Huano Sakura vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and KTT Wine Red present intriguing options for users who favor linear switches. The Sakura is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, where comfort and minimal fatigue are paramount. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a unique pillowy typing feel complemented by a satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile auditory experience while typing. Both switches boast their distinct advantages, with the Sakura catering to users seeking effortless key presses and the Wine Red appealing to those who enjoy a bassy, low-pitched sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
44g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura switches and the KTT Wine Red switches, one can observe significant differences that affect both sound and feel. The Huano Sakura features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), a material known for its excellent durability and low coefficient of friction, resulting in a smooth typing experience. With a wear resistance that outperforms POM by a factor of 14 and a shock resistance that exceeds Nylon's by 2.3 times, the POK construction contributes to a clackier and more durable feel on keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red employs polycarbonate for its top housing; this stiffer material generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which is particularly suited for users who prefer a more resonant acoustics and an aesthetic fit that accommodates RGB lighting through its translucency. This fundamental difference in material composition leads to contrasting acoustic characteristics, with the Sakura providing a more muted and robust sound due to its softer materials compared to the sharper tones produced by the Wine Red’s polycarbonate.
Delving into the bottom housing, the differences between the Huano Sakura and the KTT Wine Red become even more pronounced. The Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing known for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience; its softer nature creates a rounder tone upon key press. This renders the overall sound profile warmer and less startling, catering to users who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Wine Red features polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well. Here, the use of the stiffer plastic translates to a consistent crisp sound profile across both top and bottom, which enhances the keyboard's overall precision but may sacrifice some depth that users might enjoy from materials like Nylon. This alignment in the polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom allows for a unified sharpness in sound but can lead to a less nuanced feel, making it essential for users to choose according to their sound preferences.
Ultimately, the combined properties of the housing materials in each switch type create distinct typing experiences, with the Huano Sakura providing a smooth yet resonant sound due to its diverse material use, while the KTT Wine Red's all-polycarbonate design offers an acute, clear acoustics. The presence of different materials affects not only sound production but also the tactile feel during typing. Those preferring a more rounded and softer sound experience might gravitate toward the Sakura, while fans of brightness and clarity would likely favor the Wine Red. In essence, both switches serve different user preferences effectively, showcasing how material choice can significantly shape a keyboard's performance and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in both 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 suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, while the KTT Wine Red is heavier. The differences in force imply that users of the Sakura may experience less finger fatigue over long periods, while those utilizing the Wine Red may appreciate the feedback from the stronger resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Huano Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Sakura switch, you'll experience a shorter and more responsive keystroke, catering well to gamers who favor quick actions. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red, with its greater travel distance, offers a more substantial feel which some typists may prefer for a deeper and more satisfying key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness over a hearty depth in your keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 sound profile of the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, making it suitable for those who prefer a balanced auditory experience during typing. It's designed to avoid the sharper sounds associated with some other switches while still providing a noticeable feedback sound that is pleasing and unobtrusive. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is characterized by a deep and rich sound profile that can be described as bassy and low-pitched. This gives the Wine Red a weighty presence when typing, offering a unique auditory experience that feels more resonant and satisfying. While both switches produce distinct sound qualities, the Sakura leans towards a moderate sound level, making it ideal for public or shared spaces, while the Wine Red provides a richer acoustic experience for those who prefer more depth.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Sakura switch is renowned for its feather-light touch, allowing for effortless key presses that can benefit long typing sessions. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a light actuation point in their workflow. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red offers what can be described as a pillowy light typing feel. This creates a unique sensation that combines a gentle touch with a hint of cushioned feedback, making it pleasurable for users who enjoy a softer landing without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches cater to those who prefer a lighter touch, but the Wine Red adds a layer of tactile softness that some may find even more comfortable.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura and KTT Wine Red switches provide a feather-light and enjoyable typing experience, but they differ significantly in their sound profiles. The Sakura offers a more balanced, medium acoustic experience suitable for various environments, while the Wine Red's deep, bassy characteristics serve to deliver a richer auditory enjoyment. When selecting between the two, consider how you weigh sound versus comfort in your typing experience—each switch presents distinct qualities that will resonate differently with each user.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura and KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you tend to type for long periods and prefer a lighter touch, the 45-gram bottom-out force of the Sakura switch may be ideal for you. Its medium acoustics provide a pleasant sound experience without overwhelming your workspace, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a smoother, less tactile feel. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly firmer key press and enjoy a deeper, richer sound profile, the 55-gram bottom-out force of the Wine Red would be a better fit. The Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light typing feel combined with a bassy, low-pitched sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to your keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by factors such as how much typing you do, your sensitivity to switch weight, and your preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Both switches have distinct qualities, so consider trying them out to see which aligns better with your typing style and sonic aesthetic.
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