Huano Sakura vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Sakura is celebrated for its feather-light actuation and medium acoustics, making it an ideal choice for those who type for extended periods without experiencing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which provide an exceptionally smooth, stable keystroke while effectively reducing noise for a quieter typing experience. While the Sakura promotes a more traditional typing feel that balances lightness and acoustic feedback, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes silent operation and a soft, cushioned touch. Both switches have their merits, appealing to varying preferences for comfort and sound level; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Sakura Linear

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches, we find distinct differences in their top housings. The Huano Sakura features a POK top housing, which is known for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. Its strength and wear resistance are notably superior to other plastic materials such as Nylon and POM, leading to long-lasting performance and a pleasant clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's stiffer nature ensures a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, particularly well-suited for setups that employ RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials are designed to enhance the overall switch experience, they provide distinctly different tactile and auditory characteristics.

In terms of bottom housings, both switch options share the use of nylon, a material known for its sound-dampening properties. The nylon bottom housing in both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Zero Degree 0° creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound and providing a softer bottom-out feel. This similarity means that despite the differences in their top housings, the bottom housing will contribute a rounded acoustic experience to both switches. As a result, users can expect a consistent depth of sound irrespective of the other material employed in the switch's construction. This uniformity in material choice for the bottom will enhance overall typing comfort, making it a defining aspect of both switches.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Huano Sakura and Gateron Zero Degree 0° define their unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Sakura's POK material provides a smooth, clacky response due to its strong and durable nature, while the polycarbonate of the Zero Degree enhances clarity and pitch. When it comes to the bottom housing, the shared use of nylon allows both switches to deliver a soft, deep sound, ensuring that the overall typing experience maintains a certain level of consistency despite the contrasting features of the top materials. This interplay between the housing types allows enthusiasts to select switches based on their desired sound and feel, while still benefiting from comparable bottom-out characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation forces. The Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing and gaming. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Sakura switch is measured at 45 grams, indicating that it provides a moderate resistance when pressed to the base, whereas the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. Consequently, users who appreciate a lighter switch may find the Sakura more appealing, while those looking for a heavier feel would likely prefer the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. However, as the bottom out force for the Gateron switch is not available, further comparison in that regard remains inconclusive.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that users will experience similar keypress depths when utilizing either switch. This identical travel distance suggests that typing or gaming experiences would feel consistent in terms of key engagement for both switches. Since the travel distances are equal, players and typists seeking a specific tactile feedback or actuation point will achieve comparable results when using either switch. Thus, the performance in terms of travel distance is uniform between the Huano Sakura and Gateron Zero Degree 0°.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch produces medium acoustics, making it a balanced choice for users who prefer a typing experience that isn't too distracting. This makes it suitable for both casual and professional environments, where a certain level of auditory feedback can be beneficial without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on revolutionizing silent typing through its innovative design. The self-padding feature along with the dual-rail structure minimizes sound and provides a near-silent experience, making it ideal for quiet workspaces or shared environments. While the Sakura’s acoustics are moderate, the Zero Degree 0° excels in offering a softer, quieter sound profile.

Regarding the feel, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, which allows for a smooth typing experience that can help reduce fatigue during extended sessions. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a light, quick action. Conversely, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch delivers a notably soft and elastic feel, enhanced by its design that promotes smoothness and stability. This combination provides a plush typing experience that cradles each keystroke, allowing the user to glide effortlessly across the keyboard. While both switches offer their own unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in typing experience.

In summary, both the Huano Sakura and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches cater to distinct aspects of the typing experience. The Sakura delivers a feather-light touch accompanied by medium sound levels, making it versatile for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes quiet and smooth operation, offering a soft feel with minimal noise output. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value a balance of feedback and sound or prefer an ultra-quiet, plush typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, your preference for typing experience and sound profile plays a crucial role. If you often engage in long typing sessions and appreciate a light touch that still provides a satisfying feedback, the Sakura's 45-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice. This switch delivers a medium acoustic profile, creating a balanced auditory environment that can be pleasant for both you and those around you. However, if you are in a noise-sensitive environment or aim for the smoothest and most subdued typing experience possible, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° would be your go-to. With its unique self-padding design and dual-rail structure, this switch offers an ultra-quiet operation that excels in absorbing sound while still providing a soft, elastic feel under your fingers. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and moderate sound of the Sakura for everyday typing or the near-silent, exceptionally smooth feel of the Zero Degree 0° for a quieter workspace.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn more