Gateron Glory Red vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red 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, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two popular options in the linear category are the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, providing an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches take things a step further with an incredibly light actuation force of just 35 grams, making them ideal for typists who prefer feather-light responsiveness. This switch offers a gliding feel, frictionless operation, and a delightful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, bringing an element of playfulness to your typing sessions. While both switches offer soft, linear keystrokes that are perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions, their unique characteristics cater to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Everglide Sakura Pink switches exemplify the contrasting effects that different housing materials can have on sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is noted for its softer texture that tends to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience characterized by a dull, rounder auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate generates a crisper auditory feedback that many typists appreciate for its clarity and resonance. Thus, while both switches deliver unique sound experiences, they cater to different preferences based on the material properties of their top housings.
When examining the bottom housings, a similar dichotomy emerges. The Glory Red's nylon bottom housing continues the trend of producing a deeper, fuller sound as it absorbs sonic vibrations better than harder plastics. This reinforces the overall auditory profile established by its top housing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a contrasting quality; its rigidity leads to a more pronounced bottom-out sound, enhancing the clarity of feedback when a key is pressed down. The differences in sound resulting from the bottom housings can be stark, with the Everglide Sakura Pink offering a more resonant experience, while the Gateron Glory Red opts for a softer, more muted sound.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Gateron Glory Red and Everglide Sakura Pink switches yields distinctive sound characteristics. If one were to combine the nylon and polycarbonate components of either switch, the resultant typing experience would offer a balance of both sound profiles—echoing the deeper sound of the nylon while integrating the sharper clarity of the polycarbonate. This synergy could cater to users seeking a richer auditory feedback with the agility of responsiveness, providing a sound profile that incorporates the best of both worlds. Hence, understanding the interplay of housing materials is crucial in selecting a switch that aligns with personal sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while details about their bottom out forces vary. The Gateron Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting it requires a stronger push to register a keystroke, making it preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, which is ideal for those who favor prolonged typing comfort and ease of keystroke registration, particularly beneficial for long work or gaming sessions. Regarding bottom out force, the Glory Red's figure is unknown, while the Sakura Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate force to press the switch all the way down. Overall, the Sakura Pink is the lighter of the two, providing a less strenuous typing experience, while the Glory Red caters to those who appreciate a heavier key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sakura Pink features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference makes the Glory Red the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and a feeling of depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for responsiveness versus a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is characterized by its relatively subdued acoustic profile, creating a typing experience that is quieter than many traditional mechanical switches. This can be particularly beneficial in settings where noise is a concern, as it minimizes the more noticeable clacking sounds often associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a unique auditory experience with a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. This playful acoustic quality adds a fun element to typing, though it could also potentially contribute to a slightly more audible keyboard presence. However, it's essential to remember that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s build, the materials used in keycaps, and the overall design of the board.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Glory Red provides a notably smooth keystroke with predictable travel, which can make for a satisfactory typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a linear feel without excess resistance. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink excels in this area, delivering a buttery, creamy sensation that feels like gliding across the keys. The extremely light actuation force of just 35g requires minimal effort, enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions, and its frictionless operation ensures that each keystroke is seamless and pleasant. The overall experience with the Sakura Pink is characterized by ease of use and an effortless typing motion.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Everglide Sakura Pink switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. The Glory Red is better suited for those who appreciate a quieter switch with a smooth keystroke, while the Sakura Pink entices with its playful sound and superior tactile feel. Those seeking a light actuation force and a silky typing experience will likely favor the Sakura Pink, while the Glory Red appeals to typists looking for a straightforward, low-noise option. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback during typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches present unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. If you are someone who appreciates a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance and potentially lighter resistance, the Gateron Glory Red may be your ideal choice. Its smoothness promises an enjoyable typing experience, particularly suited for those who prioritize a swift and fluid action without much tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more playful sound profile and exceptionally light actuation, the Everglide Sakura Pink would be more suitable for you. With its feather-light 35g actuation force, creamy and buttery feel, as well as its muted sound, this switch caters to delicate typists who value comfort over long sessions and a quieter typing experience. Thus, your ultimate choice should reflect your personal typing style and situation—whether you lean towards a seamless glide or a whisper-soft touch.