HMX Game1989 vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing pleasure, the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Sakura Pink stand out as intriguing options, each catering to different preferences. The HMX 1989, recognized for its deep and thocky feel, provides a satisfying tactile response that many gamers and typists appreciate for its robust construction and sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink shines with its super light actuation force of just 35g, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a more delicate touch while typing. With its smooth, frictionless operation and poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, the Sakura Pink offers a whimsical experience that enhances the joy of typing. While the 1989 might be favored for its heavy-duty feel and thocky acoustics, the Sakura Pink caters to users seeking a softer, more effortless typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a key similarity arises in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their upper casings, which inherently affects the sound profile produced during typing. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke. This material's translucency also allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking visual appeal along with performance. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound experience when using either switch, owing to the commonality of polycarbonate in the upper housings.
However, contrasting the bottom housings reveals a significant divergence between the two models. The HMX 1989 incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Everglide Sakura Pink opts for a polycarbonate bottom. This difference highlights the unique acoustic characteristics of the two switches. Nylon's softer composition tends to absorb sound more effectively, yielding a deeper, fuller auditory experience. As a result, the HMX 1989 is likely to provide a rounder sound profile overall. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's use of polycarbonate at the bottom contributes to continuity in its sound signature, making it sharper and more resonant. The disparity in materials suggests that the two switches will deliver different tactile sensations and auditory feedback, especially when typing or bottoming out keys.
The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and sound profile of each switch. In the case of the HMX 1989, the nylon bottom housing absorbs some of the sounds produced by the top's polycarbonate, leading to a nuanced auditory experience characterized by a mix of sharpness from the top and depth from the bottom. Conversely, the Sakura Pink, with its dual polycarbonate composition, maintains a consistent sound signature that prioritizes crispness across all keystrokes, both on pressing down and releasing. This design choice means that while both switches share similarities in their top housing, their differing bottom materials create distinct typing experiences that cater to varying preferences among users. Ultimately, users will need to consider these nuances when choosing between models for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura Pink is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel during extensive typing or gaming sessions. The difference in weights reflects the preference for tactile feedback; while the HMX 1989 offers a stronger push for those who like a more substantial typing experience, the Sakura Pink caters to users seeking a gentler touch. Ultimately, the HMX 1989 would be favored by users who enjoy a bit more resistance, whereas the Sakura Pink is ideal for individuals looking for ease and comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressed, each switch travels the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile experience when typing. The uniformity in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable performance in terms of key responsiveness and feel, making either switch a good choice for those who prefer a standard linear switch profile. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, typing enthusiasts can achieve similar results in their writing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is best known for its deep and thocky characteristics, which create a rich and satisfying auditory experience that resonates well during every keystroke. By contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a more muted sound, akin to the quiet popping of bubble wrap, providing a softer acoustic profile. This muted quality minimizes the typical clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards, making the Sakura Pink an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter workspace. It's also important to note that sound is influenced by factors like keycap material and keyboard construction, which means users might find slight variations in sound even within the same switch type.
Regarding feel, the HMX 1989 promotes a solid and tactile experience, embodying the deep thock that many enthusiasts appreciate in tactile responses. While specific details about its internal mechanics are not provided, it’s clear that it caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink is described as buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press, delivering an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. These switches require only a light touch due to their 35g actuation force, which combined with their frictionless nature, makes typing effortless and reduces the risk of finger fatigue during long sessions.
In summary, the HMX 1989 linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound with a potentially strong tactile feedback, perfect for users who appreciate a substantial response in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches provide a softer sound profile and an incredibly smooth and light typing experience, ideal for those who favor a gentle touch. Although both switches cater to different sensory preferences, they will create distinctive typing experiences that can be enjoyable in their own right, depending on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a light, effortless feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, your personal typing style and needs will greatly influence your choice. If you prefer a switch that provides a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, offering more resistance and a notably thocky sound, the HMX 1989 could be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced feel and auditory feedback while gaming or typing. Its design is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keystroke feeling. On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist or someone who values a softer touch, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch, with its light 45 grams bottom out force and feather-light actuation force of just 35 grams, will likely suit you better. The silky, buttery feel and muted sound of the Sakura Pink switches offer a smooth, responsive typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making them perfect for extended typing sessions or casual use. Ultimately, your preferences for sound, feel, and keystroke resistance will guide your decision between these two distinctly enjoyable switch options.
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