Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, offering a balanced tactility that is pronounced without being overpowering. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that provides a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with its bouncy feel and standard spring weight. While the Purple Sakura is ideal for those who prioritize a mild and neutral sound signature, the Tourmaline Blue caters to users who prefer an easy-to-press switch with a satisfyingly smooth 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
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Purple Sakura and the Tourmaline Blue share the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing. This consistency ensures that both switches will offer a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile when keys are pressed. However, where they diverge is in the tactile feedback and sound profile experienced when releasing a key. The Nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura will result in a deeper and fuller sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue will maintain a clearer and more resonant sound.
Overall, the choice between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may come down to personal preferences in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of typing. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, or a deeper and fuller sound with the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing, both switches provide unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is lighter at 50 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch at 59 grams. This means that the Purple Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Sakura is also lighter at 60 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue at 67 grams, making the Tourmaline Blue switch have a heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall in the medium range for actuation force, but the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier, while the bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue is considered medium-heavy compared to the medium bottom out force of the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Sakura, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Purple Sakura offers a more shallow travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial key press experience for those who prefer that feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. The Purple Sakura provides a mild and neutral sound signature, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. Both switches cater to a wide range of users with their moderate actuation force requirements and sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a slightly more pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is also buttery and mild, with an easy-to-press nature that requires minimal force to activate. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, making typing effortless and comfortable.
In conclusion, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have some differences in their sound profiles and tactile feedback, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences that cater to a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactility with a mild sound signature or a smoother keystroke with minimal resistance, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that can enhance your overall productivity and comfort during extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams with a snappy and buttery feel, the Purple Sakura is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams with a deep and thocky sound profile and an easy-to-press sensation, then the Tourmaline Blue would be the better choice. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a gentle and buttery feel or a bouncy and satisfying keystroke.
Mentioned in this article
