KTT Matcha vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Matcha and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches with their own unique characteristics to offer. The Matcha is known for its snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, making typing on it a comfortable and satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura boasts a buttery downstroke and a delicate balance of tactility that is pronounced yet not overpowering. These switches both provide a unique typing experience with different sound signatures and tactile responses. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. One notable advantage of polycarbonate is its translucency, making it ideal if RGB lighting is a consideration for the keyboard setup. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetics from the top housing of both switches.
However, where the two switches differ significantly is in their choice of bottom housing material. The KTT Matcha opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top housing counterpart, contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This distinction in the bottom housing material can result in a noticeable variation in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing is more influential in the sound produced when a key is released. This means that for the KTT Matcha and Sarokeys Purple Sakura, the differences in their choice of bottom housing material will have a direct impact on the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the Matcha has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Sakura has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The Matcha is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Purple Sakura provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Matcha's travel distance is longer than the Purple Sakura's, providing a slightly deeper key press experience. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may favor the Matcha. Both switches offer a different tactile feel based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes without being too overpowering. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Matcha being more on the lively side and the Purple Sakura providing a soothing and moderate sound.
In terms of feel, the Matcha switch is praised for its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle qualities. These descriptors indicate that the Matcha switch offers a medium tactile feel with a responsive typing experience, gentle resistance, and a quiet sound signature suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is known for its buttery, mild, and snappy feel, providing a smooth, gentle typing experience with a responsive touch. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Matcha leaning towards a more nuanced and varied tactile experience, while the Purple Sakura focuses on providing a consistent and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the KTT Matcha and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a more pronounced and varied tactile experience with a clacky sound, while the Purple Sakura switch offers a smoother and more consistent typing feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the lively and nuanced feel of the Matcha switch or the soothing and consistent feel of the Purple Sakura switch. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Matcha tactile switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a stepped, snappy, and accented tactile feel with a clean bottom-out sound, then the Matcha may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a buttery, mild, and snappy tactile feel with a neutral sound signature, then the Purple Sakura might be more suitable for your needs. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and experience.
Mentioned in this article
