Outemu Red vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Outemu Red is a linear switch, known for its straightforward and smooth keypress without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch that delivers a satisfying feedback with a snappy response and a luxurious buttery downstroke. The Purple Sakuras are praised for their perfect balance of tactile feel without being too overwhelming, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, making it important to understand their differences before making a decision. 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
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Both the Outemu Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches mean that users can expect comparable sound profiles and performance in terms of sound quality.
On the other hand, the Red comes with a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Sakura also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a different typing experience compared to the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura can have a significant impact on the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound, the difference in bottom housing material (nylon) between the two switches can result in variations in typing feel and sound characteristics. Understanding the qualities of each housing material can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound profile and overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch are quite similar. The Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Red requires 62 grams while the Purple Sakura only needs 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly faster typing experience on the Red, while the Purple Sakura might provide a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between lightness and strength, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Red switch provides a more traditional travel distance, offering a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch offers a shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches have their advantages, with the Red switch offering a more substantial keypress feel, while the Purple Sakura switch provides a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and gaming performance.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its lack of tactile feedback, resulting in a quiet typing experience. As for the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, users praise its neutral sound profile, striking a balance that is suitable for various typing environments without being too loud or too soft. Both switches will provide a pleasant typing sound, with the choice of board and keycaps influencing the overall acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch is known for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, offering a luxurious typing experience with a snappy response that gives a sense of liveliness to the typing feel. The mild tactility of the Purple Sakura switch makes it approachable to most users, striking a safe middle ground between being too subtle or too pronounced.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Red switch provides a quiet and consistent typing experience, the Purple Sakura switch introduces a buttery and snappy tactility that adds a touch of luxury to every keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a moderate tactile response, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Red switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. Whether you prioritize tactility or a linear feel, both switches offer quality options for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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