Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Duck are both excellent options in the tactile switch category. The Purple Sakura is praised for its snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, with a pronounced yet balanced tactility that doesn't overpower. On the other hand, the Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, the Purple Sakura leans towards a slightly more pronounced tactility while the Duck offers a softer touch. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Duck both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Both switches are aesthetically pleasing with their clear housing, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the Purple Sakura has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While the top housings of the Purple Sakura and the Duck are both made of polycarbonate, providing similar sound profiles, their bottom housings differ in material. The Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a sharper and crisper sound. The split between the qualities of the two housing materials affects how the switches feel and sound when typing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Duck ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Depending on whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, you can select the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Purple Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Duck, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Purple Sakura requiring 60 grams and the Duck requiring 58 grams. This means that while typing on the Purple Sakura may feel slightly lighter when initially pressing down the keys, both switches will provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. The Purple Sakura offers a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, which may be more comfortable for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Duck tactile switches exhibit a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This allows for a versatile typing experience suitable for various users and settings. The sound produced by these switches is clean and non-intrusive, making them ideal for both work and home environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the Purple Sakura is known for its buttery, mild, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that is responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a mild and buttery feel with a polished finish, resulting in a refined and sleek typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience, ideal for prolonged use without causing fatigue.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Duck switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a slightly more pronounced tactility with the Purple Sakura or a subtler feedback with the Duck switch, you can expect a reliable and enjoyable typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a snappy response and buttery downstroke, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is the way to go. This switch offers a mild and neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the better choice. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, but the Purple Sakura leans towards a more pronounced tactility while the Duck provides a gentler typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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