Huano Sakura vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Gateron Type A stand out as appealing choices for different typing experiences. The Huano Sakura, with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, is perfect for extended typing sessions, making it a great pick for those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue during long hours of work or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, part of the innovative "Project Rehash" series, introduces a medium-weight feel and a deeper sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience without compromising on smoothness. While the Sakura excels in providing a lighter response for effortless keystrokes, the Type A brings a robust weight and richness in sound for a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Type A switches, one notable distinction is in the material composition of the top housings. The Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing, celebrated for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than that of the Type A's Nylon top housing (0.03), the POK housing offers a smoother tactile experience. Contrarily, the Gateron Type A switch uses classic Nylon for its top housing, which, while softer, absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials indicates that users may experience varying smoothness and acoustic qualities when using these two switch types, with the Sakura potentially offering a smoother keystroke while the Type A emphasizes a richer sound.
On the other hand, both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Type A switches utilize Nylon for their bottom housings. This alignment in material means that the acoustic qualities produced by the bottom of the switch will be relatively similar across both models. Nylon's nature as a softer plastic helps to absorb sound, resulting in a duller yet fuller sound profile that users appreciate for the overall tactile feedback. Therefore, regardless of the distinction in top housing materials, both switch options promise a comfortable auditory experience due to their identical bottom housings, which impact the switch’s sound upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, these differences in top housing materials underscore the unique sound and feel characteristics of each switch type, while their similar bottom houses reinforce a shared acoustic experience. Users may find that while the top housing plays a pivotal role in the keystroke's smoothness and release sound—pinpointing the advantages of POK over Nylon—the underlying experience remains harmonious due to the shared material of the bottom housings. If a user desires a blend of smooth operation and deep sound, they might explore the Huano Sakura for the top while retaining the classic sound profile associated with Nylon in the bottom.
Weight
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Type A has a medium-light actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is lighter, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, ideal for those who prioritize comfort in a work environment or long gaming stints. In contrast, the Gateron Type A, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, caters to users who prefer a more substantial feel during typing, which some find enhances their overall typing experience. In summary, the Huano Sakura is lighter and more suited for extended use, while the Gateron Type A provides a firmer keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate a heavier switch feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Type A offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, the Huano Sakura switch presents the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, with its longer 4 mm distance, might provide a more fulfilling tactile experience for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences—one leaning toward speed and the other towards depth—the choice ultimately hinges on individual user needs and comfort.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 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
The Huano Sakura linear switch has a medium acoustic profile that is designed to be relatively unobtrusive, making it well-suited for long typing sessions without causing auditory fatigue. It strikes a balance that doesn't demand excessive noise, creating a sound that many users find comfortable for both personal and professional environments. In contrast, the Gateron Type A linear switch produces a sound that leans towards a deeper tone, characterized as neutral and subdued. This means that while it does not contribute to excessive noise, it has a richer, more grounded acoustic quality. Both switches provide suitable sound signatures for a variety of settings, ensuring that users can enjoy quiet yet engaging feedback regardless of choice.
When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, which facilitates ease of use and quick actuation, catering to users who prioritize responsiveness and comfort during extended typing periods. The Gateron Type A, on the other hand, is positioned as a medium-weight switch, offering a more substantial feel while still maintaining a degree of smoothness as users navigate through keystrokes. The slight difference in actuation force means the Sakura may be better suited for those seeking less effort in their keystrokes, while the Type A provides a satisfying resistance that some typists may prefer for accuracy and control.
In summary, while both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Type A switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences within the keyboard enthusiast community. The Sakura excels with its lighter touch and medium acoustics, making it ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Type A delivers a deeper sound and a more pronounced touch typical of medium-weight switches. Ultimately, both options promise a satisfactory typing experience, and users may find their choice hinges on personal preference for touch sensitivity and sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a smooth, feather-light touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Sakura is your best bet, especially for extended typing sessions where minimal fatigue is desirable. Its medium acoustics make it a good choice for quieter workplaces or home setups where subtle sound is appreciated. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance with its 55-gram bottom-out force, the Type A could be more aligned with your needs. This switch is known for its deeper sound signature and is ideal for users looking for a neutral performance that works well both at home and in an office setting. Its innovative factory-lubed design offers a unique typing experience, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and acoustics or a slightly heavier feel with deeper sound characteristics.
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