Huano Sakura vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and the TTC Silent Red linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Sakura switches are renowned for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them a fantastic choice for those who value a swift typing experience during extended sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches excel in providing a smooth, seamless typing experience, characterized by their muted sound profile that ensures a quieter environment—perfect for office or shared living spaces. While both switches prioritize comfort and a linear feel, their acoustic profiles and tactile responses cater to different users: the Sakura embraces a bit of sound with its medium acoustics, while the Silent Red offers a more subdued experience with its padded bottom-out 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sakura features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), known for its smoothness due to a low coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material delivers a sound profile that is described as smooth and clacky, contributing to an overall tactile feel that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Silent Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness. This rigidity results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, making it particularly appealing for those seeking clarity in their keystrokes. While both materials aim for high performance in terms of sound and feel, the POK provides a smoother, more luxurious typing experience, whereas polycarbonate emphasizes crispness and clarity.
In contrast, both switches share the same bottom housing material—nylon—which is a classic choice for mechanical switches. The nylon bottom of both the Sakura and Silent Red switches absorbs sound more effectively due to its relatively softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in the bottom housing material means that both switches deliver a rounded and pleasant acoustic experience upon bottoming out, grounding the differences found in their upper housing materials. Regardless of the overall sound profile, users can expect a certain level of deep resonance when typing on these switches, thanks to their common nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the housing materials in both the Huano Sakura and TTC Silent Red switches lead to distinct, yet similar typing experiences. While the differences in the top housings define the overall sound signatures—clacky versus crisp—the nylon bottoms ensure a richer auditory backdrop common to both switches. For users who appreciate a blend of clarity from the polycarbonate top of the Silent Red and the smoothness from the POK top of the Sakura, the pairing of nylon for the bottom housing creates a unique balance, resulting in a nuanced typing experience that draws from the strengths of both materials. By leveraging the distinct characteristics of both the top and bottom housings, users can enjoy varied sound profiles while acknowledging the underlying similarities shared by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who favor a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, while the TTC Silent Red is the heavier one. For users looking for a lighter switch that facilitates extended use without fatigue, the Sakura is ideal; however, for those seeking that tactile feedback from a stronger actuation, the Silent Red may be the better choice.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Sakura switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red, making it potentially more responsive for users who prioritize quick actuation, such as gamers. Conversely, the Silent Red's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing keys. Both switches, although close in their measurements, cater to different user preferences based on the nuances of their travel distances, with the Sakura being the more responsive option and the Silent Red providing a bit more depth.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
The Huano Sakura switch is known for its medium acoustics, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without excessive noise. While it doesn't provide specific details about being particularly loud or quiet, the medium sound profile implies a balanced auditory experience that would not be obtrusive in a typical setting. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is explicitly designed for quieter operation, featuring a muted sound that helps minimize the typical noises associated with mechanical keyboards. This quality makes it particularly favorable for environments where a peaceful atmosphere is crucial, such as offices or shared living spaces. Overall, users can expect a less disruptive experience from the Silent Red, while the Sakura can offer a more moderately pronounced sound.
On the tactile front, the Sakura switch is characterized by a feather-light touch, which can lead to a more effortless typing experience. This means that users can type without much resistance, promoting comfort during extended usage. The Silent Red, on the other hand, emphasizes a smooth and consistent feel throughout its travel. It offers a more polished and refined typing experience, boasting a padded bottom-out feel that adds a layer of comfort, making the key press satisfying without overwhelming feedback. While the Sakura focuses on a light touch, the Silent Red emphasizes both smoothness and comfort, suggesting both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, albeit through different tactile approaches.
In summary, the Huano Sakura and TTC Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Sakura offers a balanced auditory experience suitable for prolonged typing, while the Silent Red excels in muting sound for quieter environments. Although the tactile sensations differ—with the Sakura being feather-light and the Silent Red providing a smooth, cushioned experience—both switches ultimately aim to enhance user comfort and satisfaction. Depending on individual priorities, either switch could be an excellent choice for a pleasant mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy a more tactile experience during extended typing sessions, the Sakura switch might be the better option for you, especially if you appreciate a medium acoustic profile that still allows some feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you require a switch that minimizes sound—ideal for office environments or shared living spaces—the TTC Silent Red would be the optimal choice, thanks to its muted sound profile and reliable smoothness from top to bottom. Moreover, the Silent Red's heavier actuation force can enhance your typing control if you prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so the right choice will depend on whether you value a lighter, more responsive touch versus a quieter, more polished typing experience.
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