Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Strawberry offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Purple Sakura stands out for its tactile feedback, with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke that strikes a delicate balance between pronounced tactility and a mild, neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry boasts a linear design with smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Described as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, the Strawberry switch offers a different typing experience than the Sakura. Both switches have their own strengths, making them suitable for various typing styles and preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
While both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Strawberry feature a polycarbonate top housing, they differ when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Purple Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This contrast in bottom housing materials can lead to varying typing experiences and sound feedback for users.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature translucent polycarbonate top housings, making them ideal choices for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Purple Sakura and the Strawberry creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This similarity in top housing material highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound output and overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and different bottom housing materials in the Purple Sakura and the KTT Strawberry offers users a unique typing experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This split in housing materials allows for a diverse range of sound profiles, catering to individual preferences for typing feedback and overall sound quality. Whether opting for the deeper sound of nylon in the Purple Sakura or the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Strawberry, users can expect distinct typing experiences based on the housing material choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can see that the Purple Sakura has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Purple Sakura is 60 grams, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, with the Strawberry being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force. This means that while the typing experience may feel slightly different between the two switches, overall they offer a similar level of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Strawberry linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Purple Sakura offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches offer quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preferences.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a moderate and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry provides a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to other switches. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura is described as having a buttery downstroke that provides a smooth and effortless typing sensation, along with a mild and snappy tactility. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry offers a frictionless and silky typing experience with a polished finish, minimizing resistance and maximizing smoothness during keystrokes. Both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Purple Sakura focusing on a balanced tactile feedback and the KTT Strawberry emphasizing a seamless and refined key travel.
Overall, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Purple Sakura excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a buttery tactile experience, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its low-pitched sound and frictionless, silky feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that can enhance the performance and comfort of your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a balanced tactility, a mild and neutral sound signature, and a buttery downstroke, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with smooth actuation, a low-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless typing experience, then the KTT Strawberry would suit your needs better. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Purple Sakura and Strawberry comes down to whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
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