Zuoce Lavender vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Zuoce Lavender and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, you will be faced with choosing between a linear and a tactile switch. The Lavender is praised for its exceptional smoothness and clacky sound signature, providing an easy-to-press experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. While the Lavender may be preferred for its smoothness and satisfying clacky feel, the Purple Sakura stands out for its snappy response and buttery downstroke. 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
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switches, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Lavender utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deep, muted sound. In contrast, the Purple Sakura incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This combination creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound for the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound for the bottom housing. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique and pleasing sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Lavender and the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura each contribute to a distinctive sound when typing on the switches. While the Lavender's POM housing creates a relatively more muted sound, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate housing produces a crisper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura adds a deeper and fuller sound that contrasts with the Lavender's POM bottom housing. Overall, these subtle differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role in the appearance of the switches. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the opaque POM top housing of the Lavender offers a more traditional look without the translucency of polycarbonate. While both switches may offer similar sound profiles due to their unique housing materials, the visual design of the switches may appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and Sarokeys Purple Sakura comes down to personal preference in sound profile, typing experience, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, the Lavender has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams while the Purple Sakura needs 60 grams. This makes the Lavender switch overall lighter in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lavender switch, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Lavender providing a lighter touch and the Purple Sakura offering a more weighted feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Purple Sakura has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Purple Sakura is slightly shorter than the Lavender. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Lavender. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Lavender being more vibrant and percussive, while the Purple Sakura offers a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle typing sensation. Its snappy response also adds a liveliness to the typing experience, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts.
Overall, when comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that they offer unique sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. Those seeking a more vibrant and clacky sound may prefer the Lavender, while users looking for a quieter and buttery typing experience may lean towards the Purple Sakura. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective characteristics, and users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and easy-to-press experience with a crisp sound signature, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response, buttery downstroke, and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Purple Sakura switch may suit your typing needs better. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to make an informed decision based on what would enhance your typing experience the most. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences for a satisfying keyboarding experience.
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