HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches that prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream present two appealing options, each with its unique characteristics. The Silent Sakura, renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, excels in environments where noise control is essential, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a more subdued auditory experience without compromising on tactile feedback. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it caters to those who enjoy a lighter keystroke while retaining a sense of satisfaction with each press. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers an entirely different experience, featuring POK material in both its stem and bottom housing to create a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. This switch provides a high-pitched, clacky sound that adds a lively acoustic profile to your typing. While both switches deliver on the promise of linearity and fluidity, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both showcase distinct housing materials that influence their acoustic and tactile characteristics, yet they offer unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences. The Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, which is designed to yield a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the nylon top of the Silent Sakura promotes a deeper sound, the KTT blend emphasizes a brighter tone, making the two switches quite different in terms of how their top housings affect auditory feedback.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches uncovers further differences that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Silent Sakura incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing known for generating a sharper, clearer, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer properties enhance resonance, which is particularly noticeable when the key is bottomed out. Additionally, its translucency is ideal for RGB lighting setups, as it allows vibrant lighting effects to shine through. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s bottom housing is made from POK material, notable for its durability and smoothness. With superior wear resistance and shock absorption compared to nylon, the POK material contributes to the switch's overall tactile smoothness and clacky sound, leading to a distinctive feel when activating the switch.
In terms of performance, both switches exhibit distinct characteristics influenced by their individual housing materials, but they also share a commonality that can bring similar typing experiences to users. While the Silent Sakura leans toward broader and deeper tones and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a sharper clack, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch means that you can achieve satisfying results with both. Each housing contributes different qualities to the keypress experience: the bottom housing mainly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while users may find preference in one switch over the other based on sound, both designs can yield enjoyable typing experiences that align closely with the unique preferences and setups of typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces come into play. The Silent Sakura features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This distinction means that for users who prefer a softer touch and less resistance during long typing or gaming sessions, the Vanilla Ice Cream may provide a slightly more comfortable experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, with its stronger push feel, might appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are designed for linear typing, the Silent Sakura feels a bit heavier due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent Sakura features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional preferences and provides a deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker, more responsive key activation. This shorter distance can enhance gaming performance by allowing for faster response times, but it may feel too abrupt for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Therefore, if you prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, whereas, if quick responsiveness is more critical for your activities, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream would be more suitable.
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 - 53g 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 - 53g switches deliver a notably quiet typing experience, characterized by a soft, muted sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops against a window. This makes them ideal for environments where noise can be a distraction, as their whisper-quiet operation allows for uninterrupted typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches present a more vibrant acoustic profile, with a high-pitched, clacky sound that stands out distinctly amidst a sea of linear switches. Their resonant and marbly qualities contribute to a sharper auditory experience, which is favorable for those who prefer a clear and bright sound while typing.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches aim to provide a lightweight yet satisfying keystroke due to their well-balanced 53g bottom out force. This design allows for a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making them a strong choice for long typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches excel in delivering a buttery, creamy feel. This smooth and fluid sensation is enhanced by the POK material used in their construction, allowing for effortless key presses that glide seamlessly under your fingers. Users seeking a tactile luxury might lean toward the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for its indulgent typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Sakura prioritizes a soft and quiet operation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer a sharp and lively auditory profile with a creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a whisper-quiet environment or a more pronounced audio experience, along with the type of tactile feedback you desire when typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, your decision should hinge on personal preferences related to sound, feel, and typing style. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and a balanced keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a satisfying feedback without feeling overly heavy, making it a great choice for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience combined with a buttery, creamy feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is the better option. Its lighter 48 grams bottom out force can make for a more effortless typing experience, and its high-pitched, resonant sound signature adds a delightful character to each keystroke that can energize your typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a quiet, deliberate feel or a more expressive and smoother typing experience.
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