Huano Sakura vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Huano Sakura and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Huano Sakura stands out for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions where comfort is key. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver focuses on speed and precision, featuring a light-medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance, which allows for quick and effortless actuation—ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize rapid responsiveness. While both switches offer their distinct advantages, the Sakura leans towards a comfortable typing experience, whereas the Speed Silver aims to enhance performance in fast-paced settings. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the TTC Speed Silver, similarities and differences emerge that significantly affect the overall typing experience. The Sakura utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is known for its remarkable strength and smooth performance. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than the Speed Silver's LY coefficient of 0.03, the Sakura's POK housing helps create a smooth, clacky sound. Additionally, with exceptional durability that surpasses POM and Nylon, the POK material enhances the longevity and performance of the switch. In contrast, the Speed Silver employs polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer material contributes to sharper, higher-pitched sounds and resonates more clearly, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while the Sakura focuses on durability and smoothness, the Speed Silver emphasizes a crisp sound profile.
Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which evokes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a well-regarded classic for switch housings due to its softer nature, which absorbs more noise and produces a rounder auditory experience. Among the two models, this similarity ensures that both switches will produce a rich sound at the bottom-out stages, creating a satisfying tactile response. However, given that the acoustic properties of the top housing material differ, the overall sound profile of the switches when pressed will not be the same. The Sakura’s POK top will yield a smoother and clackier result, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate is likely to produce a sharper, more resonant auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches creates unique experiences, characterized by their respective top housings. The Sakura's POK top housing fosters durability and a smooth typing experience, complementing the rich sounds produced by the nylon bottom. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top of the Speed Silver enhances sound clarity and sharpness, which also pairs nicely with the nylon base. The varying qualities of the housing materials illustrate that even with a shared bottom housing, the switches will sound and feel different during use, showcasing the intricate interplay of materials in crafting the perfect typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. 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 comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Speed Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, delivering a more substantial typing experience. This difference suggests that users preferring a lighter feel would gravitate towards the Huano Sakura, while those who appreciate a stronger push would favor the TTC Speed Silver. Consequently, if typists are looking to minimize finger fatigue, the Sakura switch is the more suitable choice, whereas the Speed Silver caters to those who enjoy the tactile feedback and robustness of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Huano Sakura switch provides a deeper key press experience, which some users may appreciate for its more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance is designed for quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking enhanced performance. If you're prioritizing fast actuation, the Speed Silver would be the preferable option; however, if you prefer the sensation of a more substantial key press, the slightly longer travel distance of the Sakura would be advantageous. This distinction highlights how individual preferences can influence the choice between these two switches, with the Sakura offering a more pronounced depth and the Speed Silver focusing on rapid engagement.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 linear switch offers medium acoustics, providing a balanced auditory experience that's neither too loud nor too quiet. This makes it particularly suitable for longer typing sessions where a gentle auditory feedback can help maintain focus without being distracting. The TTC Speed Silver, on the other hand, is characterized by a neutral sound profile that possesses a moderate actuation force requirement. This sound quality is versatile, making it a fitting choice whether you are using the switch in a quiet office environment or at home, ensuring that typing remains a pleasant experience without drawing undue attention.
In terms of feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, which facilitates effortless keystrokes and makes it perfect for extensive typing. This lightness stands in contrast to traditional linear switches, prioritizing comfort and ease of use. Conversely, the Speed Silver switch presents a mild yet polished typing experience. Its smooth action is bolstered by reduced friction, contributing to a refined feel that many users find appealing. The combined characteristics of a light-medium resistance and quick actuation allow for an agile typing experience that is both fast and enjoyable.
In summary, while the Huano Sakura and TTC Speed Silver linear switches differ slightly in emphasis—comfort and medium acoustics for the Sakura, and speed with a polished feel for the Speed Silver—users looking for a light and efficient typing experience can expect satisfactory results from either. Both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing journey, making them excellent choices for those venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Sakura linear switches and TTC Speed Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re someone who values a lightweight typing experience for extended use, the Sakura switches are an excellent fit, offering just 45 grams of bottom-out force which allows for effortless keystrokes and medium acoustics that won’t be overpowering during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if your focus leans toward fast and precise typing, particularly for gaming or rapid input tasks, the TTC Speed Silver switches with their 55 grams of medium-light resistance and shorter travel distance will provide you with the gusto you need for quick actuation. Their neutral sound profile and mild feel offer a comfortable middle ground, making them suitable for both gaming and general typing without overwhelming noise or complexity. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize comfort and lightness or speed and responsiveness in your keyboard experience.
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