Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are distinct differences that make each switch unique. The Purple Sakura offers a tactile experience with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch boasts a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, providing a different tactile experience that is smooth and polished. Both switches have their own strengths - the Purple Sakura is mild and neutral with a snappy feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear is subdued and neutral with a polished touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Purple Sakura opts for a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, similarly providing a deeper and fuller sound but with a duller and rounder quality.
Despite the similar use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the differing bottom housing materials of the Purple Sakura and the Semi-Silent Linear showcase how the choice of material can impact the sound and feel of a switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a more resonant sound profile, particularly when releasing a key. On the other hand, the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This contrast in housing materials highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing in switch design for a balanced typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Purple Sakura and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. While both switches benefit from the sharp and crisp sound provided by polycarbonate in the top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound, albeit with subtle differences in tone. Understanding how each housing material interacts with key presses can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force vary slightly between the two. The Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Purple Sakura requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, providing a similar typing feel once the key is fully pressed. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and weight when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch's travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Purple Sakura has a slightly shorter distance to travel from top to bottom compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may provide a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that is not too loud or too soft, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, giving a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a subtle clacky bottom-out noise. Depending on the user's preference for sound, both switches offer different options to cater to individual needs.
Moving on to the feel, the Purple Sakura switch is described as having a buttery and mild tactile feel, striking a balance between smoothness and gentleness while providing a responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, emphasizing its smoothness and snappy response for an enjoyable keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound profile with a buttery and mild tactile feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound with a smooth and snappy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options that cater to a variety of typing styles and environments. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch choice.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura would be a great choice for you. Its mild and neutral sound signature, along with its balance of tactility, makes it suitable for various typing needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a semi-silent operation and a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be a better fit. Its subdued yet clacky sound profile, along with its responsiveness and polished finish, provide a different typing experience compared to the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, your choice between the Purple Sakura and the Semi-Silent Linear will depend on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness and sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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