Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Sakura Pink are two popular choices that cater to different preferences. The Cream switches from NovelKeys are renowned for their heftier linear typing experience, offering a deep sound profile that adds a unique texture to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches by Everglide are known for their super light actuation force of 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities and benefits, catering to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic. The NovelKeys Cream features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a useful material if you plan to incorporate lighting effects.
In terms of sound, the main difference lies in the pitch and resonance. The Cream's POM housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, giving a softer and more subtle typing experience. On the contrary, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, which provides a more noticeable and energetic typing sensation. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Cream with its POM housing would be a better choice, while the Sakura Pink with its polycarbonate housing is ideal for those seeking a more pronounced and vibrant sound.
Aesthetically, the choice between these two switches can be influenced by personal preference and the implementation of RGB lighting. The Cream with its POM housing does not have the transparent quality of polycarbonate, so it may not showcase RGB lighting as effectively. However, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing, being translucent, allows for the RGB lighting to pass through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Therefore, if the inclusion of RGB lighting is a priority, the Sakura Pink with its polycarbonate housing would be a suitable option. Nevertheless, if RGB lighting is not a concern, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to varying typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences. The NovelKeys Cream has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires a lighter force of 35 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Sakura Pink is more sensitive and requires a lighter touch for activation. In terms of bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream is again heavier at 70 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires only 45 grams of force to fully press down. This makes the Sakura Pink a lighter switch overall.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for longer periods of time may lean towards the Sakura Pink. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it require less effort to type, reducing fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may gravitate towards the NovelKeys Cream. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, allowing for a more satisfying keystroke.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ in actuation force and bottom out force. The NovelKeys Cream is heavier in both aspects, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Sakura Pink is lighter, making it ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results for users who prefer a consistent key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches provide a low-pitched and resonant experience. The low-pitched sound profile offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while still maintaining a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a more muted sound. This muted sound is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, helping to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the NovelKeys Cream and Sakura Pink switches offer a buttery typing experience. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, allowing for seamless and effortless typing. The Cream switches are also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and snappy feel. They have a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches have a creamy feel, which is similar to being buttery. This smooth and buttery typing experience is achieved through lubrication applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials. The Sakura Pink switches are also easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, they are frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with no resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches have a feather-light actuation force, a poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, and a smooth, effortless typing experience. While both switches provide a buttery feel, the Cream switches have a more pronounced feedback and a snappier feel compared to the Sakura Pink switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and actuation force. Regardless, both switches offer a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a more substantial and deeper typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a heftier linear typing experience compared to the Everglide Sakura Pink. The NovelKeys Cream switches have a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, they offer a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, pronounced feedback, and a snappy and reactive feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and gentler typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, they have a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. In terms of feel, they offer a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. They are easy to press and provide a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Whether you prefer a heavier and deeper typing experience or a lighter and gentler one, both switches offer excellent options for different typing preferences.
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