Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are both exceptional tactile mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities geared towards enhancing your typing experience. The Purple Sakura boasts a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, providing a gentle but noticeable tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your keystrokes with its pronounced tactility without being overly tactile. While the Purple Sakura is known for its mild and neutral sound signature, the Viola Tricolor is characterized by its accented, bassy, and invigorating qualities. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that intend to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, they may have unique design elements or color options that cater to different preferences.
While both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings differ – the Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor also includes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a unique typing experience that complements the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch play a vital role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Purple Sakura and the Viola Tricolor allows for a balance of sharp, crisp sound from the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound from the bottom housing, providing users with a dynamic typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that the Viola Tricolor is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. The Viola Tricolor's actuation force is not specified, while the Purple Sakura requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use and a more substantial feel for those seeking a firmer push while typing. Whether opting for the lighter Purple Sakura or the heavier Viola Tricolor, users can expect a tactile typing experience tailored to their preference.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura. The Purple Sakura may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific needs of the user.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switch offers a neutral and mild sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users in various environments. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and richness to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, the sound produced by these switches can vary, but both are designed to enhance the overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is praised for its buttery downstroke and snappy response, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation with a gentle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as offering an accented and invigorating feel, providing a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and comfort, allowing users to enjoy a responsive typing experience without fatigue.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches each bring unique qualities to the table when it comes to sound and feel. The Purple Sakura offers a neutral sound with a buttery feel, while the Viola Tricolor provides a bassy sound and an accented tactile feel. Depending on your preferences and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force with a buttery and mild typing experience, the Purple Sakura may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force with an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor could be more up your alley. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura is the way to go, whereas if you enjoy a bass-heavy and low-pitched sound, the Viola Tricolor will provide that deep and rich audio experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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