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KTT Cream Yellow vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura

An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch known for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch praised for its snappy response, decadently buttery downstroke, and balanced tactility that is pronounced without being overpowering. While the Cream Yellow offers a bouncy and clacky experience, the Purple Sakura provides a buttery and snappy typing 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

50g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

1.90 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

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clear translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity means that both switches will offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing materials.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon, while the Purple Sakura also opts for nylon as the material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound due to the properties of the nylon material used in their bottom housing.

It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in the bottom housing materials between the Cream Yellow and Purple Sakura, their similar use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that they will both deliver a clear and resonant sound profile overall.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. This difference may result in a slightly lighter typing experience for the Cream Yellow switch, making it more ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In essence, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Cream Yellow is slightly lighter in bottom out force, while the Purple Sakura is slightly heavier, offering users the option to choose based on their preference for typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Sarokey Purple Sakura tactile switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Purple Sakura. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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

In summary, the Cream Yellow linear switch offers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature with a buttery and snappy typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a sharp and percussive sound with a lively feedback, the Cream Yellow may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience with moderate tactility, the Purple Sakura might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the overall typing experience you are looking for. Whether you choose the Cream Yellow or the Purple Sakura, you can expect to get a satisfying typing experience that aligns with your preferences.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery, snappy feel with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force and unique characteristics, so it ultimately boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Make your decision based on what typing experience aligns best with your preferences and needs.

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