Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct qualities for different preferences. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch that is revered for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between pronounced tactility and a mild, neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. Both switches share a 'buttery' feel, but the Silent Red is 'muted' compared to the Purple Sakura's 'neutral' sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
While both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the TTC Silent Red feature polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Purple Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Red also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This distinction in bottom housing material may result in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on these switches.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Purple Sakura and Silent Red switches share the benefit of utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings. This material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for creating a more clear and resonant typing experience. With their translucent nature, polycarbonate top housings are particularly well-suited for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to their functionality. Thus, while the bottom housing may vary between these switches, their similar top housing material ensures a comparable sound and overall typing experience.
In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Purple Sakura and Silent Red switches may result in distinct tactile feedback and sound variations during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Purple Sakura requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. Both switches have medium actuation forces, making them suitable for a wide range of users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Sakura has a lighter force of 60 grams, while the Silent Red requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Purple Sakura may provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use, while the Silent Red offers a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Silent Red has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Red may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 and TTC Silent Red switches offer different experiences. The Purple Sakura provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a muted sound, specifically designed for quieter operation in shared environments. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and requirements.
When it comes to feel, both the Purple Sakura and Silent Red switches share some qualities. They are both described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. Additionally, they are both categorized as mild switches, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. However, the Purple Sakura is also noted for its snappy response, adding a level of responsiveness to the typing experience, while the Silent Red is highlighted for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and TTC Silent Red switches each have their own strengths and qualities. The Purple Sakura offers a balanced tactile experience with a mild and neutral sound profile, along with a snappy response for added liveliness. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red provides a smooth and quiet typing experience with a muted sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to tailor your typing experience to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preference in typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a tactile and snappy typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Silent Red could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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