Durock Blue Lotus vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct tactile experiences for users to choose from. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are celebrated for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel during typing. The slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to their snappiness, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches from Sarokeys feature a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. Their neutral and mild sound signature adds to the typing experience without being overpowering. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and appeal, offering users options based on their 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend, known for its unique and premium feel, while the Purple Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura's housing creates a more clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for switches designed to support RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Blue Lotus's top housing material provides a different tactile experience, offering a premium feel that may appeal to users seeking a different typing sensation.
On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to other housing materials. Despite both switches utilizing the same bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still differ based on how the qualities of the bottom housing interact with the top housing material. The combination of the different top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and Purple Sakura share a common nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend provide a premium feel, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. These differences in housing materials give each switch a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. However, if a user enjoys the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon bottom housing, they can expect similar results in both switches despite the variations in top housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Blue Lotus requiring 65 grams and the Purple Sakura requiring 60 grams. This means that in terms of weight, the Purple Sakura is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Blue Lotus is slightly heavier. The Blue Lotus will provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, while the Purple Sakura offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 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, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers for their quicker response times. The Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Purple Sakura. However, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, giving users a satisfying tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for those who enjoy a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized as having a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, adding a sense of depth and richness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a more neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for various intents and purposes, regardless of the user's level of experience or intended usage. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is described as accented, snappy, and stepped, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. The snappiness of these switches adds to the responsiveness of the typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch provides a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, creating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The combination of these qualities ensures a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
Taking all available information into account, the Durock Blue Lotus switch excels in providing a tactile and snappy typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, catering to users looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile feel with a snappy response, then the Durock Blue Lotus would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more buttery, smooth typing experience with a balanced tactility, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura would be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider these factors when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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