Gateron Ink Red vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. This switch offers a satisfyingly smooth experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink features an incredibly light actuation force of 35g, perfect for those with a delicate touch. These switches provide a gliding sensation while typing, ensuring a frictionless operation. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks emit a delightful poppy sound akin to the satisfying burst of bubble wrap being popped. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches have distinct characteristics and impacts on the sound profiles. The Ink Red uses a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. Similarly, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, making them suitable options for those seeking a distinct auditory experience.

However, there are differences in the housing materials of these switches. The Ink Red's INK blend top housing does not overly sharpen the sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those planning to use RGB lighting, as the housing material allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the INK blend by Gateron in the Ink Red's bottom housing provides a consistent high-pitched sound that complements the overall clacky feel of the switch.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials, it is essential to consider their contribution to the sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing material plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing material influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the qualities brought by the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, allowing users to experience a well-rounded auditory and tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer similar attributes due to their respective housing materials. Both switches provide a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that can be described as clacky. However, the Sakura Pink stands out with its polycarbonate housing, which enhances the sound clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a crisper sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housing delivers consistent high-pitched sound and contributes to the overall clacky feel of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we can see some noticeable differences. The Ink Red switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 35 grams. This means that the Ink Red switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Red switch is also slightly higher at 60 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 45 grams. This indicates that pressing all the way down on the Ink Red switch will require a bit more force.

In terms of weight, the Sakura Pink switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter force can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience or need to type for extended periods of time, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a bit more resistance, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. For these individuals, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Red switch would be a better choice.

Overall, while the Ink Red and Sakura Pink switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the lighter and easier feel of the Sakura Pink switch or the slightly heavier and more substantial feel of the Ink Red switch.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, what sets the Ink Red apart is its unique chirpy sound, which adds a distinctive acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes the Sakura Pink ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and less disruptive sound while typing. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky smooth typing experience. This switch is polished and refined, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Red falls into the category of mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The overall feel of the Ink Red switch is in the safe middle-ground zone, making it a reliable choice. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. This means that the keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and effortless, giving you a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Sakura Pink switch is also easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This low-impact typing feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it comfortable and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch is frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with no sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.

In summary, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ink Red is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crisp, clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those with a lighter typing style. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch provides a gliding type feel and a playful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. While the sound and feel differ between the two switches, they both offer smooth and effortless typing experiences. If you are looking for a lighter actuation force, the Sakura Pink is the way to go, whereas the Ink Red offers a versatile switch suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for being satisfyingly smooth and offer a crispy and clacky sound profile. With a medium sound and a silky, mild, and polished feel, the Ink Reds provide an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist and prefer an even lighter actuation force, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be the better option. These switches have a feather-light actuation force of 35 grams which is perfect for those seeking a smooth and frictionless typing experience. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound and offer a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between them.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more