Kailh Plum vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Plum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, the Plum stands out for its unique combination of heftiness without a significant tactile bump. In contrast, the Purple Sakura offers a snappy response and a buttery downstroke with a more pronounced yet balanced tactility. While the Plum is categorized as neutral, mild, and stepped, the Purple Sakura falls under buttery, mild, neutral, and snappy. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with neutral sound profiles, but the Plum offers a different tactile feel compared to the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 Kailh Plum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches allows for better resonance and clarity, making them ideal for users who prefer a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Plum and Purple Sakura switches feature nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. Its softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This can provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy a softer and more muted sound profile.
While both switches use the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This split can lead to a more balanced typing experience, combining the strengths of both housing materials in a single switch design.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Purple Sakura for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Plum. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback but cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The Plum switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who like a more traditional key press feel. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch's shorter travel distance can provide a more immediate response that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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, both the Kailh Plum and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches have a neutral profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a pleasant sound that is suitable for various typing environments. The sound produced by these switches is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Moving on to the feel, the Plum switches provide a mild and stepped typing experience, offering a gentle feel with a tactile bump that is not overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches offer a buttery and snappy feel, delivering a smooth and responsive typing sensation with a delicate balance of tactility. Overall, while the Plum switches may feel weightier and lack a strong tactile bump, the Purple Sakura switches offer a unique typing experience with a decadently buttery downstroke. Whether you choose the Plum or the Purple Sakura switches, you can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, tactility, and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique tactile experience without an overwhelming bump, the Kailh Plum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a snappy and buttery tactile response, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, but the Plum switch provides a mild and stepped feel while the Purple Sakura switch offers a more buttery and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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