TTC Bluish White vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both stand out as tactile options catering to those seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Bluish White switch offers a poppy and snappy sound profile, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch boasts a decadently buttery downstroke with a delicately balanced tactile feel, marked as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. While both switches promise a pleasurable typing experience, the Bluish White leans towards a more pronounced tactility, whereas the Purple Sakura offers a smoother and more neutral feel. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Bluish White opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Purple Sakura also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the TTC Bluish White and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. This decision affects the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a more resonant sound upon key release, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs sound to produce a fuller typing experience. This contrast showcases how the split qualities of the housing materials impact different aspects of the typing experience, with the top housing influencing key release sounds and the bottom housing affecting bottom-out sounds and feel.
Ultimately, the housing material choices of the TTC Bluish White and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile, the use of nylon for the bottom housing distinguishes the switches in terms of sound depth and absorption. The distinct qualities of each material contribute to the overall feel and sound produced by the switches, highlighting the importance of housing material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Bluish White is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Purple Sakura may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the lighter actuation force of the Bluish White and the heavier actuation force of the Purple Sakura catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. The Bluish White offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more tactile and pronounced feel compared to the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch produces a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be pleasing to the ears for some users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various typing environments. The Bluish White switch provides a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, giving users a smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. Similarly, the Purple Sakura switch also offers a buttery and mild feel, but adds a snappy element to it, making the typing experience feel more responsive and vibrant. Both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, but the Bluish White may be preferred for its low-pitched sound and polished feel, while the Purple Sakura may be favored for its neutral sound and added snappiness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a satisfying typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile switch with a snappy response, a buttery downstroke, and a neutral sound profile, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and responsiveness. Whether you prioritize a poppy typing experience or a more balanced tactile feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.