Cherry MX Orange vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Orange switches, reissued as the MX2A, are recognized for their balance of tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes, making them ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive feel without an overwhelming click. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches shine with their super light 35g actuation force, designed for those who favor a delicate touch in their typing. These switches deliver a gliding sensation and a playfully poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, appealing to users who enjoy a more whimsical typing experience. While the MX Orange switches provide a robust, versatile option suited for various tasks, the Sakura Pinks cater to those seeking a buttery and frictionless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink switches use different materials for their housings, leading to distinct characteristics in their typing experiences. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This softness contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon tends to muffle the sound produced during key presses. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer material that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The clarity of the polycarbonate not only enhances the acoustic properties of the switch but also provides an aesthetically pleasing translucency, making it ideal for compatibility with RGB lighting.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches again showcase differing materials that influence their overall sound and feel. The Cherry MX Orange's nylon bottom housing mirrors the sound characteristics of its top housing, further emphasizing a rounder and more mellow sound when bottoming out. This consistency in sound production creates an enveloping acoustic experience that many typists find satisfying. Conversely, the Everglide Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing's crisper profile, resulting in a sharper bottom-out sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance during key presses, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be particularly valued by gamers and typists alike.
The disparity in housing materials between the Cherry MX Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink produces differing sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing. However, despite these differences, both switches can provide a rewarding typing experience based on user preferences. For example, if a typist enjoys a more subdued and rounded sound, they may lean toward the MX Orange. Conversely, those who appreciate a clearer, higher-pitched sound might prefer the Sakura Pink. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, as both sets can deliver enjoyable results tailored to the user's tactile and auditory desires.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sakura Pink features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This difference may appeal to different users; those who prefer a lighter switch might find the Sakura Pink more suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the bottom-out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's bottom-out force is 45 grams, reinforcing its lighter overall feel. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange would be your go-to switch, as its higher actuation force may provide the desired feedback. Ultimately, those seeking comfort during long typing sessions would benefit from the lighter Sakura Pink, whereas users who favor a heavier feel may prefer the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key press depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile feedback and overall typing experience, making them well-suited for those who prefer a consistent feel across their keyboard. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Orange or the Everglide Sakura Pink, you can expect the same key activation depth with both switches, leading to similar results in terms of performance and comfort during extended use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switches are relatively quiet compared to other mechanical switches, but specific sound characteristics are not explicitly detailed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are noted for their muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. They create a unique auditory effect described as poppy, akin to the cheerful sound of bubble wrap being popped, which adds a playful element to the overall keyboard usage. This contrast sets the two switches apart, with the Sakura Pink offering a more playful and subdued auditory experience for typists looking to minimize noise.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches lack detailed descriptors, but they are typically known for their balanced performance and moderate resistance, leading to a reliable typing experience. In stark contrast, the Sakura Pink switches are characterized by a buttery and creamy feel, offering a silky smooth keystroke that can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable. With a feather-light actuation force of 35 grams, they require minimal effort to press, significantly enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. This frictionless operation allows fingers to glide over the keys, creating a typing experience that is not only smooth but also reduces fatigue, making the Sakura Pink particularly appealing for those who type delicately.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange switches provide a reliable and quieter option, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches stand out with their playful sound and exceptionally smooth feel. The MX Orange may cater to those who prefer a more traditional mechanical vibe, while the Sakura Pink is ideal for typists seeking a lightweight and effortless typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but the differentiation in their sound and tactile feedback caters to different typing styles and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Orange and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches will largely depend on your typing style and preferences. If you tend to type lightly and enjoy a smooth and effortless keystroke, the Sakura Pink's feather-light actuation force of 35 grams might be ideal for you, particularly if you're seeking a more delicate and creamy feel. This switch is exceptionally suited for lengthy typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for a buttery, frictionless experience. Plus, the muted sound profile adds to a quieter workspace, making it a fantastic option for shared environments. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, while not detailed in this overview, represents a more robust, modern approach to tactile feedback, meeting high demand with enhanced features. If you prefer a switch with a bit more substance and potentially a tactile feel, especially if you enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, then the MX Orange could be the right fit. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—be it sound, resistance, or overall feel—and select the switch that resonates with your personal typing experience.
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