Outemu Silent Grey vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as top contenders in the tactile switch category. The Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches provide a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. While the Silent Grey is known for its satisfyingly silent operation, the Purple Sakura stands out with its mild and neutral sound signature. 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
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. With similar top housings, users can expect comparable sound profiles when typing on either switch.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Silent Grey and the Purple Sakura utilize nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a satisfying typing experience with rich sound feedback.
The differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Outemu Silent Grey and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura highlight how each component contributes to the overall sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite these distinctions, both switches provide users with a tactile typing experience that is enhanced by the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that both have an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Purple Sakura, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Silent Grey will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Purple Sakura. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, with the Silent Grey being on the heavier side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Purple Sakura may be the better choice. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Silent Grey for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 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 shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Silent Grey providing a bit more travel distance for those who prefer a deeper press, and the Purple Sakura offering a quicker response with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Grey 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
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer unique qualities for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Silent Grey provides a quiet and highly tactile feel with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those looking for a satisfying yet silent switch. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a snappy response with a buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. While the sound signature of the Silent Grey is not explicitly mentioned, the Purple Sakura is noted for its mild and neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments. When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey's specific characteristics are not provided, but the Purple Sakura's buttery and snappy feel ensures a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and are great options depending on personal preference and typing style. Therefore, whether you choose the Silent Grey or Purple Sakura, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke with a mild and neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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