Bsun Olive vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Olive and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, two tactile mechanical keyboard switches, a few key differences stand out. The Bsun Olive switches are lauded for their all-POM housings, delivering a deep, resonant sound that is truly unique. With their medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switches offer a sharp and satisfying bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are known for their buttery downstroke and balanced tactility, providing a snappy response without being overpowering. While the Olive switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Purple Sakura switches are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different users, 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Olive features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Purple Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile. The use of POM in the Olive provides a unique sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura offers a higher-pitched sound that may be preferred by some keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top housings of the Bsun Olive and Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ in material, the bottom housings also showcase variation in their housing materials. The Olive's POM bottom housing continues to contribute to its deep and muted sound profile, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. This distinct difference in bottom housing materials demonstrates how the choice of material can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique typing experiences for users. While the Olive emphasizes a deep and unique sound profile with its POM housing, the Purple Sakura focuses on a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Additionally, the different bottom housing materials of POM and nylon further enhance the sound profiles of each switch, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences. Despite these differences, both switches offer a quality typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we see that the Olive has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Olive is heavier at 65 grams, while the Purple Sakura is lighter at 60 grams. This means that the Olive provides a lighter initial press but requires more force to fully press down, offering a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura has a slightly heavier initial press but a lighter bottom out force, providing a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall in the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile 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 in the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users looking for quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant to some users, but for those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their typing experience, the Bsun Olive may offer a slightly more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
Overall, the Bsun Olive switch offers a sound that is resonant and deep, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch provides a mild and neutral sound signature. When it comes to feel, the Olive switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Purple Sakura switch offers a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience, striking a delicate balance between tactility and smoothness. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Olive switch leaning towards a more pronounced tactile experience and deep sound, while the Purple Sakura switch provides a gentler, more neutral typing feel and sound signature. Whether you choose the Bsun Olive or Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch, you can expect a satisfying tactile response that enhances your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, you should choose the Olive if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced tactile feedback, and a deep, resonant sound with a sharp bottom-out. The Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp typing experience that is sure to satisfy tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a snappy response, and a buttery downstroke, then the Purple Sakura switch would be more suitable for you. The Purple Sakura switch strikes a delicate balance of tactility and offers a mild and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
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