Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two unique options that cater to different preferences. The Purple Sakura offers a tactile experience with a snappy response and buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. The sound signature is described as mild and neutral, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T combines thockiness with sharp tactility, resulting in a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is both satisfyingly auditory and tactile. While the Purple Sakura is praised for its buttery and mild feel, the U4T stands out for its assertive tactility and pronounced thockiness. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Purple Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," to deliver a rich and deep sound profile because of its softness. While the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Purple Sakura comes with a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also offers a rich and deep sound profile because of its softness. Both switches use their respective bottom housings to enhance the overall sound experience, with the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T contributing to their unique sound characteristics.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Gazzew U4T play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the Purple Sakura combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing for a sharp and deep sound, the Gazzew U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing to deliver a rich and deep sound experience. The differences in the housing materials between these two switches lead to distinct sound profiles, providing enthusiasts with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the U4T, which has a force of None grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Purple Sakura registers at 60 grams while the U4T comes in heavier at 65 grams. This means that the U4T offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's lighter actuation force may be preferred by individuals looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Purple Sakura offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the U4T provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, with the Purple Sakura being shorter and the U4T being longer. Regardless of the differences, both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience for individuals who enjoy tactile switches.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch provides a bassy and thocky sound that delivers a deep, rich auditory experience with each keystroke. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps chosen.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Purple Sakura switch is praised for its buttery and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke while maintaining a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T switch is recognized for its sharp tactile feedback, which delivers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with every keypress.
Considering all the available information, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch and the Gazzew U4T switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild feel, while the Gazzew U4T switch excels in delivering a bassy thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences and typing style, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch or the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force, a mild and neutral sound signature, and a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience, then the Purple Sakura may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a sharp tactile feedback that provides a strong and crisp bump with each keystroke, then the Gazzew U4T may be more to your liking. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and tactile feedback preference when making your decision between these two excellent tactile switches.
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