feel and sound as you engage with it, ensuring that you enjoy every moment of your typing experience.
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