KTT Mallo vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Everglide Sakura Pink offer unique qualities to cater to different preferences. The Mallo is celebrated for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink showcases a feather-light 35g actuation force and a smooth, frictionless operation, perfect for delicate typists looking for a playful touch with its poppy sound. While the Mallo offers a balanced and versatile typing experience, the Sakura Pink excels in providing a buttery and easy-to-press feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Sakura Pink also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Mallo utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Mallo elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Sakura Pink.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material between the Mallo and Sakura Pink results in distinct sound profiles. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Mallo absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch. Additionally, the split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a dynamic typing experience, with different characteristics influencing the sound and feel of key presses.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the KTT Mallo and Everglide Sakura Pink highlights the importance of considering the impact of different plastics on sound profiles in mechanical switches. While they share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the differences in bottom housing material result in distinct sound profiles, with the nylon bottom housing of the Mallo offering a deeper sound compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Sakura Pink. Understanding how housing materials affect sound and feel can help users tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that the Sakura Pink is the lighter option. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sakura Pink bottoms out at 45 grams, making the Sakura Pink more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the actuation force of the Mallo is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares to the Sakura Pink's actuation force of 35 grams. Generally, a lower actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes, which may benefit users who type rapidly or engage in fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, a heavier actuation force can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, which some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a similar tactile feedback as you press down on them, making them ideal for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. Despite their similarities in travel distance, the Mallo offers a tactile feel while the Sakura Pink provides a linear feel. This difference in switch type may be the deciding factor for individuals looking for a specific typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that allows for efficient typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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.
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 Mallo switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments without being too dominant. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch produces a muted and poppy sound, adding a playful touch to typing sessions. The Mallo offers a more balanced and versatile sound, while the Sakura Pink provides a unique and delightful sound experience, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light typing feel with gentle resistance. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces. In comparison, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal force required for activation. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Mallo focusing on a lighter touch and the Sakura Pink emphasizing a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and Everglide Sakura Pink switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Mallo excels in providing a balanced sound profile and a light typing feel, ideal for versatile use cases. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink stands out with its muted and poppy sound, along with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, perfect for those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer different but equally satisfying typing experiences, making them great options for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force with a neutral sound signature and a subtle tactile feedback, the Mallo switch would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you lean towards a lighter actuation force, a poppy sound profile, and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, then the Sakura Pink switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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