Outemu Silent Green vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Outemu Silent Green and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Silent Green is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump during actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. While the Silent Green may be preferred for its quiet operation, the Purple Sakura stands out for its snappy response and buttery downstroke. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Green and Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Outemu Silent Green utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to the sharp and clear sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings differ in material, leading to distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we find that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. This means that the Silent Green may provide a lighter typing experience, which could be preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force, with the Silent Green being the lighter option and the Purple Sakura offering a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Green. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Green may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so selecting the switch that matches your preferences is essential for a satisfying typing experience.
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 Silent Green 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 Silent Green switch is known for being silent, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and users. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with different sound qualities, making them versatile options depending on your preference for noise levels.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have a specific tactile description provided, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy. The Purple Sakura switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle typing sensation that is responsive and lively. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch may offer a different tactile feel that can be explored through hands-on testing.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Green switch provides a silent typing experience, while the Purple Sakura switch delivers a neutral sound profile with a buttery and snappy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. It is recommended to try out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a medium actuation force without any specific standout features, the Outemu Silent Green may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery and mild typing experience with a snappy response, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences and the typing experience you are looking to achieve. Happy typing!
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