Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a linear switch. The Aliaz switch is tailored for quiet environments such as the office, providing a medium-heavy weight that offers a substantial feel to each keystroke while maintaining a silent design. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is known for its super light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a delightful poppy sound. While the Aliaz switch offers a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Sakura Pink switch provides a playful touch with its bubble-wrap-like sound. 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
60g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it is evident that both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, making them ideal for those who value a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switches. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in both the Aliaz and Sakura Pink contributes to a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate housing material, they may still offer distinct typing experiences due to other factors such as stem design or spring weight. However, the similarities in housing material ensure that users can expect a consistent sound profile and feel across both switches. Whether typing on an Aliaz or Sakura Pink switch, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings will provide a tactile and audible feedback that is characteristic of this material, creating a satisfying typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Sakura Pink may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is further enhanced by the material's stiffness. Whether one prefers the Aliaz's design or the Sakura Pink's aesthetics, users can expect a consistent typing experience thanks to the shared housing material. Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the two switches ensure that users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel regardless of their choice.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink is the lighter option. The Aliaz features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. In contrast, the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a lighter typing experience. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Aliaz, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Sakura Pink. The weight of a switch can impact typing comfort and fatigue, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended use and heavier switches providing a more solid keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm. This means that the tactile feedback and linear feel of these switches will be similar in terms of key press depth. It is important to note that the travel distance of a switch can impact typing feel and comfort, so having a consistent distance can result in a more uniform typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are described as producing a muted sound. This means that they offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. However, the Sakura Pink switches add a playful element with their poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches are best described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with minimal resistance and maximum comfort. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a smooth and tactile feedback to the user.
Overall, if you prefer a medium-heavy weight switch with a substantial feel and a muted typing sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be the way to go. However, if you're looking for a super light switch with a feather-light actuation force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a playful poppy sound, then the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the perfect choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you should keep in mind the factors of bottom out force, typing sound, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier keystroke with a more substantial feel and a quieter typing experience, the Aliaz switch would be the better choice for you, especially in a quiet office environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a delicate actuation force and enjoy a playful poppy sound while typing, the Sakura Pink switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your personal typing preferences and environment will guide you in selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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