Kailh Box Royal vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both switches offer unique tactile experiences. The Box Royal is celebrated for its sharp and aggressive tactility, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura boasts a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, providing a more balanced tactile sensation that is pronounced without being overwhelming. While the Box Royal has a higher-pitched sound profile, the Purple Sakura offers a mild and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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 Kailh Box Royal and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. It can be concluded that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches are likely to be quite similar due to the shared use of nylon in this component.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Box Royal and Purple Sakura differ in material, with the Box Royal featuring a nylon top housing and the Purple Sakura utilizing polycarbonate. The Box Royal's nylon top housing contributes to the switch's sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add a visual flair to their keyboard setup. As a result, the sound when pressing and releasing keys on the two switches will have distinct characteristics based on the material of their respective top housings.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic features. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a similar bottom-out sound and feel, the differing top housings highlight the unique sound profiles each switch offers. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts to customize their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Purple Sakura has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a slightly lighter initial press but a heavier feel when fully pressed down, whereas the Purple Sakura offers a more consistent feel throughout. For those who prefer a lighter touch and do not mind a slightly heavier bottom out, the Box Royal may be the preferred option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more uniform typing experience may find the Purple Sakura to be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile 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 Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the Box Royal. However, both fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by many gamers for faster response times. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly deeper feel, the Box Royal with its longer travel distance may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts your typing or gaming experience.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each press. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a more neutral sound signature, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Box Royal providing a more distinctive and prominent sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a milder and more universally appealing typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp tactility, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is both effortless and uniform. Additionally, the Purple Sakura switch is noted for its snappy response, making typing feel more responsive and lively. Depending on individual preferences, the Box Royal offers a more intense and distinct tactile feedback, while the Purple Sakura provides a smoother and gentler typing experience that may be preferred by some users.
Taking all factors into consideration, it is evident that the Kailh Box Royal and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in providing a sharp and aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Sakura offers a more balanced and buttery tactile feel with a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a more intense, sharp typing experience with the Box Royal or a smoother, gentler feel with the Purple Sakura. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values an intense, sharply tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and buttery tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile that still offers a snappy response, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a strong, aggressive tactility or a smoother, more moderate typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall typing experience.
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