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KTT Lightning vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer distinct advantages for different types of users. The Lightning switches are perfect for those seeking a lightning-fast typing experience, with a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile. These "speed" switches excel in situations where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are ideal for delicate typists who prefer a feather-light touch. With an actuation force of only 35g, these super light switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience that is reminiscent of gliding. They produce a delightful poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

43g

Actuation force

35g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

1.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The KTT Lightning and the Everglide Sakura Pink both incorporate polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for better resonance and clarity, making it ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those interested in utilizing RGB lighting effects. Therefore, both keyboards will provide similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics.

However, their differences lie in the materials chosen for the bottom housing. The Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softness and sound absorption properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This can provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a deeper sound.

On the other hand, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity, allowing for a more distinct bottom-out sound and feel. This is particularly important for users who value the tactile feedback of their keystrokes.

In summary, while both keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, they differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Lightning's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and more distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we can analyze their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Lightning switch is 43 grams, while the Sakura Pink switch requires only 35 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Lightning switch has a slightly heavier requirement, with a force of 50 grams needed to fully press the key, while the Sakura Pink switch only requires 45 grams. This distinction may be noticeable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as the heavier bottom out force of the Lightning switch can provide a greater sense of satisfaction and feedback when fully pressing the keys.

In terms of weight, both switches can be considered lightweight options as they fall into the lighter range when compared to other switches on the market. This makes them suitable choices for those who prioritize extended typing or gaming sessions without straining their fingers or hands.

In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ slightly, they both fall into the lighter spectrum. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. Those seeking a slightly lighter touch may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Lightning switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a lightweight experience that caters to different typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Lightning switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Sakura Pink switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sakura Pink switch falls into the more traditional range of travel distances at 4 mm, providing a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Lightning switch offers a shallower travel distance at 3 mm, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Though the difference between 3 mm and 4 mm may seem small, it can have a significant impact on the overall feel and performance of the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prioritizes a faster response time or a more substantial key press experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

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.

The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.

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 KTT Lightning linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound. The sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The muted sound of the Sakura Pink switch helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more subtle and quieter typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the KTT Lightning switch offers a subtle and polished typing experience. The switch provides a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This polished feel is achieved through the use of quality materials and potential factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. This means that the switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience, making it responsive and comfortable with reduced finger fatigue.

Considering all the available information, the KTT Lightning linear switch is best suited for those who value speed and accuracy. With its clacky sound profile and subtle, polished feel, it is perfect for situations where milliseconds can determine success. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is ideal for delicate typists who prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, effortless typing experience. Its muted sound and buttery, creamy feel add a playful touch to keyboarding sessions. While they have different sound and feel qualities, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on individual preferences and typing requirements, choosing either the Lightning or the Sakura Pink switch will enable users to achieve similar results in terms of speed and comfort.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values speed and precision, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a slick typing experience and produces a clacky sound profile. These switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference, making them a popular choice for competitive gaming.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be more suitable. With an even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are perfect for delicate typists. They offer a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Sakura Pink switches produce a delightfully poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions.

In terms of sound, the Lightning switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched profile, which produces a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches are described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

When it comes to feel, the Lightning switches have a subtle and polished finish, providing a gentle resistance and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience with minimal force required.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize speed and precision or a smooth and effortless typing experience, both switches offer their own unique benefits. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.

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