KTT Rose vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Rose and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists. The KTT Rose switches, celebrated for their beautiful design, feature progressive springs that create a balanced yet satisfying typing feel, embodying a unique blend of low-pitched bass sounds that evoke the gentle cadence of rain. They are suited for those who appreciate a touch of auditory feedback in their typing journey. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for those who prioritize a quieter atmosphere; with an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, these switches are perfect for light typists or anyone seeking a serene workspace without sacrificing the satisfaction of linearly smooth keystrokes. While the Rose switches offer a more substantial feel coupled with an engaging sound profile, the Silent Sakura excels in delivering a near-silent experience with minimal effort required for actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which play a significant role in the overall sound profile and tactile experience they provide. The KTT Rose features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This clarity in sound is particularly noticeable when used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristic of nylon absorbs sound, creating a rounder resonance that contributes to a more muted auditory experience. Consequently, users can expect different sound profiles from each switch due to their contrasting top housing materials.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings of these switches, we see a reversal of materials: the KTT Rose features a nylon bottom housing while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom of the Rose contributes to a deeper and more absorbed sound signature, reinforcing the duller and rounder acoustic profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura introduces a sharper sound, mirroring the qualities found in its top housing. The choice of housing materials significantly influences the sound produced upon bottoming out, giving each switch a unique auditory experience. These opposing material choices between the two switches lead to variations in both sound quality and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, even with the differing materials used in the top and bottom housings, both the KTT Rose and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g can deliver satisfying results tailored to user preferences. For instance, if one prefers the clarity and sharpness typical of polycarbonate sound profiles or the roundness of nylon, a mixed housing configuration could provide the best of both worlds. The top housing will impact the sound as the key is released, while the bottom housing will define the sound and feel upon key actuation. Consequently, users can expect a distinctive combination of sound characteristics that respect the strengths of both housing materials, producing a nuanced typing experience regardless of the switch’s material composition.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, which features a 37-gram actuation force and a 43-gram bottom out force, we can see a clear distinction in their characteristics. The Silent Sakura is significantly lighter, making it more suited for users who prefer a softer touch and those who might type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Rose's heavier bottom out force indicates a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the differences in weight may influence typing comfort and preference, especially for long gaming sessions or prolonged work use. However, without knowing the actuation force of the Rose, we can't directly compare it to the Silent Sakura's 37-gram actuation that makes it lighter both in actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide an identical tactile experience when pressed. This similar travel distance means users can expect comparable key feel and responsiveness while typing or gaming. With both switches having the same 4 mm travel, users aiming for a consistent experience across different keyboards will find that their performance and feedback will be alike, leading to uniformly satisfying results regardless of which switch is used.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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 characteristics of the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the Rose stands out with its low-pitched, bass-heavy tones that create a warm and mellow auditory experience. This feature contributes to its enjoyable typing sound, often likened to the soothing rhythm of distant raindrops. The Rose also presents a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for both casual and professional use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura is notably engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, aiming for minimal sound disruption, also evoking a gentle raindrop ambiance. However, specific sound descriptors for the Silent Sakura are not provided, leaving its tonal qualities less defined. Nevertheless, this switch emphasizes a quiet environment, making it highly appropriate for those who need to maintain discretion in their setting.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose switch is characterized by a mild typing experience that caters to a broad range of typists. It offers a gentle touch, making it approachable even for newcomers, while the polished finish ensures a smooth experience with reduced friction as you type. This combination results in a refined and enjoyable tactile response. The Silent Sakura, on the other hand, lacks specific descriptors about its feel. However, given its ultra-light 43g actuation force, one could anticipate a light and less resistant typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle touch. Without additional information on the Silent Sakura's design and finish, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in the same dimensions as the Rose.
In conclusion, if you’re deciding between the KTT Rose and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches, both offer engaging experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Rose's warm sound and mild, polished feel make it a versatile option suited for various environments, whereas the Silent Sakura's design focuses on creating a tranquil, quiet experience, ideal for light typists. While there are clear differences in sound and feel, if you prioritize stealth in your typing needs, the Silent Sakura will achieve that elegantly, while the Rose will provide a more dynamic auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a rich sound and refined feel or a whisper-quiet functionality.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile that offers resonant feedback, the KTT Rose switch, with its 63.5g bottom-out force, may be the right pick for you. This switch’s mild and polished feel can provide a satisfying tactile experience for both casual and serious typists, making it suitable for a variety of typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter, more serene typing environment and prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be the better choice. With its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch is designed for those who seek to minimize noise—ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. In summary, consider your typing style and the acoustics of your environment to choose the switch that will best cater to your needs.
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