Huano Sakura vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an exemplary option for those who engage in extended typing sessions and prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without the tactile bump. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying medium level of resistance, delivering a precise and comfortable typing experience accentuated by its designed quietness, which caters to users in office or shared living environments. While both switches have their unique benefits—springing forth the Sakura’s effortless keystrokes versus the Silent Bluish White's muted tactile feedback—your choice will hinge on whether you value a linear action or a tactile feel. 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
35g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, leading to notable differences in their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is characterized by a coefficient of friction of 0.04, offering smoothness that surpasses that of traditional materials like LY. This material provides a balanced sound that is described as clacky and smooth, and its robustness significantly contributes to the durability of the switch, with wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance, which is particularly appealing for users who appreciate defined auditory feedback during typing.
Both the Huano Sakura and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic in the sound profile they produce. Nylon, a classic choice for switch housings, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing sound waves due to its softer composition. This gives both switches a rounded auditory experience when bottoming out. While the bottom housing of both switches results in a similar sound quality, the overall acoustics are influenced by the unique attributes of their top housings. The contrasting materials in the top part of the switches—POK for the Sakura and polycarbonate for the Silent Bluish White (V2)—mean that the user will experience different auditory cues when releasing the keys.
In practical applications, the differences in top housing materials will result in a unique typing experience for users. When pressing down, the nylon bottom of both switches produces a familiar, satisfying deep sound, while the release of the key will showcase the POK's smoothness for the Sakura and the prismatic clarity of the polycarbonate in the Silent Bluish White (V2). The combination of these housing materials creates a nuanced auditory profile and tactile feedback that cater to different preferences, although both switches can still deliver satisfying performance through their shared nylon composition in the bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound clarity versus smoothness during keypresses.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the unique typing experiences each offers. The Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes it a better option for users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. In essence, those who favor a lighter touch will find the Sakura more suitable, while the heavier Silent Bluish White (V2) may cater to those seeking a more tactile experience. Thus, while both switches are categorized as light, the Sakura is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who aim to reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Sakura offers a bit more depth in its key press compared to the Silent Bluish White. For those who value a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White may appeal, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial typing experience, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a sense of depth in their keystrokes. Thus, if you prioritize speed, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better choice, while the Huano Sakura could cater to those looking for a more pronounced key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch has medium acoustics that provide a balanced auditory experience during typing sessions. This characteristic is conducive to prolonged use without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter response than typical mechanical switches. This design minimizes the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making the Silent Bluish White ideal for office settings or shared spaces where silence is valued.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch, making it easy to actuate with minimal effort. This quality lends itself well to fast typing, as it reduces fatigue during longer sessions. Conversely, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a medium tactile feel characterized by a satisfying resistance during keystrokes. The switch's tactile feedback is subtle yet discernible, with a stepped design that can enhance touch typing accuracy without being overly pronounced. This results in a typing experience that is smooth, polished, and approachable for various users, regardless of their experience level.
In summary, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Sakura excels in providing a light touch with medium sound levels, making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing effortless typing. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is perfect for those seeking a quieter environment while still enjoying a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value a light linear feel or a medium tactile experience, as both have their own strengths that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch depends largely on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a lightweight typing experience with minimal resistance and are looking for switches that facilitate long typing sessions, the Sakura switch is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams and medium acoustic profile make it suitable for users who enjoy a quick, fluid keystroke without too much noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that enhances your typing accuracy, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is a compelling choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and a subtle tactile bump, these switches provide a balanced typing experience ideal for office or shared living spaces due to their muted sound profile. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother touch or a more tactile, yet quiet, typing sensation.
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