Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple Sakura is a tactile switch renowned for its snappy response and smooth downstroke, striking a delicate balance between tactility and subtlety. On the other hand, the Yanyu from SP-Star is a linear switch that provides a more delicate typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions. While the Purple Sakura boasts a mild and neutral sound signature, the Yanyu features a crisp sound profile with a thocky and polished touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Yanyu, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Purple Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, offering a sound profile that is described as pleasant and brighter. While the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Yanyu's blend provides a different, yet appealing sound experience.
On the other hand, both switches have bottom housings made of nylon, though in different ways. The Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Yanyu's bottom housing combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the specific blend in the Yanyu creates a distinct sound experience compared to the Purple Sakura.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Purple Sakura and the Yanyu have different housing materials for both top and bottom housings, they both excel in creating distinct sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Purple Sakura versus the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Yanyu showcases how the specific materials used can impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile or a brighter and unique sound, both the Purple Sakura and the Yanyu offer quality housing materials to cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. This means that the Purple Sakura switch may provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Yanyu switch offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different weight options, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Yanyu may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper keypresses. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their typing preferences.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Yanyu switches have been described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they provide a moderate level of sound that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also noted for its thocky sound quality, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Purple Sakura switch is known for its buttery and snappy keystroke experience, offering a smooth and fluid typing sensation with a moderate level of tactility. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as having a mild and feathery feel, providing a gentle typing experience with light actuation force. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is noted for its subtle and polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience for extended use, whether for work or gaming purposes.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Sakura switch provides a buttery and snappy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Yanyu switch offers a mild and feathery feel with a thocky sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Both switches are designed to cater to a range of users, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for all.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium actuation force and a balanced tactile feel, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch would be a great choice for you. The buttery downstroke and snappy response make typing a pleasant experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback without it being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a gentle typing experience and a crisp sound profile, then the SP-Star Yanyu switch would be a better fit for you. The light bottom out force and feathery feel of the Yanyu switch make it ideal for extended typing sessions where finger fatigue is a concern. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
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