Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as popular choices, each offering a unique typing experience. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the slightly heavier feel of the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between tactility and sound. While the MX Silent Red provides a muted and low-pitched typing experience, the Purple Sakura offers a buttery and snappy feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura housing materials both offer unique sound profiles based on their plastic composition. The MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic which absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic, offering a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials excel in their sound properties, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the desired typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Silent Red and the Purple Sakura utilize nylon for its softer properties and sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, contributing to a consistent typing experience. While the top housing may impact the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the difference in top housing materials, the similarity in bottom housing material ensures a comparable typing experience between these two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housing for its sound absorption properties, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of the top housing material. Whether one prefers a rounder sound profile or a more resonant one, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more responsive to touch compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. On the other hand, while the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red is unavailable, the Purple Sakura has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Silent Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Purple Sakura for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The shorter 3.2 mm travel distance of the Purple Sakura may provide a more responsive feel, while the 3.7 mm travel distance of the MX Silent Red might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red offers a muted and thocky experience with a low-pitched tone, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura provides a neutral sound profile, catering to a wide range of users with its moderate actuation force and sound signature. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing session.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of friction when pressing down on the keys. On the contrary, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a snappy response that adds to the overall fluidity of the keystrokes. Whether you prefer a slightly gritty sensation or a smooth and gentle touch, both switches deliver a comfortable and reliable typing experience that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both options provide excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a textured feel or a neutral sound profile paired with a buttery, mild sensation, these switches offer high-quality performance and reliability. Ultimately, your choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you work in a noise-sensitive area or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red would be a great option with its muted and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate a balance of tactility without overwhelming clickiness and enjoy a buttery, mild, and snappy typing sensation, the Purple Sakura switch would be a fantastic choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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