Huano Sakura vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders stand out: the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Huano Sakura is celebrated for its exceptionally lightweight tactile response and medium acoustics, making it a great choice for users who engage in lengthy typing sessions without feeling fatigued. Its smooth operation allows for quick keystrokes, ideal for both casual users and gamers alike. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a more subdued experience, tailored for environments where noise reduction is paramount. This switch is characterized by its plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel, providing a comfortable typing experience while significantly minimizing audio feedback, which is beneficial in shared spaces. While both switches boast linear action and smooth performance, they cater to different needs and preferences: one prioritizes comfort during extended use, while the other focuses on silence without sacrificing quality. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Sakura and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches demonstrate both similarities and differences that affect their overall sound profiles and tactile responses. The Sakura utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, making it one of the smoothest materials available. In terms of durability, polyketone is exceptionally strong, outpacing POM and Nylon in wear and shock resistance. This robust construction allows for a smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, driven in part by the material's characteristics. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is noted for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Despite the different materials, both switches can produce a clacky sound, indicating that though they are composed of distinct materials, careful engineering allows for similar auditory outcomes.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Huano Sakura switches embrace a classic nylon construction that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder materials. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black also employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which mirrors the high-pitched characteristics found in the top housing. While the Sakura’s nylon provides warmth and depth, the Ink blend promotes clarity and brightness. This divergence in materials leads to a split between the bottoming-out sound and feel, resulting in distinct experiences depending on the switch being engaged yet still ensuring a satisfying result in terms of acoustic response.
Overall, the interplay between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings reveals how they influence the overall acoustic and tactile characteristics of each switch. While the Huano Sakura's combination of POK and nylon focuses on durability and a rounded sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black leans towards clarity and high-pitched acoustics, resulting in two unique styles. Despite these differences, both switches manage to produce a clacky sound profile, showcasing the potential for varied materials to yield similar auditory effects. The bottom housing places significant importance on the key feel and sound, and with the careful design of each switch, users can enjoy diverse typing experiences tailored to personal preferences while still achieving pleasing sound qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users seeking an effortless typing experience, particularly during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. As such, the Sakura is the lighter option overall, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier choice. These differences in weight mean that users will experience contrasting levels of resistance while typing, influencing their overall comfort and typing style based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch reveals a notable difference, with the Sakura switch featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Sakura the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance, is likely favored by those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, providing a deeper and possibly more satisfying feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in the typing experience.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, making it a pleasant choice for extended typing sessions without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are designed for those who prioritize a quieter experience, featuring a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the mechanical click typically associated with many switches. The Silent Ink Black achieves this by dampening the sound, ensuring that it produces a softer, more subtle noise. This characteristic makes the Silent Ink Black particularly suitable in environments where minimal typing noise is essential.
Regarding feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, making it easy to press and ideal for long typing sessions, but it does not compromise the typing experience with its responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky smooth typing experience, along with a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel. The qualities of being silky and polished indicate that the Silent Ink Black is designed to minimize resistance and friction, allowing for a sleek and refined typing experience. While both switches aim to enhance comfort for the user, the Sakura is more focused on a light touch, whereas the Silent Ink Black emphasizes smoothness and reduced friction.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to distinct preferences. While the Sakura enables a light, medium-sounding typing experience perfect for extended usage, the Silent Ink Black focuses on providing a muted sound profile with an incredibly smooth feel. If you prioritize noise reduction and a cushioned bottom-out experience, the Silent Ink Black may be your preferred choice. However, if you enjoy a lightweight switch with approachable acoustics, the Sakura could be ideal. Ultimately, both switches have unique attributes that cater to different typing styles and environments, allowing you to achieve satisfying results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and plan on engaging in extended typing sessions, the Sakura switch, with its 45 grams bottom-out force, is an excellent option. Its medium acoustics provide a balanced sound profile that is suitable for both gaming and productive work. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter environment or need a switch that minimizes noise, you would benefit from the Gateron Silent Ink Black. With a heavier 70 grams bottom-out force, this switch offers a cushy, silky feel while delivering a muted sound experience, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise could be disruptive. In essence, choose the Sakura for a more responsive and lighter feel, and opt for the Silent Ink Black if smoothness and quiet operation are your top priorities.
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