Huano Elf vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and Everglide Sakura Pink stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different typist preferences. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound signature alongside a medium-light actuation force, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that balances feedback and comfort. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are designed for those who favor an ultra-light touch; with a mere 35g actuation force, they offer a gliding feel and a frictionless operation that's perfect for delicate typists or those who prefer rapid keystrokes. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switches are characterized by their playful, poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, bringing an element of fun to your typing sessions. While both switches offer unique experiences, the choice between them largely boils down to your typing style and personal preference. 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
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Everglide Sakura Pink, there are distinct differences that significantly affect their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Elf features a top housing made of POK, or polyketone, which is known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a slightly smoother action compared to the polycarbonate used in the Sakura Pink's top housing, which emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. While both materials offer a level of durability, the POK material excels in shock resistance and wear characteristics, promising a long-lasting smooth feel when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate's rigidity tends to produce a clearer resonance, creating a bright auditory feedback when a key is released, resulting in a distinct sound profile.
On the lower end, the housing materials diverge even further, enhancing the overall acoustic attributes of each switch. The Elf employs a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound signature due to nylon’s sound-dampening properties. This contributes a muted acoustic that stands in stark contrast to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the characteristics of its top section—capitalizing on its stiffness to produce a high-pitched and crisp sound. This disparity in materials enhances the overall typing experience; for instance, when bottoming out, the nylon in the Elf creates a more rounded sound, while the Sakura Pink achieves a sharper, more pronounced noise.
Ultimately, although both switches utilize materials known for their specific acoustic qualities, the differing selections significantly influence user experience. The variances in sound and feel brought by the combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Elf contrast with the uniform use of polycarbonate in the Everglide Sakura Pink, resulting in a rich, fuller sound in the former and a brighter, crisper audio profile in the latter. While users will appreciate the smoothness and durability of the Elf due to the POK material, those seeking a more resonant sound with visual appeal—especially with RGB lighting—may prefer the Sakura Pink. In terms of sound and tactile feedback, each switch will offer a unique experience reflective of its chosen materials, catering to the diverse preferences found in the keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, the actuation force presents a notable difference. The Elf requires 42 grams of force to actuate, while the Sakura Pink is lighter at 35 grams. This means that the Elf might feel more substantial during typing, appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more satisfying feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Sakura Pink has a defined value of 45 grams, indicating the force needed to press the key all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf is unknown. Therefore, while the Elf is the heavier option in terms of actuation, without the bottom out measurement, we cannot directly compare it to the Sakura Pink’s bottom out force. If someone prioritizes a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, they would gravitate towards the Everglide Sakura Pink, whereas those preferring a more substantial typing experience may favor the Huano Elf.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that the Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sakura Pink features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference can significantly affect the typing experience; the shorter travel distance of the Elf may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's lengthier travel distance offers a more pronounced bottoming-out effect, which some users prefer for a more satisfying, tactile experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for responsiveness, the Huano Elf is the better choice, while those who favor a hearty depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Everglide Sakura Pink.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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 Huano Elf linear switch presents a deep sound signature that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience. Its acoustic design, featuring a POK top housing, enhances the richness of the sound profile, making it resonate more distinctly during typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch delivers a fun and poppy sound that is playfully reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. This sound is considered muted in comparison to the Elf, which suggests a more subdued auditory experience that's still engaging, yet less pronounced than the Elf's deeper tones. The overall sound experience of both switches will ultimately depend on individual keyboard configurations, including board and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf offers a medium-light resistance that strikes a balance between comfort and feedback, allowing for a satisfying typing experience without being overly taxing on the fingers. The tactile feedback may not be as pronounced as with other switch types, yet it maintains a pleasant touch. Conversely, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are extraordinarily light, with an actuation force of just 35g, resulting in an exceptionally easy-to-press and buttery feel. This allows for a frictionless operation, enabling typists to glide effortlessly across the keys. The creamy texture of the Sakura Pink enhances the overall smoothness, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where fatigue could become a concern.
In conclusion, while the Huano Elf offers a deep sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink excels with its lightweight, poppy sound and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have unique strengths that cater to different preferences: the Elf combines acoustics with feedback for a richer sound and feel, while the Sakura Pink prioritizes ease of use and a playful aural quality. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer a more resonant typing experience or a lighter, smoother action.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, your personal typing style and preferences for tactile feedback will be the primary factors to consider. If you enjoy a deeper sound profile and a medium-light feel, the Elf switch might be the right choice for you. Its unique design with a POK top housing enhances acoustics, delivering a satisfying experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with smoother actuation, the Sakura Pink switches are an excellent option. Their extraordinarily low actuation force of 35 grams, combined with a buttery and creamy typing feel, makes them particularly suitable for delicate typists or those who type for extended periods without experiencing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Sakura Pink's playful sound adds a fun element to your keyboarding sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the Elf's enhanced sound and feel or the Sakura Pink's effortless and ultra-light typing experience.
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