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Outemu Brown vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura

An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Brown and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Outemu Brown switch is characterized by its lack of a specific standout feature, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is renowned for its tactile feedback, snappy response, and buttery smooth keystrokes. The Brown switch falls under a more general category, while the Purple Sakura is specifically labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. If you prefer a more subtle and traditional typing experience, the Outemu Brown may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile and responsive feel with a bit of flair, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura could be the perfect fit. 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

53g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

65g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

1.20 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

Polycarbonate

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

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing aesthetic. Despite this similarity, the unique design elements of each switch may still result in variations in sound and feel.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Brown and the Purple Sakura utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that adds a different dimension to the overall typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, differences in design may still influence how these qualities are experienced by users.

Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom components of switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when lifting a key. While both the Outemu Brown and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share similar housing materials, subtle design variations may still provide unique typing experiences for users of each switch. Regardless, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches ensures a balance of sharp, higher-pitched sounds and deeper, fuller tones for an overall satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it becomes evident that the Brown requires a slightly heavier touch. The Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Brown switch overall heavier in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a tactile typing experience without being too strenuous on the fingers. Depending on personal preference, some may find the lighter touch of the Purple Sakura more suitable for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Outemu Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura switch. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Outemu Brown switch, you will feel a bit more depth before reaching the bottom compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may choose the Outemu Brown switch. Overall, depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches offer a unique feel with their travel distances.

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 Brown 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 Brown tactile switch is known for being relatively quiet, with a muffled and soft sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the Purple Sakura switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by the switches may also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific description provided. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the mild characteristic implies a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the snappy nature of the Purple Sakura switch indicates a high level of responsiveness, resulting in a lively typing experience.

Considering the available information, it is evident that the Outemu Brown and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch is known for its quiet sound profile, the Purple Sakura switch provides a more moderate and neutral sound experience. In terms of feel, the Purple Sakura switch stands out for its buttery, mild, and snappy typing characteristics, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the specific typing environment in which they will be used. However, it is important to note that both switches are likely to provide a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with different nuances in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, you should choose the Outemu Browns if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother and more responsive typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Sarokeys Purple Sakuras would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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