Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the tactile switch category but offer unique characteristics. The Purple Sakura is praised for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. In contrast, the Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance level and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The muted sound profile of the Silent Brown adds to its appeal. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery' and 'Mild', but the Purple Sakura is described as 'Neutral' and 'Snappy', while the Silent Brown is 'Muted' and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those looking for a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities in both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Brown differ in terms of their top and bottom housings, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a dynamic typing experience with a mix of sharp, crisp sound from the top housing and deep, fuller sound from the bottom housing. Whether you prefer a clearer and more resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is sure to satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams of force, while the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams. The Purple Sakura can be considered slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Silent Brown is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura may be the better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the heavier bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. This means that the Purple Sakura offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 moderate and suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired level of sound while typing.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Purple Sakura and Silent Brown switches offer a buttery typing experience that is smooth and fluid. The Purple Sakura switch also boasts a mild and snappy tactile feel, providing a balanced typing sensation. Similarly, the Silent Brown switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to individual preferences regarding the specific tactile feedback desired.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and TTC Silent Brown switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura switch leans towards a more neutral sound profile with a snappy tactility, the Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound and a polished feel for a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound and tactile feedback, as both switches offer similar buttery typing sensations with their own distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced and responsive tactile bump, the Purple Sakura may be the better choice for you. Its neutral sound profile and snappy feel make it a versatile option for various typing needs. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more muted sound profile, the Silent Brown could be the ideal option. Its comfortable typing experience, rounded tactile bump, and polished finish offer a smooth and refined typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound in order to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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