TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two intriguing yet contrasting options. The Silent Bluish White (V2) is a tactile switch that combines a medium tactile feel with a subtle design that minimizes noise, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without disturbing their surroundings. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g boasts a linear mechanism that offers an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, catering to light typists who desire a quiet and almost ethereal typing sensation. While the Silent Bluish White focuses on providing a tactile feedback that enhances typing precision, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a smooth, whisper-soft keystroke experience. Both switches excel in reducing sound, catering to office environments or shared spaces, but they appeal to different typing styles and preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g highlight a pronounced contrast in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Silent Bluish White (V2) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This choice not only supports a more resonant audio experience but also enhances aesthetic features, particularly for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective light diffusion. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and deliver a deeper and fuller audio character. This distinction results in a sound experience where the Silent Bluish White excels in producing high frequencies, while the Silent Sakura leans towards warmer, more subdued tones.
In terms of bottom housing, the contrast continues. The Silent Bluish White (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, replicating the classic qualities of this material, which tends to absorb sound for a fuller bottom-out experience. The Silent Sakura - 43g, on the other hand, incorporates polycarbonate in its bottom housing, amplifying the crisper sound profile typical of this plastic. This combination of nylon on top and polycarbonate on the bottom in the Silent Sakura suggests a blended sound experience that may offer an interesting intersection of deep resonance and sharper notes. Thus, while both switches leverage distinct acoustic characteristics due to their housing materials, they possess unique implementations that inform their overall performance.
Ultimately, despite the marked differences in housing materials, both switches can achieve similarly appealing results by balancing their respective qualities. As each component—the top and bottom housing—contributes uniquely to the acoustics of the switch, users can find satisfaction with either model. The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) delivers a lively and brighter sound due to its polycarbonate top, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a more rounded sound profile from its nylon top, but both can provide excellent typing experiences suited to personal preferences or gaming setups. By understanding these subtleties in housing materials, users can select switches that best match their desired auditory and tactile experiences.
Weight
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for long typing sessions. The Silent Bluish White (V2) has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch overall, providing a softer push feel, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for extended use. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2), although still light, offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Therefore, users looking for a more tactile and pronounced feedback might gravitate towards the Silent Bluish White, while those aiming for a lighter feel could find the Silent Sakura more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures 4 mm. This makes the Silent Bluish White (V2) the shorter of the two switches, appealing to gamers and users who favor rapid key presses for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional feel, which some users may find preferable for a less abrupt pressing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the better choice, while those who value a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.35.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches produce a muted sound profile, which results in a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This design significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making these switches an ideal choice for environments like offices or shared living spaces. In contrast, while detailed sound descriptions for the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch are not provided, they are engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Though we can infer they also aim to minimize noise, the specifics of their sound profile remain unknown at this time.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) showcases a combination of buttery and mild sensations, making for an enjoyable typing experience. The switches offer a medium level of tactility characterized by a gentle resistance throughout the keystroke. This results in a comforting typing sensation that balances both feedback and smoothness. Additionally, the stepped nature of these switches means users can feel defined stages during the keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura is not described in detail, so while they are designed to be light and ideal for subtle inputs, precise tactile characteristics remain unspecified.
In summary, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) can be confidently characterized by its muted sound and rich tactile feedback, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch remains somewhat enigmatic in terms of its auditory and tactile properties. If you prioritize quiet operation, both switches seem to aim for similar outcomes, but the tactile experience of the Bluish White may offer a more defined tactile feedback compared to the presumed lighter and uncharacterized feel of the Sakura switch. As a newcomer, your choice might ultimately depend on whether you prefer a tactile experience with defined bumps, or a smooth linear feel suited for lighter typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile response that enhances your typing experience without being overly loud, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is an excellent choice. With its mild tactile feedback and a muted sound profile, it caters perfectly to office settings or shared spaces where a degree of discretion is required. On the other hand, if you prefer the lightest touch possible while still enjoying a whisper-quiet typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would better suit your needs. Its ultra-light actuation force and serene sound make it ideal for those who type lightly and wish to enjoy an unobtrusive typing atmosphere. Therefore, consider your typing style, the noise levels you can tolerate, and the overall feel you desire to select the switch that aligns best with your unique preferences.
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