Cherry MX Black vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black 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 Cherry MX Black and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct experiences to meet individual preferences. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch known for its low-pitched, textured, and stiff profile, enhanced by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling for a smooth typing experience with a deep sound. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch featuring a buttery downstroke with a snappy response, striking a delicate balance of tactility that is pronounced yet not overpowering. Its mild and neutral sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether it be the smoothness of the Cherry MX Black or the tactile feedback of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
While both the Cherry MX Black and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, the key difference lies in their top housings. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Purple Sakura boasts a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials showcases how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique advantage with its translucency, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing may lack the visual flair of RGB lighting but excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile that some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience.
Overall, while both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prioritize a softer, rounder sound with the MX Black's nylon top housing or prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing, each switch offers distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound output, making them key considerations for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Black is heavier in both respects. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a smoother and lighter typing feel. The MX Black is better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Purple Sakura is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the MX Black offering a heavier typing experience and the Purple Sakura providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Purple Sakura. The MX Black offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Purple Sakura provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the MX Black for its longer travel distance, allowing for a more deliberate key press, while those looking for faster response times may opt for the Purple Sakura with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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, the Cherry MX Black switch provides a low-pitched and deep sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is familiar to many users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch has a neutral sound signature, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments and user preferences. Depending on factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound of each switch may vary, but overall, you can expect different sound experiences with each.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff qualities, providing noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that is gentle yet responsive. The tactility of the Sakura switch strikes a delicate balance, providing a comfortable typing sensation without being overpowering. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and actuation forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. While the Black switch provides a deep and low-pitched sound with a textured and stiff feel, the Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound profile with a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve different typing experiences, but rest assured, you will get similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your personal typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a snappy response, a mild sound signature, and a buttery, snappy feel, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns with your typing habits and preferences for the best overall typing experience.
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