Outemu Purple vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the Huano Sakura offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Purple, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, making it a favorite for typists who enjoy a noticeable response without bottoming out. In contrast, the Huano Sakura stands out with its linear design, delivering a smooth and uninterrupted key press, perfect for gamers and those who prefer quiet, swift typing motions. While the Purple offers the gratifying sensation of tactile activation that can enhance accuracy during typing, the Sakura's feather-light touch and medium acoustic level cater to users seeking comfort during extended sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Purple Tactile

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Purple and Huano Sakura switches showcase both similarities and distinctions that influence their audible and tactile feedback. The Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity, which generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal of illuminated switches. Conversely, the Sakura utilizes a POK top housing, which, while less common than polycarbonate, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and durability. POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction contributes to a different tactile experience, resulting in a sound profile that is smooth and clacky rather than sharp. Although both materials enhance sound and performance, the distinct resonant qualities of polycarbonate make it ideal for users seeking brighter soundscapes, while POK suits those valuing a smoother typing experience.

For the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a prominent material in the realm of mechanical switches. The nylon in both the Purple and Sakura contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile owing to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound waves to yield a rounder acoustic signature. This commonality ensures that the typing experience on both switches feels rich and engaging. As the bottom housing is instrumental in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will deliver a consistent tactile experience—soft and muted, yet satisfying—thanks to the shared nylon material.

When considering the overall sound and feel of the Outemu Purple and Huano Sakura, the contrasting top housings play a critical role in defining their unique characteristics. While the Purple's polycarbonate brings clarity and brightness to the auditory experience, the Sakura's POK emphasizes smoothness and durability, creating a softer sound profile. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a deep, satisfying sound quality. Thus, while users may enjoy different auditory sensations directly correlated to the top housing material, both switches can ultimately deliver a pleasurable typing experience through their nylon components, ensuring that they appeal to differing preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a heavier resistance that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press down, which can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unknown, while the Sakura has a bottom out force of 45 grams, considered light. Consequently, users looking for a heavier switch with a more tactile feel might lean towards the Outemu Purple, while those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort should opt for the Huano Sakura.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and often preferred by users who enjoy a certain depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and those who appreciate quicker response times. While the Purple's longer travel distance may feel more substantial to some, the Sakura's shorter travel distance allows for a snappier typing experience. Therefore, for a more responsive feel, the Sakura is the better choice, while the Purple will appeal to those who favor a deeper key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple switch does not have any specific characteristics outlined, leaving its sonic profile somewhat of a mystery. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is noted for its medium acoustics, which makes it a well-rounded choice for typing. The medium sound level creates a pleasant auditory feedback that can be satisfying without being overly loud, making the Sakura an excellent option for those who prefer a balanced sound during extended typing sessions. However, the overall auditory experience can still vary based on the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Purple switch again lacks defined qualities, which means it may not stand out in terms of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is praised for its feather-light touch. This attribute makes the Sakura particularly appealing for extended typing, as it requires less effort to actuate, thus reducing strain on fingers during long periods of use. This sensitivity can be a significant advantage for typists looking for comfort over marathon typing sessions, allowing for faster typing speeds without tiring easily.

In conclusion, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a clear advantage with its feather-light touch and medium acoustic profile, making it a solid choice for those who type frequently or for extended periods. The subjective qualities of the Outemu Purple switch remain unknown, which could imply that it may not provide any notable advantages over other popular switches available. For a fulfilling typing experience, especially in terms of sound and feel, the Sakura stands out as a favorable option, particularly for those prioritizing comfort and balanced acoustics during their typing journeys.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, you'll want to consider both your typing preferences and your environment. If you desire a tactile experience—meaning you appreciate feedback as you type and prefer a bit of a bump to signal an actuation—the Outemu Purple may be the better option for you, especially if you're aiming for a switch that's versatile for both typing and gaming. However, keep in mind that as there's no specific bottom out force, the response might be more subjective and can vary on individual experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and lightness in your keystrokes, particularly for long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura is an excellent choice with its 45-gram bottom out force. This switch offers a feather-light touch, making it easy on your fingers during extended usage, coupled with medium acoustics that won't disturb those around you. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother, quieter experience while typing.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more