KTT Purple Click vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often hinges on the desired typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The KTT Purple Click, characterized by its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click, offers a blend of light keystrokes with a pronounced tactility, creating a typing experience that feels both invigorating and delightful. It's perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback and the lively essence of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g sets itself apart with its whisper-quiet keystrokes, mimicking the gentle sound of rain, making it ideal for those who prefer a serene environment or work late at night without disturbing others. With a well-balanced actuation force of 53g, this linear switch provides a smooth and satisfying typing session without the noise associated with clicky counterparts. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The KTT Purple Click and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which influence the overall auditory and tactile experience while typing. The Purple Click employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's top housing is made of nylon, a material that offers a more subdued and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more noise, leading to a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials shapes the first impression users have when engaging with these switches.
Moving to the bottom housing, the KTT Purple Click utilizes a nylon material, mirroring the Silent Sakura's choice of polycarbonate for its base. Here, the similarities between the two switches align through the use of nylon, as it contributes to a deeper, more resonant sound. This shared characteristic means that while the sound profile remains distinct due to the contrasting top housing materials, the overall acoustic experience finds common ground with the nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing shapes the typing experience by generating a sharper tone when bottoming out, enhancing the auditory feedback users receive, particularly when they press the keys down firmly.
Therefore, the combination of the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top with its nylon bottom creates a unique sound profile that balances crispness with depth, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom yield a contrasting auditory experience of fullness and sharpness. Each switch thus offers a distinct auditory signature by blending the characteristics provided by different housing materials. Ultimately, users can expect varying results based on their preferences for sound clarity versus fullness, ensuring both switches cater to different auditory desires and typing styles, with nylon providing a consistent connection in sound depth across both models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Click requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, compared to the Silent Sakura's 45 grams, making the former slightly easier to press. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force of the two switches presents a different story; the Purple Click bottoms out at 55 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the Purple Click offers a lighter actuation and a firmer bottom out, the Silent Sakura maintains a slightly more consistent feel with less resistance when fully pressed. Overall, the KTT Purple Click switch is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the HMX Silent Sakura is slightly heavier at the actuation point but brings less resistance when bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. This similarity in travel distance indicates that you can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch. Hence, users looking for comparable key engagement will find that both switches provide identical results in terms of travel distance.
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 - 53g 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 delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its pronounced high-pitched, crunchy clicks. This sound is sharp and resonant, creating an immersive typing atmosphere reminiscent of crunching autumn leaves underfoot. In stark contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered for near-silence, offering a whisper-quiet experience akin to gentle raindrops on a window. This major difference in sound profile highlights that while the Purple Click provides a loud and engaging auditory feedback ideal for those who enjoy clicky switches, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a tranquil typing experience perfect for quieter environments or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Click offers an invigorating sensation with pronounced feedback that feels snappy and reactive. It combines moderate to firm actuation force with a stepped tactile response, meaning that users can detect distinct stages throughout the keystroke, enhancing the overall typing engagement. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switch remain unknown. However, since it is a linear switch, one can generally expect a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, contributing to a fluid typing experience.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click switch excels in providing a loud and pronounced sound profile along with a tactile and invigorating typing feel, making it appealing for users who revel in auditory feedback and engagement. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for those who favor a silent and smooth experience, prioritizing a calm environment. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value sound and tactile feedback over a quiet, seamless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy the invigorating sensation of a pronounced click with each keystroke, then the Purple Click is a solid choice for you. Its higher-pitched, satisfying click and moderate actuation force can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for tasks that require focus or even as a fun addition to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle and quiet typing experience—perhaps because you work in a shared space or simply enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere—the Silent Sakura switches are designed to deliver a perfectly balanced and gentle keystroke while maintaining a gratifying feel. This switch is ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort, minimal noise, and smooth operation take precedence. Ultimately, assess your personal preferences for sound and feel, and make your decision based on how you intend to use your keyboard to ensure it complements your style and needs.