KTT Ash Gray vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is subtle yet satisfying, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. In contrast, the Purple Sakura switch boasts a snappier response and a luxurious buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Purple Sakura switch is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different typing 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, their bottom housings differ. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. The Purple Sakura also employs a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics as the Ash Gray.
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is important to note how these materials impact the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing on both switches contributes to a distinct sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing offers a different tactile feel and sound feedback when typing. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials provide a balance between impact on bottom-out sound and feel and sound upon key release. This highlights the importance of considering not only the top housing material for sound clarity but also the bottom housing material for a fuller typing experience.
Overall, despite having the same polycarbonate top housing, the KTT Ash Gray and Sarokeys Purple Sakura differentiate themselves with their nylon bottom housings. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing creates a deep and full sound profile, absorbing more sound for a dull and rounder sound. Similarly, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience, showcasing the impact of housing materials on sound and feel. Whether choosing the Ash Gray or Purple Sakura, users can expect a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Purple Sakura switch is the heavier of the two. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Purple Sakura has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Purple Sakura switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Ash Gray switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Ash Gray switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Purple Sakura switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, especially gamers. The Ash Gray has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing compared to the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and whether for home or work environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ash Gray is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. It provides a responsive and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is described as having a buttery feel, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it is also noted as being mild and snappy, offering a gentle typing experience with super responsiveness due to longer or dual-staged springs.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ash Gray provides a light touch with a crisp actuation and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the Purple Sakura offers a decadently buttery downstroke with a pronounced yet not overpowering tactility. Depending on whether you prefer a easy-to-press feel or a buttery and snappy typing experience, both switches can deliver a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and tactile feedback. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a tactile response that is subtle yet satisfying, the Ash Gray switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile response that is snappy and buttery, the Purple Sakura switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, but the Purple Sakura also provides a snappy and buttery feel to enhance your typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you want to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
