HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Strawberry offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are famed for their whisper-quiet operation, creating a serene typing experience ideal for those who appreciate a tranquil workspace. With a lightweight actuation force of just 43g, they are particularly suited for light typists who prioritize subtlety in their tactile feedback. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches stand out with their visually appealing pink and clear housings, delivering a silky-smooth actuation that many typists rave about. Known for their comfortable feel and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberries provide a frictionless experience that enhances typing speed and efficiency. While both switches are linear, making them suitable for users who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, your choice may ultimately come down to whether you value quiet performance or a polished, smooth feel. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Strawberry both incorporate polycarbonate at their bottom housings, leading to a unified sound profile characterized by a sharper and crisper auditory experience. This similarity ensures that regardless of the differences present in their respective top housings—nylon for the Silent Sakura and polycarbonate for the Strawberry—the bottom housing's influence is consistent, delivering a clear and resonant feel when bottoming out. The polycarbonate's sturdiness in both switches enhances durability and allows for a pronounced auditory feedback during key presses, creating a satisfying typing experience.
In contrast, the top housings of the two switches employ different materials that contribute distinct sound profiles. The Silent Sakura's nylon top housing is softer, absorbing sound and generating a deeper, more rounded auditory output. This contrasts sharply with the KTT Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing, which is designed to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The choice of nylon results in a tactile experience that dampens the acoustics, while the polycarbonate's rigidity allows for enhanced resonance, making each key release more pronounced. Consequently, while the Silent Sakura aims for a more subdued and full sound, the Strawberry delivers clarity and brightness in its sound profile.
Overall, the combination of nylon in the top housing of the Silent Sakura and polycarbonate in the KTT Strawberry demonstrates how the individual characteristics of these materials contribute to their overall performance. Users who seek a nuanced sound with a soft touch may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, whereas those who prefer a more articulate auditory experience may find the KTT Strawberry preferable. However, given that both switches share polycarbonate for their bottom housings, users will note that both offer a sharp bottom-out experience despite the divergent qualities found in their top housing materials. Thus, the distinct sound profiles provide unique typing experiences, allowing individuals to choose based on their sound preference while still achieving similar results in the key press's impact.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we notice a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura requires an actuation force of 37 grams, which is lighter, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a concern. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry has a higher actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium resistance that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Sakura is 43 grams, while the Strawberry significantly higher at 62 grams. This means that not only does the Strawberry require more force to actuate, but it also bottoms out with greater resistance. Therefore, those who favor lighter switches for extended use would likely opt for the Silent Sakura, while those who appreciate a firmer feel might find the KTT Strawberry more appealing. Overall, the Silent Sakura offers a lighter and smoother experience, whereas the Strawberry caters to those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel during key presses, making either switch a suitable option for those seeking a consistent and smooth linear typing experience. Therefore, with identical travel distances, you would achieve similar results in terms of key actuation and tactile feedback when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches stand out with their reputation for a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which makes them an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility in their typing environment. This switch’s sound profile is designed to minimize audible feedback, making it ideal for shared spaces or quiet settings. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches present a low-pitched sound that is typically more mellow and bass-heavy. This deeper tone can provide a different auditory backdrop while typing, adding a unique character to the experience. Both switches contribute to a pleasant auditory environment, but the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence, while the Strawberry adopts a more subdued, yet richer sound.
In terms of feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch excels with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, catering to light typists who prefer effortless keystrokes. Although specific descriptors for its touch quality are not provided, the emphasis on a light typing experience suggests a smooth and easy feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches are defined by a variety of attributes that emphasize an exceptionally fluid and comfortable typing experience. Terms like "frictionless," "silky," "buttery," and "polished" evoke an image of a switch that minimizes any resistance, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. This collective smoothness promises a delightful typing sensation that many users would appreciate.
In conclusion, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer a near-silent typing experience conducive to quieter environments, the KTT Strawberry switches provide a richer, mellow sound that might appeal to those who prefer a bit of aural texture. The Silent Sakura is tailored for lightweight typists seeking minimal sound, while the KTT Strawberry boasts a remarkable feel characterized by its smooth and effortless actuation. Ultimately, both switches deliver enjoyable experiences but cater to different preferences, enabling users to choose according to their specific typing environments and tactile desires.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Strawberry linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal typing style and environment. If you’re looking for a light, whisper-quiet experience that allows you to type with minimal noise—a necessity in shared spaces or quiet environments—the Silent Sakura with its 43g actuation force is an excellent option. Its ultra-light touch is designed for those who prefer a more subtle feel, making it ideal for light typists or anyone who values a serene typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a more stable and tactile feedback with a medium actuation force of 62g, the KTT Strawberry switch could be your better choice. Its reliably smooth and buttery actuation provides a satisfying typing experience, coupled with a low-pitched sound that can add a pleasant acoustic quality to your keyboard. Therefore, assess your priorities: select the Silent Sakura for its silence and lightness if you crave tranquility, or opt for the KTT Strawberry if you desire a more robust and rewarding tactile sensation during your typing sessions.
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