Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance with pronounced tactility that is not overpowering. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is a linear switch that boasts resonant and clacky notes, along with an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth keystroke experience. The Purple Sakura is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy', while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these general descriptions to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is evident that the top housing compositions differ significantly. The Purple Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound production. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporates a POM top housing, known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile characterized by deeper tones and a more muted overall sound. While both materials offer distinct qualities, the polycarbonate of the Purple Sakura caters to those seeking a bright and clear sound, while the POM of the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to individuals preferring a deeper and softer tone.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials, both the Purple Sakura and the Strawberry Wine (V2) opt for nylon as their chosen material. Nylon is recognized for eliciting a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and resonance. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures a uniform typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback for both the Purple Sakura and the Strawberry Wine (V2).
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. While the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom, such as polycarbonate and nylon in the Purple Sakura, or POM and nylon in the Strawberry Wine (V2), the switches can offer a diverse range of sound profiles to cater to varied preferences. Whether seeking a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted tone, the choice of housing material in each section of the switch contributes to the overall typing experience and sound output.
Weight
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams of force, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) only needs 50 grams. This makes the Strawberry Wine (V2) the lighter option overall, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Strawberry Wine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura. Both switches fall in the middle range of travel distances, with the Strawberry Wine being slightly closer to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Purple Sakura with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper keystroke experience may opt for the Strawberry Wine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience desired.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. This switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for different environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound when pressed, giving off sharp, bright, and crisp notes. Additionally, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has a higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience that differs from the more subdued sound of the Purple Sakura.
In terms of feel, typing on the Purple Sakura switch is likened to a buttery experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and uniform. The tactile feedback of this switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The snappy response of the Purple Sakura also adds to the overall liveliness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is known for its silky smooth feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch provides a different tactile experience compared to the Purple Sakura, focusing more on smoothness and fluidity.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Purple Sakura provides a neutral sound and a buttery, mild feel with a snappy response, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a clacky, resonant sound and a silky smooth feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more balanced and tactile typing experience or a smoother and quieter one, you can choose between these two switches to achieve your desired results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile switch with a balanced tactility that is not too overpowering, as well as a mild and neutral sound signature, then the Purple Sakura may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch with a clacky and resonant sound profile, along with an impeccably smooth typing experience due to the factory lube job, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) might be the better option for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and sound preferences.
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