Outemu Blue Jade vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, both have their unique qualities to consider. The Blue Jade, known for its clicky feedback, offers a satisfying audible click with each key press. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura stands out for its tactile response, providing a smooth and buttery downstroke without being overly pronounced. The Blue Jade's clickiness may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience, while the Purple Sakura's balance of tactility and quiet operation is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches differ significantly in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Blue Jade and Purple Sakura share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, offering a deeper and fuller typing experience.
Despite their shared nylon bottom housing material, the Blue Jade and Purple Sakura switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housings. The Blue Jade's bottom-out sound and feel are influenced more by its nylon bottom housing, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's top housing, made of polycarbonate, enhances the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. This difference in top housing materials highlights the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, with each contributing unique sound qualities to the switches.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel. While the Outemu Blue Jade and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches both feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound, their top housings diverge in material and sound characteristics. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a softer and deeper sound, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. By understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, users can customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning you'll get a similar light touch when typing on either one. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams, making it heavier than the Purple Sakura, which only needs 60 grams to fully press down. This slight difference means that while both switches will feel relatively light when initially pressing down a key, the Blue Jade will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier, more substantial feel for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura. The Blue Jade's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, while the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower and quicker response. Gamers may prefer the Blue Jade for its longer travel distance, which can provide more tactile feedback and precision during gameplay. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may opt for the Purple Sakura. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for providing a unique clicky sound that some users find satisfying, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. Both switches can deliver a pleasant auditory experience, with the Blue Jade offering a more distinct clicky sound and the Purple Sakura providing a more subdued and versatile sound profile depending on your setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is known for its buttery downstroke, mild tactility, and snappy response. The Purple Sakura offers a smooth and fluid typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's feel is not explicitly described, so it may be best to try them out firsthand to determine if they meet your preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Jade provides a distinct clicky sound, while the Purple Sakura offers a neutral sound profile that is versatile for different environments. The Purple Sakura also boasts a buttery downstroke with mild tactility and snappy response, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it would be beneficial to try them out to see which one aligns better with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not too concerned about sound, the Blue Jade would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, then the Purple Sakura would be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing sensation you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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