TTC Neptune vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, one can see some key differences that may influence a user's choice. The Neptune is renowned for its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a unique matte feel. Its ultralight design ensures swift and effortless typing, while maintaining a muted sound signature for a refined ambiance. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches are known for their super light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for delicate typists. With a gliding type feel and a poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, they add a playful touch to typing sessions. 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
41g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and the Everglide Sakura Pink both utilize polycarbonate materials in their bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This stiffness in the plastic enhances the overall sound quality of the switches, with the translucency of the polycarbonate being especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. The top housings of the Neptune and Sakura Pink, however, differ significantly in material composition, with the Neptune featuring a POM top housing that creates a deeper, more muted sound profile, in contrast to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the TTC Neptune and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer a unique sound profile due to the polycarbonate bottom housings, which contribute to the switches' overall performance and feel. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Neptune's POM top housing offers a different sound experience compared to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sharp and clear sound profile for both switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink's housing provides an opportunity for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the unique sound produced by the POM top housing in the TTC Neptune offers a different acoustic experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound, both the Neptune and Sakura Pink deliver high-quality performance with their choice of housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch both offer a light actuation force, with the Sakura Pink being slightly lighter at 35 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams. Similarly, their bottom out forces are also on the lighter side, with the Sakura Pink requiring 45 grams and the Neptune requiring 50 grams. Both switches would provide a smooth typing experience due to their light actuation forces, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. However, if someone prefers a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may lean towards the Neptune with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neptune offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the Neptune being the shorter option and the Sakura Pink being the longer option for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched and muted sound, providing a refined and subtle auditory experience that won't distract you during your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch also offers a muted sound profile, but with a more playful touch reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. Both switches aim to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a more enjoyable typing experience without disturbing those around you.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Neptune is praised for its buttery and frictionless keystroke that offers a smooth and textured typing sensation. This unique combination creates a matte feel that makes each keystroke a pleasure. Similarly, the Sakura Pink linear switch is also described as buttery and frictionless, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys. Both switches aim to offer a fluid and easy-to-press typing feel that reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer a smooth, effortless, and frictionless typing experience with muted sound profiles. While the Neptune provides a more matte and textured feel, the Sakura Pink adds a playful touch to your typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and any additional characteristics you may prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Regardless of your choice, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience that will suit the needs of most users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Neptune linear switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams and prefer a low-pitched, muted, and thocky sound profile along with a buttery, gummy, or frictionless typing experience, then the TTC Neptune may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and are drawn to a muted, buttery, or frictionless sound and feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches could be the perfect fit. Whichever switch you choose, both offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience tailored to your individual preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what suits your typing style and desired sound and feel for a satisfying keyboarding experience.
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