KTT Purple Click vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options—KTT Purple Click and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g—embody contrasting characteristics suited for different typing styles. The KTT Purple Click, famously known as the Purple Sauce switch, offers a distinctive high-pitched click that creates an invigorating auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its light, yet tactile design provides a delightful balance that appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced, crunchy feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura is engineered for those seeking a more subdued experience, boasting a whisper-quiet operation akin to the tranquil sound of raindrops. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it caters perfectly to light typists who value a serene typing environment free from disruptive sounds. Each switch presents its own unique advantages, making the decision between them one influenced by individual typing habits and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it becomes evident that the materials used for the top and bottom housings are distinct yet complementary, impacting the overall auditory experience. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffer composition, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly pronounced in the context of RGB lighting; the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and audio clarity. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon’s softer and sound-absorbing properties. This contrasting material choice means that while the Purple Click delivers a bright and resonant sound when a key is released, the Silent Sakura creates a more subdued auditory experience.
Turning to the bottom housings, the KTT Purple Click is equipped with nylon, which aligns with traditional switch material conventions. This choice ensures that the bottom-out sound is toned down to a softer, rounder quality, which contrasts with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura. The polycarbonate’s stiffer characteristics impart a sharper sound on the bottom-out, creating a vibrant auditory feedback when keys are pressed fully down. Here, the clear distinction in the materials leads to a more varied sound profile, as the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound of the keystroke impact compared to the release sound generated by the top housing.
Despite these material differences, both the KTT Purple Click and the Silent Sakura can achieve compelling results in terms of performance. The unique contributions of each housing, with the KTT Purple Click offering a crisp response and the Silent Sakura providing a fuller sound, mean that users can select their switches based on personal preference for audio feedback. Ultimately, both switches allow for an engaging typing experience, showcasing how the distinct properties of each material enrich the overall functionality, appeal, and effectiveness of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of just 43 grams, making it significantly lighter overall. This means that typists who favor a lighter switch for extended use or long gaming sessions may find the Silent Sakura more comfortable. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the heavier Purple Click. The differences in both actuation and bottom out forces suggest that they cater to different user preferences, with the Silent Sakura providing a more delicate touch for softer feedback, while the Purple Click offers a greater resistance that some might find more satisfying.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they have the same length of movement when pressed. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feeling of engagement and actuation when utilizing either switch. As a result, both switches should confer comparable tactile experiences, making them suitable for those who appreciate a consistent keypress feel. With no discernible difference in travel distance, users choosing between these switches can focus on factors such as actuation force and switch type, rather than travel length.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Purple Click switch provides a distinctly resonant auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched, crunchy clicks that evoke the satisfying sound of stepping on crispy autumn leaves. This switch's click is clean and sharp, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find motivating. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g aims for a completely different sound signature, designed for those who prefer a quiet typing environment akin to gentle raindrops against a window. While the Purple Click is loud and attention-grabbing, the Silent Sakura is discreet, making for a significant contrast in auditory profiles.
In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch delivers an invigorating typing experience marked by its pronounced feedback and a mild stepped tactility. The switch offers a balance between snappy responsiveness and a noticeable tactile sensation, making each keystroke engaging without overwhelming the user. Conversely, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is not explicitly described, but given its ultra-light actuation force, it likely leans towards a smoother linear experience, which would appeal to those who enjoy an almost effortless keystroke without any tactile interruptions.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to distinctly different typing preferences. Purple Click excels in providing a lively, resonant sound and a tactile feedback that adds excitement to typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy an interactive experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet environment suitable for light typists who seek tranquility in their workspace. Depending on your typing style and auditory preference, these switches offer unique qualities that can significantly affect your overall experience, ensuring that whether you lean toward the engaging sound of the Purple Click or the serene vibe of the Silent Sakura, you’ll find something tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing style and environment. If you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy an engaging typing experience, the Purple Click is an excellent option. Its satisfying high-pitched clicks and pronounced tactility make it perfect for those who appreciate a lively keystroke reminiscent of crunching autumn leaves. This switch encourages a more energetic typing experience, making it ideal for typing-heavy tasks, programming, or gaming where feedback and responsiveness are paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, more serene atmosphere, perhaps in a shared workspace or during late-night sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light and whisper-quiet touch. With its smooth travel and 43g actuation force, it caters well to light typists seeking effortless keystrokes without the distraction of sound. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and use case to select the switch that will enhance your typing experience most effectively.
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