KTT Purple Star vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Purple Star and the Huano Sakura both offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Purple Star switches are celebrated for their all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience complemented by a neutral sound signature. With a bottom-out force of only 45g, they cater exceptionally well to light typists, offering an effortless and comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches deliver a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them an excellent option for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches excel in their own right, attracting users who prioritize smoothness and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Star and Huano Sakura switches showcase different material compositions in their housings, which significantly influence their overall performance and sound profiles. The Purple Star utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to create a deep and muted sound profile. This characteristics make the Purple Star particularly appealing for users seeking a more subdued auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a POK (Polyketone) top housing and a nylon bottom housing. POK, known for its smoothness and durability, adds a touch of brightness and clarity to the switch sound, whereas the nylon bottom allows for a fuller and deeper reverberation, balancing the overall auditory signature.
While both switches are crafted to deliver distinct sound experiences, the differences in their material selections yield varied outcomes. The POK material in the Sakura is described as having a slightly higher coefficient of friction, allowing for a smoother keypress, while the nylon superlatively absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory signature. On the other hand, the Purple Star relies solely on POM, which, while it may not provide the same level of friction-related smoothness as the POK, excels in producing a pleasant, muted sound that resonates well with certain keyboard enthusiasts. Thus, while the Purple Star’s consistency in POM material gives it a cohesive character, the Sakura blends two materials to create a more complex sound profile with both clacky and deep tones.
It’s important to recognize that the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch plays a vital role in shaping their overall performance. The qualities of the housing materials influence the sound and feel both when pressing down and releasing a key. For the Purple Star, the uniformity in POM for both housings ensures that the muted sound remains consistent throughout the typing action. Conversely, the Huano Sakura’s construction allows the distinct traits of POK and nylon to intertwine, producing a sound influenced by both materials: the clarity from the POK on key release and the fuller depth from the nylon at bottom-out. Therefore, though the actual materials differ, both switches can be engineered to achieve satisfying auditory results, albeit through different mechanisms.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and Huano Sakura linear switches, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Purple Star features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Thus, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option among the two, requiring less force for both actuation and bottom out, which may contribute to less finger fatigue during prolonged use. In contrast, the Purple Star is slightly heavier, offering a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. For users seeking similar tactile feedback, both switches fall within the light category, allowing for a relatively comfortable typing experience, but the Sakura ultimately offers a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the travel distances reveal a slight difference, with the Purple Star measuring 3.5 mm and the Sakura at 3.6 mm. This makes the Purple Star the shorter option, while the Sakura offers a marginally longer travel distance. For those who prioritize faster response times, the KTT Purple Star could be the preferable choice due to its reduced travel distance, which aligns with the trend of shorter distances favored by many gamers. Conversely, the Huano Sakura, with its greater depth, may appeal more to users who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, while both switches have similar designs catering to different user preferences, the very small difference in travel distance may influence individual choice based on comfort and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, whereas the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Purple Star and Huano Sakura linear switches, the Purple Star is distinctly characterized by a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy, mellow auditory experience, lending a soothing quality to your typing. On the other hand, the acoustic qualities of the Sakura switches remain unspecified, but it is worth noting that their medium acoustics imply a sound that sits comfortably between loud and quiet. This balance suggests that while the Sakura may not match the deep resonance of the Purple Star, it still offers a satisfactory auditory experience that won't be overwhelming.
In terms of feel, the Purple Star switches are designed to deliver a mild typing experience that is approachable for a wide range of users. They feature an easy-to-press mechanism that requires minimal force to activate, ensuring a gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the specific characteristics of the Sakura switches are not detailed, their feather-light touch indicates that they too offer an effortless typing experience, likely comparable in comfort to the Purple Star. The emphasis on light actuation in both switches means typists are likely to experience a similar ease of use.
In summary, both the KTT Purple Star and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to users looking for a pleasant typing experience. The Purple Star stands out with its low-pitched sound signature and mild, easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for typists who prioritize comfort and auditory quality. Meanwhile, while the Sakura's sound remains less defined, its feather-light touch suggests a focus on minimizing effort during typing, which can closely match the Purple Star's effectiveness in reducing finger fatigue. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable experience, making them excellent contenders for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on what you value most in your typing experience. If you prefer a buttery smooth typing feel, enjoy a low-pitched sound, and want a switch that provides easy actuation with minimal resistance, then the Purple Star is your go-to option. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it ideal for lighter typists who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue, making it particularly suited for those long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a feather-light touch and are open to a medium acoustic profile that is less pronounced, the Sakura may be more to your liking. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 45g, it offers a gentle yet responsive experience that's perfect for users who want to type extensively without the strain. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and how you want your keyboard to feel under your fingers to choose the right switch for you.
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