Cherry MX Black vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Cherry MX Black switches are best known for their classic textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. They offer a deep sound profile while typing and are categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are known for their super light actuation force of only 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a gliding type feel and frictionless operation. They produce a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboard sessions. They are categorized as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, frictionless, and muted. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Black Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$4.00 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the nylon's softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer plastic texture contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Sakura Pink's translucent polycarbonate top housing makes it an ideal choice for those wanting to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Similarly, the differences in bottom housing material also bring about variations in sound projection. The MX Black employs a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down the key. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for enhanced sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. With its stiffness, the polycarbonate material delivers a more clear and resonant sound profile. It is important to note that the bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing the key.

In summary, the Cherry MX Black and Everglide Sakura Pink switches utilize different housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The MX Black's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, achieved through the softer plastic's sound absorption capabilities. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucent nature of the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing makes it particularly suitable for users interested in showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, it's important to remember that the bottom housing primarily affects the sound when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing the key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The MX Black has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, meaning that a significant amount of force is required to trigger a keystroke. Furthermore, its bottom out force is even heavier at 80 grams. This makes the MX Black switch ideal for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience.

On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it considerably easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the MX Black. Additionally, its bottom out force is lighter as well at 45 grams. These lighter forces make the Sakura Pink switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a more effortless and smoother typing experience over extended periods of time.

Considering the importance of weight in keyboard preferences, individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience can opt for the Sakura Pink switch. This allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions, whether for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, for those who seek a more substantial and robust feel while typing, the MX Black switch with its heavier forces would be the preferable choice.

In summary, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch provides lighter forces, resulting in a smoother and effortless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and purposes, allowing individuals to find the optimal typing feel for their specific needs.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience with their identical travel distances. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. The Sakura Pink switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, giving a more subdued and subtle sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the MX Black switches will provide a similar experience to the Sakura Pink in terms of sound.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are described as textured and stiff. The textured aspect refers to the noticeable friction experienced when pressing the keys, offering a subtle texture that some users prefer. However, others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, meaning you'll need to apply more force when pressing the keys.

On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches provide a buttery and creamy typing experience. The buttery sensation implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the creamy aspect refers to the switch's smoothness and effortless feel, likely due to lubrication or specific materials. The Sakura Pink switches are known for their easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Sakura Pink switches also offer a frictionless typing experience, meaning there is minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing for a fluid and effortless travel.

Taking all the information into consideration, the Cherry MX Black switches are best known for their low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are known for their muted sound, as well as their buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel, the MX Black switches are a suitable choice. However, if you're looking for a softer, quieter sound and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink switches would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, so the choice depends on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier typing experience and enjoys a classic textured feel, you should consider the Cherry MX Black switches. With an 80-gram bottom out force, these switches provide a satisfying resistance and a deep sound profile, making each keystroke feel solid. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and effortless typing feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches might be the right choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a buttery and frictionless typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound that adds a playful touch to your typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches depends on your personal preferences for typing force, feel, and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more