Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. Typing on these switches provides a mild and neutral sound signature, making for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is a linear switch that offers a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. These switches also produce a creamy sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. While both switches offer unique features such as snappy tactility in the Purple Sakura and a bouncy and polished feel in the Splash Brothers, it is important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers use polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound that is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Purple Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers also feature a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound production, both the Purple Sakura and the Splash Brothers use polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a similar sharp and crisp sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Purple Sakura and the Splash Brothers differ slightly. The Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Splash Brothers' nylon bottom housing also adds to a rounder sound profile. This slight variation in bottom housing material may result in a subtle difference in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Jwick Splash Brothers ultimately impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharp and clear sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials provides variations in the depth and roundness of the sound produced. Despite these differences, users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the bottom housing and the sound upon key release impacted by the top housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch differ in weight, with the Splash Brothers being lighter. The Purple Sakura has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option. Choosing a lighter switch like the Splash Brothers may be more suitable for those who prefer typing for longer periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the Purple Sakura's slightly heavier force may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Splash Brothers linear switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura tactile switch. The Purple Sakura would provide a shorter travel distance, making it more preferred for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers would offer a slightly deeper press, which might be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they both have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making them suitable for various typing environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is praised for its buttery downstroke, mild tactility, and snappy response. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a mild typing experience, snappy response, bouncy feedback, subtle resistance, and a polished finish. While they have some differences in terms of specific characteristics, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation.
Overall, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect a pleasant typing experience with either the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch. Both switches offer a blend of smoothness, responsiveness, and neutral sound profiles that cater to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or more experienced enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of specific tactile feedback and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a switch with a snappy response, a moderate bottom out force, and a buttery downstroke, then the Purple Sakura would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, a smooth and creamy sound signature, and a bouncy and polished feel, then the Splash Brothers would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what characteristics matter most to you in your typing experience.