Outemu Blue vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the clicky Outemu Blue and the linear Everglide Sakura Pink. The Blue switch is best known for its satisfying click sound upon actuation, providing a tactile and audible feedback that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is renowned for its ultra-light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience. The Sakura Pink switches are described as 'buttery', 'creamy', 'easy-to-press', 'frictionless', and 'muted', while the Outemu Blues offer a more pronounced and lively typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue and Everglide Sakura Pink switches both feature polycarbonate as the top housing material. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the main point of contrast comes with the bottom housing material. The Blue switch utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a sharper and clearer sound profile compared to nylon.
Despite both switches sharing a polycarbonate top housing material, the Outemu Blue and Everglide Sakura Pink differ significantly in their bottom housing materials. The soft nylon bottom housing of the Blue switch contributes to a more muffled and rounder sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink switch results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials showcase how the choice of material can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Additionally, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom further emphasizes the unique characteristics of each switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and Everglide Sakura Pink switches play a critical role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the contrast between the nylon bottom housing of the Blue switch and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink switch results in distinctive typing experiences. The choice of housing material can impact not only the sound but also the feel of a switch, making it an important consideration for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience. Ultimately, understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to a switch can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sakura Pink linear switch's lighter 35 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue switch has an unknown weight, while the Sakura Pink linear switch requires 45 grams, which is considered light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch for longer periods of typing, while users looking for a stronger push feel may find the Blue switch to provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top of the key to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance can result in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Ultimately, whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Blue switch or the smooth linear feel of the Sakura Pink switch, both options will provide you with a similar travel distance and 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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is renowned for its distinctive and crisp click sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as producing a muted sound, offering a quieter typing experience compared to the clicky Blue switch. The Sakura Pink switch's soft and gentle sound adds a tranquil aspect to your typing sessions, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches is subjective and can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard casing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile and clicky response, providing a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as offering a buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press typing experience. The light actuation force of the Sakura Pink switch coupled with its frictionless operation creates a seamless and effortless typing sensation, perfect for users who prefer a smoother keystroke without the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue switch excels in providing a crisp and clicky typing experience with tactile feedback, while the Sakura Pink switch focuses on delivering a smooth and gentle keystroke with a muted sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with users gravitating towards the auditory and tactile feedback of the Blue switch or the smooth and effortless typing sensation of the Sakura Pink switch. Regardless of the choice made, both switches are sure to enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, frictionless typing feel with a quieter sound profile, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is worth considering. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!