Gateron Melodic vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch. The Gateron Melodic is praised for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category, offering a smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery,' but offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch with a more invigorating and crunchy feel, the Gateron Melodic may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a mild, neutral sound and a snappy tactile response, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura could be the one for you. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. With their translucent nature, these housings are ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers the same qualities, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While both switches boast polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their nylon bottom housings differentiate them in terms of sound characteristics. The Melodic's housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties, adding a rounder quality to the typing experience. Likewise, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller tone while typing. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
In summary, both the Gateron Melodic and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile along with compatibility for RGB lighting. Their differentiation lies in the nylon bottom housings, where the Melodic offers a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer qualities, and the Purple Sakura provides a similar experience with a rounder sound profile. Overall, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the bottom and top housings each playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we see that the Melodic has a lighter actuation force compared to the Purple Sakura, with the Melodic having a force of None grams and the Purple Sakura having a force of 50 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that while the Melodic requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the Purple Sakura provides a slightly heavier push feel. In terms of weight, the Melodic may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura may be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Melodic switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura switch. The Melodic switch may provide a more pronounced tactile and audible feedback due to its longer travel distance, while the Purple Sakura switch may offer a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched profile and clean, sharp sounds reminiscent of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, suitable for various typing environments and preferences. Ultimately, the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Melodic and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Melodic switch is also noted for being invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is described as mild and snappy, providing a gentle typing experience with a responsive feel. These descriptions suggest that both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation, appealing to different preferences for tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinctive sound and feel profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Melodic switch provides a more resonant and crunchy sound along with an invigorating typing experience, the Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound with a mild and snappy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, the Melodic switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, the Purple Sakura switch could be more appealing. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery typing experience, but the Melodic switch provides an invigorating feedback while the Purple Sakura switch offers a more mild and snappy feel. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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