HMX Silent Sakura - 53g vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Yunhai are two compelling contenders, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Silent Sakura switches are designed for those who relish a whisper-quiet experience, delivering gentle yet satisfying keystrokes with a balanced 53g bottom out force, ideal for typists who value both tranquility and tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches excel with their incredibly light actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, creating an effortless typing feel that appeals to anyone seeking a smooth and minimalistic experience. Though both are linear switches providing a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, they cater to different auditory and tactile 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Yunhai, both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, resulting in a similar typing experience when it comes to sound profile. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, means that both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound when typed upon. This characteristic is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches can offer a duller and rounder auditory profile, making them equally appealing to users seeking a softer sound during their typing sessions.
However, the bottom housings of these switches present a contrasting scenario. The Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which significantly alters the sound profile. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, imparts a sharper and crisper sound, thereby adding clarity and resonance to the overall auditory experience. This makes the bottom-out sound feel more pronounced. In stark contrast, the Yunhai employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistently deeper and fuller sound across the entire keypress. While both switches can achieve a sound profile that is satisfying to typists, the Silent Sakura - 53g leverages the polycarbonate bottom to enhance the auditory sharpness and impact when bottoming out keys.
Ultimately, despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, users can still achieve a similar typing experience in terms of feel and sound when using the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Yunhai. The commonality of nylon in the top housing ensures both switches maintain a familiar deeper sound profile upon keypress. For typists who value the qualities of both switches, the choice may come down to preference regarding the auditory clarity offered by the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura - 53g versus the uniform sound consistency provided by the Yunhai's all-nylon structure. Thus, either choice presents a unique flavor to the typing experience while relying on the similarity of top housing materials to produce parallel results in sound.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, which features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, we see distinct differences in their weight characteristics. The Silent Sakura switch is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial feel during typing, making it suitable for users who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Yunhai switch is lighter, with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more effortless keystroke ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. As a result, users gravitating towards a lighter switch might find the Yunhai more suitable, while those seeking a balanced typing experience with a heavier feel may prefer the Silent Sakura. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, the Silent Sakura provides a medium-light experience compared to the generally lighter feel of the Yunhai switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent Sakura offers a more pronounced keypress, which may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper engagement with their switches and find a hearty depth more satisfying. In contrast, the Yunhai's reduced travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to those who prioritize faster response times, making it a potentially better option for gamers who favor quicker actuation for improved performance. Thus, if you prefer a more tactile and deep experience, the Silent Sakura is the optimal choice, while the Yunhai is ideal for those seeking swift key presses and rapid execution.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 - 53g for $2.99.
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.
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 produces a soft, muted auditory experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This design aims to provide a typing experience that is almost silent, making it ideal for environments where noise can be a distraction. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch generates a deeper, rounded sound profile, which, while not excessively loud, delivers more auditory feedback than the Silent Sakura. However, it strikes a balance with a light, effortless feel that complements its sound, making it pleasant to type on. Both switches will be influenced by the board and keycaps used, so the ultimate sound may vary.
Regarding feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a smooth and satisfying keystroke with its balanced 53g bottom out force. This makes it particularly suited for typists who appreciate a gentle yet fulfilling tactile experience while typing. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai features an incredibly light actuation force, which contributes to a unique, cloud-like feel during usage. This attribute allows for a very light touch, catering to those who favor quick and effortless keystrokes. Both switches, while differing in actuation force and overall feedback, aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience, though they cater to slightly different preferences.
Overall, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g and the TTC Yunhai linear switches each offer unique qualities tailored to differing typing styles. The Silent Sakura excels in providing a discreet, whisper-quiet experience, ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments, while the Yunhai captivates with its deeper sound and light performance, making it suitable for typists desiring ease and a bit more auditory feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, though they will appeal to different sensibilities in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you will use your keyboard. If you value a whisper-quiet experience and prefer a medium-light typing feel that balances actuation with feedback, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the ideal choice for you. Its design ensures a serene environment, making it perfect for office settings or late-night typing sessions where minimizing noise is essential. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more effortless keystroke, the TTC Yunhai's 50g actuation force may suit you better. This switch provides a softer feel and a distinct sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a deeper, rounded acoustics while typing. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a tactile yet quiet ambiance or a lightweight, airy typing experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard setup to your comfort and usage scenarios.
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