Gateron CM vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gateron CM and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Gateron CM breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, delivering a rich and deep sound signature. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth typing journey, giving you a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, the lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM provides a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are best known for their super light actuation force of 35g, making them a great choice for delicate typists. They offer a gliding type feel and operate frictionlessly, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. These switches produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CM and the Everglide Sakura Pink both have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The CM utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing as well.

In terms of sound profile, the CM's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant tone. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink is more aesthetically pleasing if you plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the lighting effects.

Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches have different characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the CM contributes to its richer sound profile, emphasizing the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink adds to its sharper and higher-pitched sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.

It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom sections of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's characteristics are more noticeable, while the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 35 grams, making it require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the CM is 63.5 grams, while the Sakura Pink is lighter at 45 grams. This means that the CM switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter switch to type on for extended periods of time. While the forces of the two switches differ, both options offer their own unique typing experience based on preference.

Travel distance

The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Sakura Pink is considered the most traditional, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the CM falls on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the CM switch a good choice for those who prioritize responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. In this case, the Sakura Pink switch would be a better choice for those who prefer a more hearty depth in the key press. Overall, the decision between the Gateron CM and Everglide Sakura Pink switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron CM linear switch is known for its rich and deep sound signature. It breaks away from the convention of polycarbonate housings and instead features a full nylon housing, which contributes to its unique sound profile. Described as bassy and thocky, the CM switches offer a lower frequency range and a satisfying deep sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a softer and quieter sound. It is described as muted, providing a more subtle and gentle typing experience compared to the CM switch. Both switches' sound can be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink switch provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Described as buttery and creamy, both switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This is due to factors such as factory lube job and specific materials used. Additionally, the CM switch is described as polished, indicating a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Sakura Pink switch is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. Both switches offer a frictionless and fluid travel, minimizing any sense of resistance when pressing the keys.

In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch share some common subjective qualities. They both provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, described as buttery and creamy. However, they differ in terms of sound. The CM switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by its bassy and thocky qualities. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch produces a softer and more muted sound. It is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, bassy sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is the way to go. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience, allowing you to glide gracefully with each keystroke. The CMs also provide a bouncy typing experience thanks to their lengthened, dual-staged spring. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a delicate typing feel and a muted sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the better choice. These super light switches with a 35g actuation force offer a frictionless and creamy typing experience, reminiscent of gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. Overall, both switches have their unique strengths, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more