TTC Silent Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch revered for its comfortable typing experience, offering a light to medium resistance along with a satisfying rounded tactile bump that provides feedback without being overwhelming. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response in their keystrokes while also appreciating a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g excels as a linear switch designed for those who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keypress. With an ultra-light bottom out force of just 43g, this switch caters to light typists seeking a soft, whisper-quiet experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. While both switches share a common goal of minimizing noise in typing environments, they differ significantly in feedback and resistance, offering unique benefits depending on user preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 TTC Silent Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit a notable contrast in their housing materials. The Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. This choice enhances the resonance when the switch is actuated, making it suitable for those who prefer a crisp auditory feedback. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This intrinsic property dampens and absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience, which tends to be more muted compared to that of the TTC Silent Brown. Thus, while the Silent Brown emphasizes clarity, the Silent Sakura - 43g leans towards warmth in sound.
When examining the bottom housing materials of these switches, we see an interesting reversal in the choice of materials. The Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, thus contributing to a deeper bottom-out sound and a more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which sharpens the sound profile, allowing for a crisper bottom-out sound. This difference means that as you press down on either switch, the auditory feedback and overall feel will vary significantly based on the bottom housing material. The contrast between the softer nylon and the firmer polycarbonate is particularly pronounced when the switches are fully activated.
Ultimately, this combination of materials in both switches leads to nuanced differences in performance and user experience. While the TTC Silent Brown aims for an articulate and clear sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a warmer, fuller sound with its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom. However, despite these differences in materials and sound profiles, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as both have a thoughtful balance of auditory and tactile qualities. By understanding how the housing materials interact differently with sound, users can choose a switch that best matches their personal typing preferences.
Weight
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura is more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, while the Silent Brown caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, if you seek a lighter switch, the HMX Silent Sakura is the better choice; however, if you prefer something with a heftier push, the TTC Silent Brown would be more suitable. Therefore, the TTC Silent Brown is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The TTC Silent Brown features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Silent Brown might be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker actuation. Conversely, the Silent Sakura offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who favor a more substantial keystroke experience. Depending on your preferences for responsiveness or depth, these switches cater to different typing styles, with the Silent Brown being the shorter option and the Silent Sakura taking the lead with a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 comparing the sound of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the Silent Brown offers a notably muted sound profile. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound than traditional mechanical switches, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. The Silent Sakura, while not explicitly defined in terms of sound, is designed to deliver a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to gentle raindrops. Given this description, both switches prioritize reduced noise levels, allowing for a similarly serene typing environment.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown switch excels in providing a tactile and satisfying experience—characterized by its buttery smoothness, mild resistance, and polished finish. This means each keystroke is not only easy to engage with but also delivers a rounded tactile bump that many users find rewarding. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura offers an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, which is ideal for light typists. While the specific qualities of the feel for the Silent Sakura are unknown, the emphasis on a smooth and light actuation suggests that it may lend itself to a gentler typing experience overall, though without the tactile feedback that the Silent Brown provides.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Brown and HMX Silent Sakura switches are excellent choices for those seeking quieter alternatives in their mechanical keyboards. The Silent Brown stands out for its tactile feedback and buttery smooth typing experience, while the Silent Sakura caters to those preferring a softer linear switch with minimal resistance. For users prioritizing quiet operation, both switches effectively minimize noise, while their differing tactile responses will cater to varying preferences among typists.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience paired with a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort, making it ideal for both typing long documents and gaming scenarios where feedback is important. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with an ultra-quiet operation, the Silent Sakura - 43g is made for you. With its gentle 43-gram force, it offers a serene typing experience perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is paramount. Thus, consider the Silent Brown for a robust and tactile feel, while the Silent Sakura will suit those seeking a whisper-soft, effortless keystroke.
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