Huano Sakura vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct options each catering to different typing preferences. The Huano Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions without the distraction of noisy feedback. Its smooth keystroke provides an uninterrupted experience, appealing primarily to gamers and typists who favor speed and fluidity in their input. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a more nuanced typing experience with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback. This characteristic not only enhances the typing experience with satisfying feedback but also features a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile nature—ideal for users who appreciate a tangible response with each keystroke. While both switches cater to specific preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on whether one prioritizes smoothness or tactile feedback for their keyboard experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is recognized for its superior durability and low friction coefficient, resulting in a smooth typing experience. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers less resistance than typical materials like Nylon (0.03) and provides exceptional wear resistance, being 14 times stronger than POM. This contributes to the Sakura's reputation for longevity and durability, while enhancing the clacky and vibrant sound profile during keystrokes. In contrast, the Weightlessness adopts a classic Nylon top housing that tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which dampens sound more effectively compared to POK. This fundamental difference in top housing materials not only affects the tactile feedback of each switch but also plays a critical role in shaping the auditory experience during typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize Nylon, creating a commonality between them. As a classic switch housing material, Nylon is known for its sound-dampening qualities, which contribute to a more muted and rounded acoustic profile. Both the Sakura’s and the Weightlessness’s bottom housings will thus provide similar auditory characteristics, reinforcing a deeper and fuller sound during keystrokes. This shared material choice ensures that users of both switches will enjoy a consistent bottom-out sound and feel, despite the differences presented by their top housing compositions. The soft nature of Nylon absorbs the impact better, creating an overall satisfying audio experience.
Ultimately, the combined interactions between the top and bottom housings create distinct yet complementary experiences in the Huano Sakura and Gateron Weightlessness switches. The contrasting properties of the POK top housing in the Sakura lead to a smoother typing experience with a pronounced acoustic quality thanks to its reduced friction and enhanced durability, while the Weightlessness's Nylon top allows for a warmer, more rounded sound due to sound absorption. Nonetheless, since both switches share Nylon as their bottom housing material, they still maintain a level of consistency in sound quality. The overall user experience will differ, yet the comparison highlights how material choices influence both the tactile and auditory sensations associated with each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Huano Sakura features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor easier keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting a firmer push that might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, information on its bottom out force remains unavailable. As a result, while the Sakura switch is lighter and may facilitate longer usage without fatigue, the Weightlessness is heavier, potentially offering a sturdier feedback for users who enjoy a more tactile sensation. Overall, if you're seeking a more effortless typing experience, the lighter Sakura would be the better choice, while the Weightlessness might be preferred for a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Sakura measuring 3.6 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance could offer a more satisfying depth for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, if you value rapid response times, the Weightlessness may be the better choice, while those seeking a more pronounced key feel might lean towards the Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch produces medium acoustics, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a milder auditory experience during typing. This balanced sound profile aids in creating an environment conducive to long typing sessions without the distraction of excessive noise. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch delivers a sound that complements its tactile characteristics, creating a subtle to moderate auditory feedback that enhances the tactile feel while still remaining unobtrusive. Both switches are designed to provide a pleasant auditory experience, though the Sakura leans towards a more muted sound compared to the Weightlessness, which strikes a balance between tactility and sound.
Regarding feel, the Sakura linear switch is noted for its feather-light touch, making it exceptionally easy to press down, which can be advantageous for those who type extensively. This lightweight actuation allows for a more effortless typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile sensation. This creates a satisfying feedback mechanism that alerts the user to the actuation point without being overwhelming. While both switches provide a pleasurable typing experience, they cater to different preferences: the Sakura favors a light touch while the Weightlessness incorporates a tactile bump that many users find rewarding.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different user preferences concerning sound and feel. The Sakura’s medium acoustics combined with its feather-light touch make it an excellent option for extended typing, whereas the Weightlessness offers a balanced sound profile alongside a subtle tactile feel, appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback without distraction. Ultimately, your choice between these switches would depend on whether you prioritize weight and sound or the tactile sensations in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch hinges on your specific typing preferences and requirements. If you prefer a switch that provides a feather-light touch and smooth keystrokes, the Sakura is an excellent option, particularly for extended typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern. Its medium acoustics ensure that it’s not overly noisy, making it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience during your typing, with a subtle feedback that allows you to feel each keystroke without it being overly harsh, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the better choice. Its balanced sound profile harmonizes well with its moderate tactile feedback, making it appealing for those who appreciate a tactile sensation while still maintaining a pleasant acoustic experience. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother feel with the Sakura or a more tactile response with the Weightlessness.
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