KTT Purple Click vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the KTT Purple Click and the Huano Sakura switches. The KTT Purple Click, often referred to as Purple Sauce, is celebrated for its high-pitched, satisfying click and a tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance—light yet pronounced. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy auditory stimulation while typing, making each keystroke feel rewarding and invigorating. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is designed with a focus on comfort, featuring a feather-light touch that makes it perfect for long typing sessions. With medium acoustics, it allows for a quieter experience without sacrificing performance. While the Purple Click may appeal to those who crave feedback and sound with every keystroke, the Sakura offers a smoother, more understated option for those who prioritize a comfortable and efficient typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Huano Sakura, one can observe distinct characteristics in their top housings that contribute to their sound profiles. The KTT Purple Click uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This property arises from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Additionally, its translucency makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, allowing for an attractive illumination effect. Conversely, the Huano Sakura employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is noted for its smoothness and excellent durability characteristics. While the Sakura’s top housing may not offer the same level of pitch or resonance associated with polycarbonate, it compensates with its incredibly low friction and substantial wear resistance. Despite these differences, both materials can yield satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, each bringing its own unique qualities to the typing experience.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, utilize nylon, a material celebrated in switch design for its inherent properties. Nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a rounder sound when typing, and in both the KTT Purple Click and Huano Sakura, the nylon bottom housing delivers this performance consistently. Because both switches share the nylon material in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel regardless of the differences observed in their top housings. This commonality ensures that while there may be distinctive upper sound characteristics between the two switches, the experience during key presses remains coupled in terms of sound depth.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the KTT Purple Click and the Huano Sakura showcases how variations in top materials can influence sound and feel while also demonstrating common ground through the utilization of nylon in the bottom. The polycarbonate top of the Purple Click provides a bright and sharp typing sound, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback, while the POK top of the Sakura allows for a smooth and durable performance that transcends wear over time. Together, the sound results harmonize through the shared nylon bottom, highlighting how different materials can coexist within a single keyboard switch to produce a comprehensive range of auditory and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Click features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura's actuation force is lighter at 35 grams, with a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura is the lighter option overall, providing a softer keypress that may be preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Purple Click, being heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience which might appeal to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feel. While both switches allow for distinct typing experiences, if one values lighter forces, the Huano Sakura is the clear choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Purple Click offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a tactile feel and responsiveness that is not too abrupt. On the other hand, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the trend toward shorter distances favored by many gamers seeking quicker response times. Consequently, if you prioritize a more immediate actuation and a lighter touch, the Sakura would be the better choice. In contrast, if you value a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the KTT Purple Click would serve you well. Ultimately, while both switches will provide varying experiences based on travel distance, the Purple Click is the longer option, whereas the Sakura is shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
The Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
The sound characteristics of the KTT Purple Click switch are distinct, offering a high-pitched and satisfying click that resonates with each keystroke. This switch produces a crunchy sound, akin to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, and delivers a clean and sharp auditory experience that many typists find immersive. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is designed with a focus on a more muted acoustic profile. While its sound is described as medium, it is generally less pronounced than the Purple Click, allowing for a quieter typing experience. The choice between these two switches may ultimately depend on your preference for audible feedback; the Purple Click will stand out in a crowded environment, while the Sakura is suited for those who prefer a more discreet operation.
Regarding the feel, the KTT Purple Click switch boasts invigorating tactile feedback with its pronounced actuation. Users can expect a moderate to firm actuation force combined with a snappy, reactive sensation that creates an engaging typing experience. Additionally, it features a stepped design, providing clear stages during the keystroke, which many find beneficial for typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, making it exceptionally smooth for long typing sessions, though its tactile feedback quality remains unlisted. This suggests that while the Purple Click may provide a more dynamic and responsive feel, the Sakura aims for a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click and Huano Sakura switches cater to different preferences and needs within the mechanical keyboard community. The Purple Click excels in auditory feedback with its distinct click sound and invigorating tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy engaging typing experiences. In contrast, the Sakura switch prioritizes a lighter touch and quieter sound, appealing to users seeking comfort during long periods of typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness or prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and usage context. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Purple Click is an excellent option, providing a satisfying crunchy and resonant sound with a pronounced tactility. This switch works well for those who appreciate the rhythm of typing and prefer a bit of character in their keystrokes, making it ideal for casual gaming or when you’re looking to make every keystroke feel purposeful. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter feel without audible clicks, the Sakura switch is the better choice, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal fatigue are priorities. With its feather-light actuation force and subtler sound profile, the Sakura allows for rapid keystrokes with less effort, making it suited for extensive writing or coding tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value an engaging, clicky experience or a fast, linear one tailored for extensive use.
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