KTT Orange vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Orange switch is renowned for its bouncy feel, featuring a 22mm long spring that provides a dynamic typing experience, complemented by a slick, frictionless travel and low-pitched sound profile due to its factory-lubed design. Its vibrant orange nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate milky top give it a unique aesthetic and robust build. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a tranquil typing experience, characterized by its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet and gentle keystroke reminiscent of soft raindrops. While both switches are linear and aim to enhance the typing experience, their approaches differ significantly—one promotes an energetic and smooth sensation, while the other focuses on serenity and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the finest switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, the differences in sound profiles and construction materials become quite apparent. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which enhances the resonance of the switch. Furthermore, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for showcasing RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through vividly, contributing to a visually appealing typing experience. This uniform material choice ensures that the switch produces a coherent sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon material for its top housing, which differs fundamentally in its acoustic properties. Nylon's softer composition means that it absorbs sound more effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting the sharper tones of the KTT Orange. This distinctive characteristic leads to a rounder and smoother auditory experience, particularly when typing. However, both switches share polycarbonate as their bottom housing material, which contributes to the brighter sound associated with the KTT Orange. The nylon top housing provides a unique pleasing sound when typing, while the rigidity of the polycarbonate bottom supports a distinctive bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches can produce enjoyable typing experiences. The KTT Orange will have a more pronounced sound signature due to the consistent use of polycarbonate throughout, while the HMX Silent Sakura – 43g will offer a balanced sound thanks to the combination of materials. Users can expect a unique feel when bottoming out with the Silent Sakura, thanks to its nylon top absorbing sound waves, while still enjoying a crisp finish from its polycarbonate bottom. This dual-material composition embodies versatility, allowing typists to select a switch that aligns with their desired auditory and tactile experience, whether aiming for sharp clarity or deeper resonance.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both 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 HMX Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it distinctly feel lighter overall. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a less strenuous experience for extended periods may favor the Silent Sakura, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the KTT Orange. Thus, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, while the KTT Orange is heavier at both actuation and bottom out levels.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it becomes clear that these two switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter and potentially more responsive for those who favor quick actuation, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, offering a more traditional and cushioned typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel while typing. As a result, if you prioritize responsiveness, the KTT Orange would be the optimal choice, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial typing depth.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Orange linear switch presents a low-pitched acoustic profile, which is often perceived as more bass-heavy and mellow compared to high-pitched switches. This characteristic is important for users who prefer a quieter typing experience yet still enjoy a deeper tone. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the soft sound of raindrops, making it an excellent choice for those seeking minimal disturbance in shared environments. While the Orange offers a more pronounced yet low-pitched sound, the Silent Sakura focuses on absolute quietness, catering to different needs based on the typing environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch is characterized by its bouncy and frictionless nature. The 22mm long spring provides a spring-like feedback that results in a lively and responsive feeling when typing, allowing for smooth key travel without noticeable resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile sensation in their typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is not specified, leaving an unknown element in comparison. Therefore, the Orange is ideal for users who appreciate an engaging and lively typing sensation, while the Silent Sakura may appeal to those who prioritize quiet operation, though its specific tactile feedback remains a mystery.
Overall, both the KTT Orange and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer unique attributes tailored to different preferences in typing experience. The KTT Orange provides a bouncy feel with low-pitched sound, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a serene and quiet environment, perfect for light typists seeking a distraction-free experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your priorities: whether you favor a lively tactile response or an ultra-quiet typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a bouncy, lively feel and prefer a moderate yet smooth resistance, the KTT Orange switch is an excellent choice. Its 53-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying, fluid typing experience suited for general use, gaming, or if you simply enjoy a more tactile interaction with your keyboard. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a serene typing environment or if you type lightly and prefer minimal resistance, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for you. With its ultra-light 43-gram actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, it’s perfect for shared workspaces or quiet settings where noise can be a concern. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you want a more engaging rebound with a bit more force or a lighter, more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different needs, so consider your priorities for sound, feel, and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard before making your choice.
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