Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch celebrated for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance with its pronounced but not overpowering tactility. On the other hand, the WS Onion from Wuque Studio boasts a linear design with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. While the Purple Sakura exudes a mild and neutral sound signature, the WS Onion offers a crisp, responsive feel and a polished sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for various typing preferences. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics due to their shared top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Purple Sakura features a nylon bottom housing while the WS Onion also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile because it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing material.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. This means that even though both switches share similar housing materials, the overall typing experience may still differ slightly based on the design and structure of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Onion's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Purple Sakura at 60 grams and the WS Onion at 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Purple Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier bottom out force of the WS Onion provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the WS Onion's 4 mm travel distance. The Purple Sakura's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the WS Onion's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and tactile feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, ensuring that users will get the desired results based on their typing needs.
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 Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience in various settings.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura switch is known for its buttery downstroke, mild tactility, and snappy response, offering users a smooth and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch boasts a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a polished finish, resulting in a refined and sleek typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying feel during keystrokes, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility and smoothness.
Overall, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura excels in providing a balanced tactility and a buttery downstroke, the WS Onion stands out with its smooth keystroke feel and polished finish. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactility or a sleek typing experience, both switches deliver on their respective qualities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a tactile switch with a smooth and snappy response, the Purple Sakura may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a polished finish, the WS Onion could be the better option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a satisfying typing experience, so it ultimately boils down to what feels best for you when typing. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your preferences and needs the most. Ultimately, the choice between the Purple Sakura and WS Onion switch will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
