Huano Sakura vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Huano Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly during lengthy sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that features a light to medium resistance along with a satisfying rounded tactile bump, ideal for those who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes while maintaining a quieter sound profile. Whether you're drawn to the Sakura's seamless travel or the Silent Brown's comfortable tactile response, both switches cater to specific typing needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 TTC Silent Brown switches employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound characteristics while both feature nylon for their bottom housings. The Sakura's top housing is crafted from polyketone (POK), which is noted for its smoothness and strong durability, exhibiting exceptional wear resistance compared to traditional materials like POM and Nylon. This ensures a clacky and smooth typing experience while providing a robust structure that can withstand extensive use. In contrast, the Silent Brown's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which contributes to a clearer, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material choice is particularly advantageous in applications with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a consistent auditory characteristic to their performances. Nylon is recognized for its softness, which helps in absorbing sound vibrations, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This similarity ensures that both switches produce a rounder sound upon bottoming out, contributing to an overall muted auditory experience that many typists may prefer. The shared material in the bottom housing means that the critical acoustic properties are notably aligned between the two switches, leading to a similar underlying sound quality.
However, the different top housing materials mean that while the bottom-out sound may feel comparable, the release sound will markedly differ. The POK top housing of the Sakura promotes a smoother disengagement, enhancing the overall tactile typing experience, while the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Brown yields a sharper sound during release. Thus, although the bottom housings are identical in material, the varied top housings will lead to differentiated sound profiles when the switches are used. This contrast ensures that users can select a switch that aligns with their auditory preferences, whether they favor the clackiness of the Sakura or the crisp resonance of the Silent Brown.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor prolonged typing sessions and a gentler touch. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch has a stronger actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. The differences in these forces suggest that the Sakura is better suited for tasks requiring lighter touch and prolonged use, while the Silent Brown will provide more resistance, which some may find more satisfying. Overall, anyone seeking a lighter switch would opt for the Huano Sakura, while those desiring a heavier feel would lean towards the TTC Silent Brown, making the choice highly dependent on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the distinction is clear: the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown measures 3.8 mm. This means that the Sakura offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers who appreciate quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Brown may provide a more substantial feeling when pressing the key, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Sakura is the better option; conversely, if you desire a more tactile and pronounced feedback, the Silent Brown would be preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
The Huano Sakura 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics, which means it strikes a balance that can be suitable for both quiet and more boisterous environments, making it practical for long typing sessions without becoming overly distracting. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, which is designed specifically to minimize noise, offering a quieter experience that is especially appreciated in shared or workspaces where sound can be an issue. While both switches provide a less intrusive auditory experience compared to louder options, the Sakura's medium sound level allows for a bit more auditory feedback than the more subdued Silent Brown.
Regarding the feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, creating an easy and effortless typing experience that can contribute to reduced finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown offers a slightly more tactile experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded bump that provides feedback during typing. This combination results in a buttery, mild, and polished typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. While the Sakura prioritizes a lighter touch, the Silent Brown’s tactile bump provides a welcome distinction that can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a bit more feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Sakura provides a feather-light touch with a balanced sound profile, making it suitable for long typing sessions, while the Silent Brown excels with its muted acoustics and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feel without the noise. Ultimately, both switches present unique advantages, allowing users to select one that aligns with their typing style and environment, or even achieving similar results by integrating them into their preferred keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch that allows for rapid keystrokes without much resistance, the Sakura switch is an excellent option. Its feather-light feel and medium sound profile make it perfect for extended typing sessions, especially if you value a smooth and unobtrusive experience without the added tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced feel with a satisfying tactile bump, along with a medium-heavy resistance, then the Silent Brown is the ideal choice for you. The buttery smoothness combined with the muted sound profile offers a comfortable and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for a shared workspace or late-night gaming sessions. Thus, when deciding between these two switches, consider your typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard to find the perfect fit for your needs.
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