Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Quinn mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple Sakura is favored for its subtle yet discernible tactile feedback, providing a balanced typing experience with a buttery feel and a mild, neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out for its crisp and light switch-like tactility, accompanied by a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. While the Purple Sakura is more snappy and polished, the Quinn boasts a bouncy and clacky feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Quinn both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Purple Sakura featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Quinn has a nylon top housing and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Quinn elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound. Despite the different materials used, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon material, which results in a similar effect of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer plastic nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on both the Purple Sakura and the Quinn switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience on both switches will have a consistent feel and sound quality, focusing more on the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel when using these switches.
The split between the top and bottom housings of a switch allows each material to bring its unique qualities to different aspects of the typing experience. While the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Purple Sakura and the Quinn switches highlights how manufacturers can tailor the typing experience to suit a variety of preferences, whether it be a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that the Quinn switch is slightly heavier than the Purple Sakura. The Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the Quinn switch has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Purple Sakura may be the better option. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger, more substantial typing experience, the Quinn switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The 0.2 mm difference between the two switches may not be significant to most users, but if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance, the Quinn would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the Purple Sakura would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which is suitable for various typing environments and preferences. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that is neither too loud nor too soft. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound experience that adds depth and character to each keystroke. The Quinn switch provides a rich and immersive sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a balanced level of tactility. The Quinn switch, on the other hand, is known for its snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel. This means that it provides a responsive and spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable.
Overall, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Gateron Quinn switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound profile with a buttery and mild typing experience, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a bassy and resonant sound profile with a snappy and polished feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can enjoy a personalized and satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Quinn switches, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a mild, neutral sound profile with a buttery, mild, and snappy typing feel, the Purple Sakura may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with a deep, resonant, bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, along with a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, and creamy typing feel, then the Gateron Quinn switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Remember to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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