KTT Orange vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Orange and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The KTT Orange switches are well-known for their bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With a 22mm long spring and a slick, polycarbonate milky top housing, these switches provide a low-pitched sound profile and a refined, fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are favored by delicate typists for their feather-light 35g actuation force. They offer a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, giving you a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, they add 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
46g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material brings about similar qualities for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that feature RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Orange and Sakura Pink switches will provide similar results in terms of sound profile and RGB lighting capabilities.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience, the bottom and top housings play different roles. Pressing down on either the Orange or Sakura Pink switch will allow you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing. This is because the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffness and clarity of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contribute to the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing's influence is more prominent when letting go of a key. The sound produced when releasing a key is affected by the top housing, which is again made of polycarbonate in both the Orange and Sakura Pink switches.
In summary, while the KTT Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink may differ in appearance and design, their choice of polycarbonate housing materials for both the top and bottom provide similar benefits. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. However, the impact of the housing materials differs depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires a lighter 35 grams of force for actuation. This means that the Sakura Pink switch will have a more sensitive and responsive feel when typing, requiring less effort to activate each keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange switch has a slightly heavier weight at 53 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams to bottom out. This makes the Sakura Pink switch feel lighter and easier to fully press down, providing a smoother typing experience.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for long periods of time may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch. The lighter actuation force allows for increased typing speed and less finger fatigue, making it ideal for work or longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Orange switch would appeal to those who desire a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. The slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback and a sense of solidity, offering a more satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches differ, with the Orange switch being heavier in both aspects. Their weight characteristic makes the Sakura Pink switch the lighter option, allowing for quicker and more effortless typing, while the Orange switch offers a stronger push feel for a more substantial and deliberate keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Orange switch more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switch offers a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a hearty keystroke. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, but if a shorter travel distance is desired, the KTT Orange switch would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch is known for its low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a deeper and more mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The bouncy nature of these switches gives them a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the frictionless operation ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These terms imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, seamless and effortless typing sensation, gentle resistance during key presses, and extremely smooth and fluid travel of the keys. Overall, both switches offer a highly smooth and comfortable typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer their own unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Orange switch excels with its low-pitched sound profile and bouncy, frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch stands out with its muted sound and buttery, creamy, easy-to-press feel. While the specific characteristics of each switch may differ, it is important to remember that individual preferences can play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. Therefore, it is recommended to try out both switches and see which one aligns better with personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, as well as a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its 53-gram bottom out force and unique features such as the milky top housing and factory-lubing, this switch provides a refined and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a buttery and easy-to-press feel, along with a muted sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be a great option. With its feather-light 45-gram bottom out force and gliding type feel, this switch offers effortless and comfortable typing. The Sakura Pinks produce a playful poppy sound, adding a delightful touch to your keyboarding sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, feel, and sound. Consider the characteristics described above to determine which switch aligns with your desired typing experience. Whichever you choose, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard.