Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, known for its tactile experience with a snappy response and buttery downstroke, to the KTT Wine Red, celebrated for its smooth linear feel with a deep and rich sound profile, we see two distinct personalities in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. The Purple Sakura offers a balanced tactility that is pronounced yet not overwhelming, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Wine Red provides a pillowy light typing experience paired with a satisfyingly bassy and low-pitched sound. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that may appeal to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound quality. However, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate material.
While both the Purple Sakura and the KTT Wine Red utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound and feel characteristics. The Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate material. This distinction highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the KTT Wine Red offer a mix of similarities and differences in sound profiles. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of these materials showcases how the top and bottom housing choices can affect the overall typing experience, with each contributing unique characteristics to the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see that the Purple Sakura has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams of force while the Wine Red needs 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, but the Wine Red is slightly lighter in both aspects. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the Wine Red may be the better option. On the other hand, if a more substantial push feel is desired, the Purple Sakura would be the suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Purple Sakura's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Wine Red's longer travel distance may appeal to those seeking a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Purple Sakura providing a quicker key press experience and the Wine Red offering a more pronounced keystroke depth. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a neutral profile that is suitable for a variety of typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a deep and rich bassy sound that can add a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. Both switches can offer a pleasant typing experience, but the Purple Sakura may be more versatile in different settings due to its neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is lauded for its buttery and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and gentle keystroke that is approachable for most users. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, offering a responsive and lively typing feel. On the other hand, information on the typing feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not available. However, based on the description of a pillowy light type feel, it may offer a softer typing experience compared to the Purple Sakura.
Overall, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura provides a balanced, neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild typing experience with a snappy response, the Wine Red offers a deep and rich bassy sound along with a pillowy light feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider the level of tactility and sound profile you prefer. If you are looking for a switch with a delicate balance of tactility that provides a smooth and mild typing experience, then the Purple Sakura would be your best choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy switches with a deeper and richer sound profile that offer a pillowy light typing feel, then the Wine Red switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound signature.