Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast response time, making it a go-to choice for gamers seeking the ultimate edge in speed and precision. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy response, perfect for typists who crave a balance between tactility and smoothness. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences, whether you prioritize speed and low spring resistance with the MX Speed Silver or appreciate the buttery feel and mild sound signature of the 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is clear that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall. While the use of nylon is consistent between the two switches, the differences lie in their top housing materials.
The Cherry MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which complements the bottom housing to provide a cohesive typing experience with a consistent sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic than nylon, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through for a visually stunning effect. These differences in top housing material give each switch its unique sound signature and aesthetic appeal.
While the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura may have contrasting top housing materials, they ultimately deliver similar results in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing, providing a satisfying typing feel. The differences in sound profile between the two switches can be attributed to their respective top housing materials, with the Cherry MX Speed Silver offering a rounder sound with its nylon top housing, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura providing a crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, significant differences can be observed. The MX Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to type quickly and for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Purple Sakura is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the MX Speed Silver is unknown, the Purple Sakura has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Overall, individuals who prefer a lighter touch for effortless typing may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Purple Sakura for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may impact the feel of the key press for some users. Those who prefer a more responsive and quicker key press may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key press may find the Sarokeys Purple Sakura to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a more neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The choice between the two switches will largely depend on personal preference, with the MX Speed Silver offering a more distinct and bass-heavy tone compared to the Purple Sakura's moderate and versatile sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized as textured, providing users with a noticeable friction when typing that can be preferred by some individuals. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience, creating a smooth and fluid sensation with each keystroke. The mild and snappy qualities of the Purple Sakura switch make it approachable to most users, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a deep and satisfying sound profile with its textured feel, the Purple Sakura stands out for its neutral sound signature and buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, users can expect similarly high-quality results in terms of performance and responsiveness from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your primary use case. If you prioritize speed and instant response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a balanced tactility and a smooth, buttery key press, the Purple Sakura switches could be more suitable for your needs, especially for typing tasks where comfort and fluidity are key. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and usage scenarios to enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
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