TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as exemplary choices. The Gold Red Pro linear switch is celebrated for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with its easy press and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches are renowned for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly snappy response and buttery downstroke. While the Gold Red Pro is polished, thocky, and silky, the Purple Sakura is characterized as buttery, snappy, and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in terms of design and overall aesthetic appeal.
Where the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gold Red Pro uses a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sarokeys' polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This distinction in bottom housing material may contribute to differences in the overall typing experience and sound feedback between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gold Red Pro results in a unique typing experience with a mix of sharpness and depth in sound. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a consistent sound profile throughout due to its uniform use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, either switch may appeal to different users looking for specific qualities in their keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that the Gold Red Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Purple Sakura is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Purple Sakura has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the heavier actuation force of the Purple Sakura could be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. The bottom out force of both switches will likely result in a similar typing experience, with the Purple Sakura providing a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing weight and feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 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 Gold Red Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Gold Red Pro more to their liking due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is satisfying without being overwhelming, thanks to its neutral characteristics. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch also provides a neutral sound profile that is gentle and unobtrusive, making it suitable for any environment. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant auditory experience, ensuring that your typing sessions are enjoyable without being disruptive to those around you.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined feel. It is also described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is renowned for its buttery and snappy feel, providing a smooth and responsive typing sensation that keeps you engaged and productive. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and effortless typing experience, catering to different preferences while maintaining a high level of quality.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both offer unique qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard market. While the Gold Red Pro excels in versatility and adaptability with its neutral sound and polished feel, the Purple Sakura impresses with its snappy response and buttery downstroke. Whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile or a responsive feel with a gentle sound, both switches provide excellent options for different preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Red Pro or the Purple Sakura, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Gold Red Pro may be the right choice for you. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various settings, whether it be for gaming, office work, or casual typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a snappy response, buttery downstroke, and a delicate tactility, the Purple Sakuras might be more appealing to you. Their mild and neutral sound signature, along with their tactile feedback, create a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you as you interact with your keyboard on a daily basis.
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