Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, offering a balanced tactility without being overpowering. With a mild and neutral sound signature, it provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. With a low-pitched and neutral profile, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a different typing sensation compared to the Purple Sakura. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them both appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a great choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. Additionally, both switches have a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound.
Despite these similarities, there are some differences between the two housing materials of the Purple Sakura and the Sea Salt Lemon. The Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing is specifically praised for creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, which also features a nylon bottom but may have slightly different acoustic properties. This distinction could result in varying typing experiences and preferences for users who are more attuned to the nuances of sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. While both the Purple Sakura and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize polycarbonate and nylon in their respective top and bottom housings, subtle differences may still exist in how these materials affect the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper and sharper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound from nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials contributes to the overall performance and feel of the switches, making them stand out in the competitive market of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Purple Sakura is also heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Sea Salt Lemon leans towards the lighter side in comparison to the Purple Sakura. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the preferred choice, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Purple Sakura's shorter travel distance may make it more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of settings and users, whether beginner or advanced. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile options for different typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Purple Sakura switch is praised for its buttery and smooth keystroke experience, giving users a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also offers a mild and snappy tactile feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a gentle and mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. While the Purple Sakura leans towards a snappy and pronounced tactility, the Sea Salt Lemon opts for a smoother and more consistent feel throughout typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura provides a more buttery and snappy typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and smooth keystroke feel that is gentle and approachable. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, users can choose between these switches to find the one that best suits their needs. Ultimately, both switches provide a quality typing experience that is sure to enhance any keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced tactility, smooth downstroke, and mild sound signature, the Purple Sakura may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and which typing experience appeals to you the most. Consider the factors mentioned above when making your choice.
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