Cherry MX Brown vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown 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 that offer unique typing experiences are the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The MX Brown switches are best known for their subtle yet satisfying tactility and quiet operation. With a relatively light typing experience and gentle tactile feedback, these switches are perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are loved for their feather-light 35g actuation force, making them an ideal choice for delicate typists. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a gliding type feel and frictionless operation. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound that adds 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 perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
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 housing materials for the Cherry MX Brown and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in terms of their characteristics and resulting sound profiles. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and the Sakura Pink switches also differ. The MX Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which complements the nylon top housing in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Similar to the top housing, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom and the top of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both the MX Brown and the Sakura Pink switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their respective housing materials, allowing users to choose the one that suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that both switches have different weight characteristics. The MX Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch would be an ideal choice as the actuation force and bottom out force are both lighter compared to the MX Brown. This would allow for more effortless keystrokes and potentially reduce fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming. However, for individuals who desire a more substantial push feel and enjoy a heavier typing experience, the MX Brown switch would be a better option, considering its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
It is worth noting that while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, they both provide a tactile feedback sensation. Therefore, in terms of typing experience, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would rely on personal preference, with weight being a crucial factor to consider based on individual typing needs and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they offer a similar feel when pressing down on a key. This ensures that the user will experience a comparable level of responsiveness and feedback with both switches. Consequently, whether you opt for the Cherry MX Brown or the Everglide Sakura Pink, you can expect a consistent travel distance and a satisfying typing 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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches have a bassy and low-pitched profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This sound can be characterized by a lower frequency range, giving it a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a muted sound. They are designed to be softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a textured typing experience. Some users prefer the noticeable friction offered by these switches, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches are designed to be smooth and fluid, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. They are easy to press and require minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. The Sakura Pink switches are also frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with a fluid travel.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches are best known for their subtle tactility and gentle audio feedback. They provide a relatively light typing experience with a textured feel and a bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their ultra-light actuation force of 35g, making them perfect for delicate typists. These switches have a gliding type feel, offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, and produce a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. While the MX Brown switches offer a textured feel and bassy sound, the Sakura Pink switches provide a buttery smooth feel and a muted sound. Depending on your preferences, both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a great choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a comfortable typing feel without requiring too much force to activate. The MX Browns are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. In terms of feel, these switches have a textured sensation, which may be preferred by some users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches might be the one for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are perfect for delicate typists. They offer a smooth and frictionless operation, akin to gliding across the keys, resulting in a buttery and creamy typing sensation. The Sakura Pinks produce a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Everglide Sakura Pink switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a subtle tactile feel and enjoy a textured keyboard switch with a deeper sound profile, the MX Browns are a solid option. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, smooth keystrokes, and a quieter typing experience, the Sakura Pinks are worth considering. Consider your typing style and desired sound and feel, and you'll be able to pick the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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