Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options on the market are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Dareu Snow. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, offering a balanced tactility that is not overpowering. It produces a mild and neutral sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. This switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and bouncy typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Dareu Snow, the top housing of the Purple Sakura is made of polycarbonate, while the Snow features a POK top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for those looking for a more resonant sound. On the other hand, POK material in the Snow offers a smooth and clacky feel, with exceptional durability and wear resistance. While both materials have unique qualities, they both aim to provide a high-quality typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Purple Sakura and the Snow feature nylon as their material. Nylon is a classic housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both keyboards benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Dareu Snow differ, the qualities they bring to the switches are complementary. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura or the smooth and durable POK material in the Snow, both keyboards offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch are both 50 grams and 60 grams, respectively, making them have the same medium level of force. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience with similar levels of resistance when pressing down on the keys. However, the Sakura may feel slightly lighter due to it being a tactile switch compared to the linear Snow switch. This difference in feel may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch when typing for extended periods of time. Conversely, the Snow switch might be more suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance for a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Purple Sakura or the Snow switch will depend on personal preference for the tactile feedback and smoothness of a linear switch, as the travel distance between the two is quite similar.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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, making it suitable for various typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and satisfying typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a responsive feel. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is noted for its bouncy feedback, providing a lively and elastic sensation when typing. Overall, the Purple Sakura and Dareu Snow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to various preferences and typing styles. It is essential to consider these factors along with other variables like the keyboard and keycaps used to achieve the desired typing experience. While each switch offers distinct characteristics, users can expect comparable results in terms of performance and overall satisfaction with both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a buttery and mild feel, along with a neutral sound profile, then the Purple Sakura would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bouncy feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound, then the Snow switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are seeking. Choose wisely based on your unique preferences and typing style.
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