HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, making them ideal for those who want to maintain a peaceful environment while typing; their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force is particularly suited for light typists. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide a more dynamic auditory experience with their high-pitched, clacky sound signature, and their unique POK material contributes to a smooth and creamy feel—perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile response while typing. Both switches have their own merits, with the Silent Sakura emphasizing tranquility and the Vanilla Ice Cream focusing on an engaging, playful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, notable differences can be observed in the composition and resulting acoustics of each switch. The Silent Sakura utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is rooted in nylon's softer plastic nature, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a sound signature that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary blend of materials for its top housing that emphasizes a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature. This distinction suggests that users of the Vanilla Ice Cream may experience a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing, setting it apart from the more subdued tone of the Silent Sakura.
The bottom housings of both switches further highlight the contrasting qualities of their materials. The Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. Polycarbonate's translucence also adds aesthetic value, especially when using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates POK material in its bottom housing, which boasts exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material offers remarkable wear resistance and shock resistance, along with a slick feel that enhances typing smoothness. While both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, the Silent Sakura’s sharper sounds contrast with the clacky and smooth feedback provided by the Vanilla Ice Cream’s POK bottom housing.
Ultimately, the differing materials of the top and bottom housings influence the overall feel and sound characteristics of each switch. In the Silent Sakura, the nylon top softens the sound during key release, while the polycarbonate bottom gives a crisper feedback; this combination leads to a distinctive typing experience. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream's special top housing tends to favor a higher-pitched response complemented by the durability and smoothness of its POK bottom. Despite the material differences, both switches can be tailored to cater to individual preferences, and users may find similar enjoyment in tactile response and acoustic feedback, depending on which aspect of the sound profile they prioritize during typing.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option when compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura requires less force to actuate, potentially resulting in a more comfortable typing experience for those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, being heavier, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, thanks to its additional resistance both in actuation and when bottoming out. Both switches, while differing in their force requirements, still offer a relatively light touch, making either choice suitable for lighter typing preferences, with the Silent Sakura providing an even softer feel overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent Sakura the longer option, appealing to those who favor a more traditional depth that provides a hearty feel during key presses. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may be ideal for gamers who prioritize quick response times, as the reduced distance could facilitate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness; if you seek a more tactile experience, the Silent Sakura would be favorable, whereas for those pushing for speed, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offers a serene auditory experience, akin to the gentle sounds of raindrops falling. This whisper-quiet typing experience is designed for those who favor a more subdued environment, making it ideal for office or shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched sound signature that’s sharp, clean, and somewhat resonant. This switch is characterized by its marbly tone, reminiscent of the sound produced by two billiard balls colliding, offering an immersive auditory experience for those who appreciate a more playful acoustic profile. Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura focuses on quietude, the Vanilla Ice Cream embraces a lively sound that may appeal to different preferences.
Turning to the feel of each switch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for light typists, providing a smooth keystroke that encourages a gentle touch. This makes it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, especially for those who prefer a light touch. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch enhances the typing experience with its buttery and creamy characteristics. The combination of POK materials allows for a silky and fluid transition between keystrokes, giving typists a sensation of gliding over the keys. This creamy texture not only feels good under the fingers but also adds an element of enjoyment to the typing process, making it ideal for those who prioritize a luxurious touch in their daily typing activities.
In summary, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches cater to different typing preferences through their distinctive sound and feel profiles. While the Silent Sakura provides a quiet and smooth typing experience suitable for subdued environments, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more vibrant and tactile experience with its high-pitched acoustics and creamy keystroke sensation. Depending on your personal choice, you can achieve either a tranquil or an engaging typing experience by selecting the switch that resonates most with your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quiet, peaceful typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet sound profile, these switches are perfect for office environments or shared spaces where minimization of noise is essential. They cater well to light typists who appreciate a subtler, serene auditory experience. On the other hand, if you’re after a more dynamic and lively typing feel, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is your best bet. With its slightly heavier 48g bottom-out force and high-pitched, resonant sound profile, it offers a satisfying, clacky feedback that can make typing feel more engaging and fun. Its creamy, buttery keystrokes add an element of smoothness to your input, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and auditory stimulation during their typing sessions. Ultimately, consider these factors alongside your personal comfort and the intended use of your keyboard to find the switch that best suits your needs.
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