Gateron Melodic vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique experiences for different types of typists. The Gateron Melodic is celebrated for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while also ensuring a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink stands out for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a delicate typing touch. Both switches offer characteristics such as buttery smoothness, but the Melodic is described as more resonant and crunchy, while the Sakura Pink is noted for its creamy feel and easy-to-press nature. 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
60g
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
Yes
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 Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through easily. However, where the Melodic differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This results in a switch that may sound different depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key.
On the other hand, the Sakura Pink opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, mirroring the material choice of its top housing. This consistency in housing material throughout the switch leads to a more consistent sound profile overall, with a sharper and crisper tone throughout the typing experience. While the Melodic splits the sound qualities between the top and bottom housings, the Sakura Pink maintains a cohesive sound profile from both ends of the switch. This may result in a more uniform typing experience for those who prefer consistency in sound and feel.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly alter the sound and feel of a switch. While nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound, polycarbonate typically leads to a sharper and clearer tone. The user's preference for sound profile will play a significant role in determining which switch is more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the Gateron Melodic and Everglide Sakura Pink offer slightly different sound profiles due to their choice in housing materials, providing options for those with varying preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to users. The Melodic clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura Pink switch better suited for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Melodic switch would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Melodic offering a heavier option and the Sakura Pink providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with a familiar typing sensation. Whether you choose the Melodic or the Sakura Pink, you can expect similar results when it comes to the distance the switch travels.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile reminiscent of autumn leaves being stepped on. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional clicky switches. The Melodic switch provides a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback, while the Sakura Pink switch offers a poppy and playful sound akin to popping bubble wrap.
When it comes to feel, both switches share a buttery sensation, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Melodic switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, while the Sakura Pink switch is also described as creamy and easy-to-press, providing a silky sensation and gentle resistance during key presses. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch boasts a frictionless operation, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with invigorating feedback, while the Sakura Pink switch offers a muted sound with a creamy and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and actuation force.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel to make your choice. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Melodic switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a muted sound with a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, or frictionless feel, then the Sakura Pink switch could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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