HMX Silent Sakura - 43g vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Silent Sakura and TTC Yunhai stand out as two intriguing linear options, each catering to distinct preferences in typing experience. The HMX Silent Sakura – with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force – excels in creating a whisper-quiet environment that is ideal for those who value a serene atmosphere while typing, making it a great choice for late-night work sessions or shared spaces. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai boasts a unique deep, rounded sound profile paired with an equally light actuation force, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile feedback that's gentle yet satisfying, perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches offer lightweight actions for comfortable typing, but differ in auditory feedback and overall experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Yunhai both utilize nylon for their top housings, which fundamentally shapes the auditory experience when typing. Nylon is known for its softer, more sound-absorbing qualities compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material allows users of both switches to expect a similar auditory signature: a nuanced and rich sound that contributes to a satisfying typing experience. Consequently, whether using the Silent Sakura or the Yunhai, typists will likely appreciate the more muted and rounded tones produced by the nylon top housing, reflecting a familiar character across both switch models.
In contrast to their shared use of nylon for the top housing, the Silent Sakura's bottom housing is made of polycarbonate, whereas the Yunhai employs nylon as well. The choice of a polycarbonate bottom housing imparts a sharper, crisper auditory characteristic, enhancing the overall sound profile of the Silent Sakura when keys bottom out. For the Yunhai, the nylon bottom results in a continuation of the deeper, fuller sound profile that matches its top housing. This difference means that while the Silent Sakura may produce a slightly more varied sound spectrum—combining the higher-pitched resonance from polycarbonate with the deep absorption of nylon—the Yunhai maintains a cohesive sound profile from top to bottom.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials lead to distinct auditory experiences for the two switches; however, the nylon top housing of both creates a consistent foundation. The Silent Sakura with its polycarbonate bottom will offer a punchier sound for bottoming out, while the Yunhai's exclusively nylon composition delivers a more uniform sound throughout. Users seeking similar tactile feedback may still find that both switches create enjoyable typing experiences, as the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing keys remains consistent across both models. Thus, while there are key differences in their construction, the dual presence of nylon helps bridge the auditory experience for both switches.
Weight
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch display distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yunhai features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a higher bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. While both switches are classified as light, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option overall, with a total weight that contributes to its more delicate feel. Ultimately, if you're seeking a switch that allows for quick and effortless input, the Silent Sakura - 43g is preferable, while the Yunhai offers a firmer push for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference can impact user experience significantly; gamers or those seeking a more responsive action may prefer the Yunhai's reduced distance for quicker key presses, while users who favor a fuller, more tactile depth may find the Silent Sakura more satisfying. Thus, choosing between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences regarding travel distance and the overall feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is engineered for an exceptionally quiet typing experience, akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch presents a deeper, rounded sound profile that contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback, even though it’s designed to be light and effortless. While both switches aim for a pleasant acoustic experience, the Silent Sakura offers a smoother and subtler sound signature compared to the more resonant tones of the Yunhai, though individual experiences can vary based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g provides an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, allowing for a highly responsive typing experience that is particularly suited for light typists. The gentle resistance encourages quick, effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for those who prefer a soft touch. In comparison, the Yunhai also boasts a light actuation force, facilitating a similar effortless typing experience. However, the unique design of the Yunhai may offer slightly different tactile feedback, creating a different sensation as you type, potentially leaning towards a fuller, rounder feel with each keystroke.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to the desires of light typists, they do so with distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Sakura emphasizes a serene and quiet typing atmosphere ideal for focused environments, while the Yunhai delivers a deeper auditory experience with a more rounded sound profile. Both switches ensure light actuation forces, promoting a gentle and enjoyable typing experience, yet each provides a unique twist that may appeal to varying preferences among users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g and the TTC Yunhai linear switches will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you prioritize a whisper-quiet experience for late-night typing or a serene office atmosphere, the Silent Sakura - 43g is your ideal match, as it offers an ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams and is engineered for minimal noise, providing a gentle touch reminiscent of raindrops. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier feel and find joy in a distinct sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, the TTC Yunhai with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the better option for you. It balances a soft actuation with a deeper, rounded sound, making it a good fit for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being too disruptive. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you seek a peaceful quietness or a more pronounced and textured engagement with each keypress.
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