Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura are two popular options to consider. The Lime switches are praised for their lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and silencing feature, making them perfect for those who enjoy a light typing experience with a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches offer a snappy response and a buttery smooth downstroke, striking a delicate balance in their tactility without being overwhelming. While the Lime switches are described as 'Polished' and 'Muted', the Purple Sakuras are characterized as 'Buttery' and 'Snappy'. These general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Lime provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Comparing the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Lime and the Purple Sakura feature nylon material, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience for both switches. While the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on overall sound compared to the top housing, it still plays a role in the tactile feel and sound when typing on the switches.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Lime and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura highlights how different materials can impact sound and tactile feedback. The split qualities of the housing materials allow each part of the switch to contribute unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch differ significantly. The Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Sakura has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. For those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions, the Lime would be the better choice due to its lighter force requirements. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy a more tactile typing experience, the Purple Sakura would be the ideal option. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, making it essential to choose a switch that aligns with individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, slightly longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, as both offer a similar experience in terms of keypress feeling. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Outemu Lime or Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch may come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and how it affects 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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, both the Outemu Lime and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments. However, the Lime switches are further noted for being muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Purple Sakura switches. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Lime switches are praised for their feathery and subtle typing experience, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and strain. The switches also have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as buttery and snappy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with super responsiveness. Both switches are noted for their mild characteristics, making them comfortable and approachable for most users.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Lime and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer similar mild and neutral sound profiles, they differ in their tactile feel. The Lime switches provide a feathery and polished typing experience, while the Purple Sakura switches offer a buttery and snappy feel. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound signature. Regardless of choice, both switches cater to tactile fans looking for a light and moderate tactility in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility and a muted sound profile, the Outemu Lime switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a snappy response, a buttery downstroke, and a balanced tactility that is not overpowering, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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