HMX Hibiscus vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Hibiscus and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both linear switches designed to provide smooth keystrokes. The HMX Hibiscus is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and a clacky, poppy sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing, offering an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink excels with its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it the perfect choice for delicate typists who value a gliding, frictionless operation paired with a delightful, playful sound reminiscent of bubble wrap pops. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Hibiscus leans toward a more pronounced auditory experience, whereas the Sakura Pink prioritizes an effortless touch and softer sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Hibiscus Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical switches, we find significant contrasts in their top housing construction. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity. This stiffer material produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound, generating a clearer and more resonant acoustic profile. Consequently, if users value rich, rounded sounds, the Hibiscus may seem preferable, while those who favor sharpness and clarity in sound might lean toward the Sakura Pink.

Examining the bottom housing, the distinctions between the two switches maintain the same trend. The Hibiscus is again fitted with a nylon bottom housing, which notably contributes to a soft landing and enhances the overall depth of sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink has a polycarbonate bottom housing that echoes the characteristics of its top housing, ensuring a brighter and more vibrant bottom-out sound. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile experience and the audible feedback at the key's lowest point, the Hibiscus offers a more muted bottom-out feel, while the Sakura Pink creates a more pronounced acoustic response. As such, users who prefer a pronounced bottom-out feedback with a crisper sound might favor the Sakura Pink, whereas the Hibiscus would appeal to those who appreciate a rounder auditory sensation.

Despite these differences, both switches can ultimately yield satisfactory results depending on the user's preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics. While the Hibiscus offers warmer sounds through its consistent use of nylon, the Sakura Pink provides an appealing brightness through the polycarbonate material. Therefore, if someone were to aim for a balanced sound with the Sakura Pink, they could potentially manipulate their typing technique or key switches to achieve a fuller auditory experience reminiscent of the Hibiscus’s sound profile. Conversely, using the Hibiscus in configurations with RGB lighting may yield visual enhancements while maintaining the softer auditory qualities characteristic of nylon. Both switches thus offer unique sound experiences while allowing for personalization based on user preferences and the specific typing environment.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, both options are on the lighter side, catering to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Hibiscus has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Sakura Pink is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists seeking a lighter keystroke will find the Sakura Pink switch more appealing overall, given its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Hibiscus switch, while also relatively light, provides a slightly heavier feel that might be preferred by users looking for a bit more feedback during typing. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, but the Hibiscus exceeds the Sakura Pink by 3 grams in that regard. Overall, while both switches offer a light experience, the Sakura Pink stands out as the lighter option for those seeking extended use without fatigue, while the Hibiscus provides a touch more resistance for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we find a clear distinction. The Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura Pink measures at 4 mm. This means that the Hibiscus offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feedback for users who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and rapid actuation, the Hibiscus would be the preferred choice; for a more grounded typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be ideal. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will likely depend on whether you value speed or depth in your keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch provides a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that can truly enhance the auditory experience of typing. This rich acoustics feature can make typing sessions engaging and expressive, creating a tactile feedback loop that many enthusiasts adore. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are characterized by a more muted tone, offering a softer and quieter sound profile compared to the Hibiscus. While the Sakura Pink produces a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, it minimizes the louder, more pronounced noise typically associated with mechanical switches, making it a more subtle option for quieter environments.

In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, which implies an effortless actuation that typists will appreciate. However, the Everglide Sakura Pink takes this smoothness to another level with its feather-light 35g actuation force and a buttery, creamy feel. The Sakura Pink’s unique properties, such as its frictionless actuation and easy-to-press design, make it ideal for delicate typists seeking a nearly effortless typing experience. While the Hibiscus offers excellent smoothness, the Sakura Pink excels in providing a silky sensation akin to gliding fingers across keys, which may be more appealing to those who prefer an ultra-light touch.

In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches possess distinct auditory and tactile characteristics. The Hibiscus stands out for its lively sound and smooth action, delivering a classic typing experience that resonates with many users. Conversely, the Sakura Pink's lighter actuation force and its creamy, frictionless feel make it an excellent choice for those seeking a gentler typing experience along with a quieter sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences—whether you lean towards a more expressive and lively auditory experience or crave an ultra-light, whisper-quiet feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you value an exceptionally smooth, almost buttery typing experience with a satisfying clack, the Hibiscus switches may be your ideal pick; they provide a delightful tactile sensation and a more pronounced sound signature, which could enhance your enjoyment during typing or gaming sessions. However, if you prefer a feather-light touch and a whisper-quiet operation, the Sakura Pink switches will serve you well. Their muted sound profile and effortless keypress make them particularly suitable for delicate typists or environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the Hibiscus switches excel in delivering a responsive and crispy typing experience, whereas the Sakura Pink switches focus on offering a nearly frictionless feel that minimizes finger fatigue. Evaluate your typing style and sound preferences to discern which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more