Huano Sakura vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Huano Sakura and the Jerrzi Violet. The Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. Its linear nature provides smooth keystrokes, ideal for rapid key presses and gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a gentle tactile feedback characterized by a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility. This switch features a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between acoustic enjoyment and typing comfort, catering particularly well to typists who appreciate a tactile bump without excessive noise. While both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences—speed and ease with the Sakura versus tactile satisfaction with the Violet—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
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Jerrzi Violet switches showcase a mix of similarities and differences that greatly influence their overall performance and acoustic characteristics. The Sakuras feature a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its unique attributes such as a low coefficient of friction (0.04), durability, and excellent shock resistance. This results in a smooth, clacky feel when typing, appealing to users who appreciate those tactile sensations. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violets utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which, while still strong, offers a stiffer composition. This stiffness is essential in producing a sharper and crisper sound profile during keystrokes. The difference in these materials leads to distinct auditory experiences: the POK material tends to yield a more subdued sound, while the polycarbonate offers a brighter tone, thus influencing user preference between the two switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Huano Sakura and the Jerrzi Violet switches employ nylon, a classic choice in the switch manufacturing industry. The nylon used in both switches creates a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to the harder plastics that often dominate the market. This similarity ensures that regardless of the upper housing differences, both switches share a common auditory characteristic that provides a rounder and softer bottom-out sound, enhancing the typing experience in a similar manner. Users can expect a consistent sound quality when pressing down either switch, as the nylon absorbs vibrations effectively, resulting in that desirable richness, regardless of the dissimilarities found in their top housings.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Huano Sakura and Jerrzi Violet switches demonstrates how different top materials can impact the sound and feel of a keypress. The POK top of the Sakura lends itself to a smooth tactile experience and a clacky auditory response, while the polycarbonate top of the Violet produces a higher-pitched, resonant sound. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing grounds both switches in a traditional sound signature that many users cherish, allowing for a familiar feel despite the distinctions in their top materials. Together, these elements create a full-spectrum typing experience, featuring variations that are balanced by their underlying similarities.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces, which directly impact the typing experience. The Sakura switch features a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Violet switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback when typing. While the bottom out force for the Violet switch is currently unavailable, the Sakura’s bottom out force stands at 45 grams, indicating it also requires some effort to press all the way down. As a result, the Sakura is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who favor a more effortless keystroke, while the Violet is the heavier switch, providing more resistance which may enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we find that the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Sakura switch is the shorter of the two options, offering a more immediate response that may appeal to gamers who favor quick key presses. Conversely, the Violet's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, with the Sakura delivering quicker responsiveness and the Violet offering a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
The Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics, striking a balance that makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without becoming overly loud or intrusive. This moderate sound profile can help maintain focus in both office settings and at home, offering an understated auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch boasts a neutral sound signature. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a similarly moderate sound profile, positioning it as an excellent option for users seeking versatility across various environments. Although both switches serve a different purpose, their sound characteristics make them both practical choices for balanced acoustic performance.
When considering feel, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch, which makes it particularly pleasant for long typing sessions where fatigue might otherwise set in. The light touch allows for quick actuation with minimal effort, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and reduced strain. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch is characterized by its gentle tactile feedback that delivers a smooth actuation paired with a pleasingly poppy tactility. As a stepped switch, it provides a noticeable yet mild tactile bump, creating a more nuanced typing experience where users can feel the stages of the keystroke. While each switch offers a different tactile experience, the intended use cases can create similar satisfaction for typists depending on their preferences.
In summary, both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch cater to distinct typing experiences, with the Sakura excelling in providing a light touch and moderate sound, while the Violet offers gentle tactility combined with a neutral acoustic profile. Each switch serves its purpose well, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to individual typing preferences. Whether you lean towards the feather-light feel of the Sakura or the gentle tactile feedback of the Violet, both options can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenario. If you find yourself embarking on long typing sessions or value a lighter touch, the Sakura switch may be the perfect fit for you. Its feather-light actuation combined with medium acoustics allows for quiet yet responsive keystrokes, making it suitable for both casual users and those who spend significant time typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile response without the clickiness, the Violet switch is a compelling choice. Its smooth actuation paired with a pleasingly poppy tactility provides a more engaging typing experience, while its neutral sound profile ensures that it can be comfortably used in various settings—from home to office environments. Overall, consider your typing style and environment when deciding between these two options; each switch offers unique qualities to enhance your keyboard experience.
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