Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Sarokeys Purple Sakura are both excellent options, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch best known for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch is ideal for those looking for a neutral and polished feel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke. The tactility of this switch strikes a delicate balance, being pronounced without being overpowering, resulting in a mild and neutral sound signature. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ in terms of their sound profiles. While the Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This results in a clacky sound for the Ink Yellow and a more resonant sound for the Purple Sakura. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Purple Sakura allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switch that the Ink Yellow does not offer.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing produces a similar high-pitched and clacky sound as its top housing. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the thin and higher-pitched sound of the Ink Yellow. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the different housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Sarokeys Purple Sakura contribute to their unique sound profiles and user experiences. While the Ink Yellow features a consistent thin and high-pitched sound throughout both its top and bottom housings, the Purple Sakura offers a more diverse sound profile with a sharper top housing and a deeper bottom housing. Both switches have their own strengths and are suitable for different preferences based on the desired typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a clacky and pointed sound or a crisper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura is the lighter of the two switches. The Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Sakura, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear 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, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to those looking for even faster keypresses, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Yellow might provide a more satisfying depth for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and typing preferences. The Ink Yellow also offers a clacky sound for those who enjoy a sharp and snappy typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound of the switch can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience that is effortless and uniform, with a snappy response for enhanced responsiveness. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and tactile feedback.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow provides a shorter travel distance and a clacky sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a decadently buttery downstroke and a snappy tactile response. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a pleasant and smooth typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a smooth and clacky typing experience that resembles a laptop keyboard with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery and snappy tactile response with a medium bottom out force, the Purple Sakura can offer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
