KTT Mallo vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Mallo and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both tactile switches with their own unique characteristics. The Mallo switches are praised for their subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. With a neutral sound signature, they are versatile for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switches boast a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, offering a pronounced but not overpowering tactility. Both switches are categorized as having a mild and neutral sound signature, making them appealing choices for typists. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches both feature polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Mallo uses nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials brings a unique typing experience for each switch.
In terms of typing experience, the choice of housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches plays a significant role. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Mallo and Purple Sakura contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches, creating a distinct tactile experience for users. On the other hand, the top housing material, such as polycarbonate in both switches, affects the sound when releasing a key. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a crisper and higher-pitched sound upon key release.
Overall, while both the KTT Mallo and Sarokeys Purple Sakura share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience. These distinct housing material choices create unique characteristics for each switch, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams, making it lighter to type on. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Mallo requires 55 grams while the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams, making the Mallo slightly lighter in this aspect. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Mallo, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel may lean towards the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Purple Sakura the shorter option and the Mallo the longer option. The Mallo's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional key press feel with a deeper travel, which some users may prefer for a more well-rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm travel distance offers a shallower key press, which can be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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.
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 KTT Mallo and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments without being too loud or too quiet. The Mallo offers a more subdued sound, which can be a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a mild and neutral sound signature, creating a pleasant typing atmosphere without being overwhelming. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switches are known for their feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The tactile feedback is subtle yet noticeable, providing a comfortable typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as buttery and snappy, delivering a smooth and responsive typing sensation with a pronounced tactility. The combination of these qualities makes typing on the Purple Sakura switches both enjoyable and efficient.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. While the Mallo switches excel in providing a gentle and balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura switches stand out for their buttery feel and snappy response. Whether you prioritize a subtle tactility or a more pronounced typing experience, both switches offer a versatile option for typists looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that emphasizes subtlety and finesse in its design, with a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, the KTT Mallo switch would be an excellent choice for you. The Mallo's neutral sound signature and feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle feel make it a versatile option for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch would be more suitable for you. The Purple Sakura offers a pronounced yet not overpowering tactility, with a neutral sound signature and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Mallo and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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