Kailh Box Jade vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility, known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Purple Sakuras offer a tactile switch with a snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. While the Box Jades have a high-pitched and invigorating feel, the Purple Sakuras are described as buttery, mild, and snappy. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura lies in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura also uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. This means that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
On the aesthetic side of things, the clear polycarbonate top housing of both switches allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the overall look of the keyboard. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is not only functional for RGB lighting but also provides a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. Despite this similarity, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches offers a subtle variation in sound when typing, with the Box Jade producing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Purple Sakura's deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a clear and sharp sound profile thanks to their polycarbonate top housings, but the nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade provides a slightly different typing experience compared to the Purple Sakura. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is sure to please keyboard enthusiasts looking for high-quality housing materials in their switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces of 50 grams and 60 grams, respectively. This means that both switches provide a medium level of resistance when typing. However, some users may find the actuation force to be on the lighter side compared to other switches on the market. The Box Jade may offer a slightly more satisfying "click" sound due to its clicky mechanism, while the Purple Sakura provides a tactile bump for a more responsive typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with the Box Jade being slightly lighter and the Purple Sakura offering a bit more resistance for those who prefer a heavier feel. Ultimately, both switches should provide a smooth and efficient typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may still be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper press, the Box Jade may be the preferred choice. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly quicker and more responsive feel, the Purple Sakura may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance and will provide similar results in terms of feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy clicking sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This produces a sharp and crisp sound that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is mild and unobtrusive, suitable for various environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an invigorating typing experience with accented tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. The tactile bumps offer a satisfying feedback and a firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The snappy response of the switch also adds to the overall typing feel, making it a pleasant choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a softer touch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an invigorating tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Purple Sakura offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild feel that is gentle on the fingers, making it suitable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound and pronounced tactility, the Box Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and buttery downstroke with a more neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound signature.
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