Outemu Lime vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Lime and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Lime switches are notably unique, offering a lightweight feel with a gentle touch of tactility and a silenced typing experience. These switches are perfect for tactile enthusiasts who seek a feathery light typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are known for their super light actuation force of just 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists. With a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboard sessions. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch so that you can make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the Everglide Sakura Pink have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Lime's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and resonant tone. Aesthetically, the Sakura Pink's translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting purposes. Although they differ in sound characteristics, both housings are suitable for specific preferences and contexts.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Lime's nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. The relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its inherent stiffness. Consequently, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. If you prioritize these characteristics, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing might be more suitable for your needs.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of these switches, it becomes apparent that the qualities each housing material brings are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This division affects the sound and feel when using these switches. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon keypress, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, if you desire a switch with a distinct bottom-out sound and a unique sound when releasing a key, it is essential to consider the combination of top and bottom housing materials in your switch selection.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 35 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that for both switches, the force required to trigger a keystroke is light, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Additionally, the force needed to bottom out, or press all the way down, is also light for both switches. This is advantageous for individuals who need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the lighter weight allows for increased comfort and reduced fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, both switches may not be the ideal choice. In such cases, they should consider switches with heavier forces. Nevertheless, due to their similar actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and responsiveness when using either the Outemu Lime or the Everglide Sakura Pink switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lime falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, while the Sakura Pink is closer to the more traditional distance.
If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Lime would be the better option for you. Gamers in particular tend to favor shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, it's important to note that some people may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In that case, the Sakura Pink with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preference and desired level of responsiveness.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are described as "muted". This means that they both produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted sound profile of these switches helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, while the Lime is described as having a "neutral" sound profile as well, it is important to consider the overall setup when it comes to sound.
When it comes to feel, the Lime tactile switch is described as having a "mild" and "feathery" typing experience. It offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, with a safe middle-ground zone. The light actuation force required by the Lime switch reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switch is also described as having a "polished" finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the Sakura Pink linear switch offers a "buttery" and "creamy" typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The light actuation force of the Sakura Pink switch makes typing easy and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Similar to the Lime switch, the Sakura Pink switch is also described as "frictionless", offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities. The Lime switch is known for its lightweight, approachable tactility, and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for tactile fans who want a feathery light typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is known for its feather-light actuation force, smooth and effortless typing feel, and delightfully poppy sound. Both switches provide comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences, with the Lime being more neutral and the Sakura Pink being buttery and creamy. Depending on personal preference, either switch can be a great choice for newcomers looking to elevate their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a tactile fan who desires a typing experience that is both lightweight and slightly tactile, the Outemu Lime switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feathery light typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. They provide a smooth and polished typing experience, thanks to their subtle resistance and muted sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that is silenced to minimize noise, the Lime switches are a great option.
On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a super light and frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 35 grams, these switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. They produce a delightfully poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. Like the Lime switches, the Sakura Pink switches also have a muted sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switches and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches depends on your preference for tactility and typing feel. If you prioritize a slightly tactile switch with a polished and subdued typing experience, go for the Lime switches. However, if you prefer an ultra-light and frictionless typing experience with a buttery and poppy sound, the Sakura Pink switches would be the better option for you.
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