Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Durock White Lotus both offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple Sakura is praised for its tactile feedback that strikes a delicate balance, providing a snappy response without being overpowering. In contrast, the White Lotus is known for its light tactility that is easy to press, perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. While the Purple Sakura offers a buttery downstroke and a mild, neutral sound signature, the White Lotus features a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Durock White Lotus both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a resonant sound that is particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, adding a touch of luxury to the typing experience. Despite the difference in material blend, both switches offer a high-quality sound profile that is clear and distinct.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, the Purple Sakura and White Lotus both feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. This is due to its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile that sets them apart from switches with different housing materials.
Overall, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Durock White Lotus differ in their top housing materials and blends, they both offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a combination of qualities, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Purple Sakura or the premium feel of the modified PC & UPE blend in the White Lotus, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with unique characteristics.
Weight
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch which has an actuation force of 46 grams, making the White Lotus the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams while the White Lotus requires 56 grams, making the Purple Sakura the heavier option for bottoming out. Both switches fall under the medium actuation force category, but the White Lotus leans towards being medium-light in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Durock White Lotus would be the better choice, while individuals who prefer a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the White Lotus has a longer travel distance than the Purple Sakura. Typically, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, offering a deep key press feel. On the other hand, a 3.2 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, providing a quicker response time which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a deeper key press or a faster response time. Both switches offer their own advantages, so you can expect reliable performance regardless of which one you choose.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 various environments and users. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, adding a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Purple Sakura switch is known for its buttery and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle keystroke that is responsive and snappy. In comparison, the White Lotus switch provides an easy-to-press and subtle typing feel, with minimal resistance and a light actuation force, promoting comfortable and fatigue-free typing sessions. Both switches fall within the mild and approachable category, catering to a wide range of users.
Overall, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and Durock White Lotus switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura switch provides a neutral sound signature and a buttery, mild typing experience with a snappy response, the White Lotus switch delivers a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, subtle typing feel. Depending on your preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, then the Purple Sakura switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams and desire an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the White Lotus switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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