Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel, offering a typing experience that falls somewhere between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its pleasant smoothness and satisfying clackiness, this switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are renowned for their feather-light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a delicate typing experience. These switches provide a gliding feel and operate with minimal friction, resulting in smooth and effortless keystrokes. Additionally, they produce a delightfully poppy sound that brings a playful touch to your typing sessions. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Frictionless', and 'Muted', the Sakura Pink switches are the lighter cousins of the Everglide Aqua Kings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Sakura Pink differ in their housing materials, with the Ink Yellow utilizing a proprietary INK blend top housing while the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend of the Ink Yellow produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both housings result in a thin and higher-pitched sound, they offer slightly different characteristics in terms of sharpness and resonance.

Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housings of the two switches, the Ink Yellow boasts a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink integrates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Just like their top housing counterparts, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink, on the other hand, produces a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. These differences in sound profile are notable when considering the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in this aspect.

When comparing the overall qualities of the Ink Yellow and the Sakura Pink, it's clear that their housing materials significantly impact the sound profiles of both switches. While the Ink Yellow has its own proprietary blend, resulting in a slightly different sound profile than the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer a similar thin and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a priority, the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink is beneficial due to its translucency, allowing for enhanced lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal sound preferences and aesthetic considerations.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Ink Yellow switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch has a considerably lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a light switch.

For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch would be the ideal choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type for extended periods, perfect for tasks such as working or long gaming sessions. The reduced force required to trigger keystrokes allows for faster and smoother typing, minimizing hand fatigue.

Alternatively, the Ink Yellow switch provides a stronger push feel for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. With its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, this switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback and resistance that can be preferred by some users. The additional force required to actuate and bottom out can contribute to a more deliberate typing style and potentially enhance accuracy.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is heavier than the Everglide Sakura Pink switch in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter Sakura Pink switch is suitable for users desiring a lighter typing experience, while the Ink Yellow switch provides a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and requirements.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer distance compared to the Ink Yellow. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is categorized as the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper pressing sensation, the Everglide Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is best described as having a neutral and clacky profile. It produces a moderately sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch has a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing typical mechanical keyboard noise. It offers a more subdued and gentle typing sound, similar to the satisfying pop of bubble wrap being popped. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle and approachable typing sensation, falling in a safe middle-ground zone that most users would find comfortable. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing experience. It provides a seamless and effortless keystroke with a uniform feel. Typing on these switches feels silky and gliding, as each keystroke effortlessly melds into the keys. The light actuation force and low-impact typing feel make extended typing sessions more comfortable, reducing finger fatigue.

Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a moderate and clacky sound with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Sakura Pink produces a softer and muted sound with a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing feel. Both switches can deliver a smooth typing experience, but they have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a feather-light actuation force and a playful poppy sound, the Sakura Pink would be a great option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch that provides a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a feather-light actuation force, perfect for delicate typists, and a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be a better fit. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral and clacky sound profile, the Ink Yellow would be more suitable, while the Sakura Pink offers a muted and quieter sound. In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished experience, while the Sakura Pink provides a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for actuation force, typing experience, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more