Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch that is praised for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, providing a delicate yet pronounced tactility without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch known for its silent typing experience, ideal for quieter environments. It offers a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal sound feedback, giving it a silky and polished characteristic. While the Purple Sakura exudes a mild and neutral sound signature, the Silent Ink Black caters to those in need of a muted 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is clear that they both prioritize sound quality and aesthetics. Both switches utilize a combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom, with the Purple Sakura featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top and bottom housings offer a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Purple Sakura and the Silent Ink Black aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black offers a thin and high-pitched sound that is both pointed and clacky. Both switches show how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
In conclusion, the choice between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gateron Silent Ink Black ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura offers a mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing for a combination of sharpness and depth in sound, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for a unique clacky sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound characteristics for mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a more clacky typing experience, both the Purple Sakura and Silent Ink Black deliver in their own distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it's evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The Purple Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams, while the Silent Ink Black demands 70 grams. This makes the Silent Ink Black the heavier option in both categories. The lighter actuation force of the Purple Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Ink Black provide a more substantial typing feel, suited for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may offer a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, perfect for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound, ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is praised for its buttery downstroke, mild tactility, and snappy response, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky feel with a pillow-like bottom-out sensation, thanks to its polished finish and refined key travel. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Purple Sakura and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced sound profile like the Purple Sakura, or a linear switch with a muted sound and smooth key travel like the Silent Ink Black, you can expect excellent performance from either option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a moderate actuation force and a balanced tactile bump, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura would be a great choice for you. The buttery downstroke and snappy response make typing on these switches a pleasurable experience. On the other hand, if you're in need of a linear switch that provides a silenced typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be more suitable. With a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, these switches are perfect for quieter environments. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for tactility and noise level.
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