KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Ash Gray switch is known for its tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between substantial and unobtrusive. With a light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch stands out for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a delicate typing experience. This switch provides a smooth and effortless feel, akin to gliding, and produces a playful poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different types of users. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing materials.
However, the Ash Gray switch stands out with its nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As such, the bottom housing of the Ash Gray switch plays a significant role in the sound and feel of bottoming out the keys, providing a unique typing experience compared to the Sakura Pink switch.
Conversely, the Sakura Pink switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the impact on sound and feel when bottoming out the keys will be influenced more by the top housing, while the bottom housing's impact will be primarily felt when releasing a key. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing creates a consistent and resonant sound profile throughout the typing experience.
In summary, while both the KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Sakura Pink switches share the benefit of polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housing materials differ. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for the specific sound and feel desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ash Gray requires a slightly higher actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 35 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ash Gray requires a higher force of 53 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 45 grams. This means that the Ash Gray provides a medium-light typing experience overall, while the Sakura Pink offers a lighter touch.
Considering weight, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Sakura Pink more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Sakura Pink can make typing feel effortless and smoother, reducing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Ash Gray with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a satisfying push feel and may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Ash Gray has a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force compared to the Sakura Pink, both switches provide different levels of feedback and force required for typing. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better choice.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ash Gray switch would be more suitable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and they may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Sakura Pink's 4 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is not too loud or too quiet, making it suitable for various settings such as home or work. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as having a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound, the Ash Gray switch is a good choice, while if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch is more suitable.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. It provides gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This low-impact typing feel enhances the overall typing experience and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The typing experience with Sakura Pink switches can be likened to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Like the Ash Gray switch, the Sakura Pink switch also has an easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile and offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, providing a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch has a muted sound profile and offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless feel. Both switches have an easy-to-press characteristic, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Ash Gray switch for a moderate sound and gentle typing resistance, or the Sakura Pink switch for a quieter sound and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. With either switch, you can expect a delightful and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you value a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive and enjoy a light touch with a crisp actuation, then the Ash Gray switch is the way to go. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light actuation force and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch is perfect for you. It provides a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, if sound is important to you, the Ash Gray switch produces a neutral sound, while the Sakura Pink switch offers a muted sound, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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