Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Huano Sakura stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile feedback, featuring a refined short bump that provides medium-strength resistance, enhancing the typing experience for those who enjoy a distinct tactile feel. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate an audible and tactile response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch offers a smooth and feather-light touch, characterized by its linear motion and medium acoustics, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. While both switches have their unique advantages—tactile satisfaction with the MX Purple RGB and effortless keystrokes with the Sakura—each caters to specific user preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Huano Sakura, a clear distinction arises in their top housings. The MX Purple RGB employs nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for its softer profile and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon effectively dampens sound waves, creating a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is a synthetic material with a higher coefficient of friction. This allows for a smoother actuation, complemented by its exceptional wear resistance and shock absorption. While the MX's nylon top adds a subdued sound characteristic, the POK material facilitates a clackier and more pronounced sound during typing, showcasing the contrasting acoustic profiles that each material imparts.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly influences the typing experience. With both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Huano Sakura utilizing nylon in this aspect, users will find similarities in terms of sound dampening and the overall tactile feedback when bottoming out the switch. The absorption qualities of nylon mean that regardless of the top housing's material, the bottom will create a deeper, rounder sensation that enhances the user experience. This shared material in the bottom housing unifies the typing feel across both switches, ensuring that while the sound profile varies due to their differing top housings, the bottom-out characteristics remain consistent.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch provides a unique typing experience. The MX Purple RGB's nylon top and bottom offer a harmonious, muted sound profile, while the Sakura’s contrast of POK on top and nylon below yields a smoother actuation with a brighter acoustic response during release. Users can expect a deep sound from both switches upon bottoming out due to the nylon bottom housing, although the tonal quality and feel during actuation will differ significantly. In essence, if one is looking for a quieter, rounded feel, the MX Purple RGB stands out, while those preferring a louder, sharper response may lean towards the Huano Sakura.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, while the Huano Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Huano Sakura is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it may reduce fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Huano Sakura is 45 grams, which indicates that it requires the same force to press the key all the way down as it does to actuate. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is not specified, leading to an incomplete comparison regarding the overall typing experience. Since the Huano Sakura is lighter, it could be a preferred option for users who prioritize ease of typing, while those who enjoy a firmer feel may find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more satisfying, despite the lack of information about its bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Cherry MX Purple RGB requires a longer press for key activation, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers or others who prioritize speed. Thus, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more pronounced depth, the Huano Sakura provides the advantage of responsiveness, appealing to users with differing typing preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Purple RGB switches produce a characteristic tactile bump that is noticeable but not overly loud, making them a solid choice for a balanced acoustic profile in both gaming and typing environments. The sound level is moderate, allowing for clear feedback without causing excessive noise, which can be a perk in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switches are known for their medium acoustics, providing a quieter operation that emphasizes a smoother keystroke. This makes them ideal for prolonged typing sessions where distraction or disruption is a concern, especially if ambient noise levels are to be kept in check.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile sensation with a short but pronounced bump, giving a satisfying feedback that can enhance the typing experience. The medium-strength bump provides the right amount of resistance, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback without it being too forceful. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switches have a feather-light touch, meaning they require minimal force to actuate. This allows for a swift, uninterrupted typing experience, but may not satisfy those who prefer more tactile feedback in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Huano Sakura switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The MX Purple excels in providing tactile feedback with a refined experience perfect for mixed typing and gaming, while the Sakura’s linear nature promotes a smooth, quiet experience suitable for extensive use. Depending on your needs, choosing between these switches might come down to whether you value tactile feedback or a softer touch and quieter operation. Each switch offers unique qualities, allowing newcomers to find a suitable match for their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches and Huano Sakura linear switches, your personal preferences and usage scenarios should guide your choice. If you seek a refined tactile experience that provides a palpable bump while typing, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy the feedback that adds precision to each keystroke. Their design caters well to typists and gamers who appreciate a tactile indicator without being too harsh on the fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and feather-light touch for long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch is the way to go. Its gentle actuation force makes it ideal for those who type for extended periods or multitask, as well as for gamers who favor rapid keystrokes without the distraction of a tactile bump. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing habits and whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smoother, more effortless experience.
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