Outemu Tom vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches such as the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a linear switch, there are key differences that make each one stand out. The Tom is known for its ["Buttery", "Creamy", "Easy-to-press", "Frictionless", "Muted"] feel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are renowned for their super light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for delicate typists who appreciate a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the Tom offers a tactile sensation, the Sakura Pink provides a more linear and frictionless operation, producing a playful popping sound akin to bubble wrap being popped. 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
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Outemu Tom and Everglide Sakura Pink both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Tom offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Tom and Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housings offer a translucent look that is visually appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing material of the Tom differs from the Sakura Pink, with nylon providing a different typing experience due to its softer properties. While both switches have a similar top housing material, the bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Tom's nylon bottom housing may offer a more muted and deep sound profile, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a clearer and sharper typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Tom and Everglide Sakura Pink will depend on personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched sound, but the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Tom's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a clearer and sharper typing experience. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or aesthetics, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Tom has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams to bottom out, while the Tom's bottom out force remains unknown. The Tom provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's lighter actuation force makes it ideal for users looking for a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and comfort level.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sakura Pink has a longer travel distance compared to the Tom. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying depth when typing. If you prefer a quicker and more responsive feel, the Outemu Tom would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Everglide Sakura Pink would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how you prefer your typing or gaming experience to feel.
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 Tom 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 Tom switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it may produce a standard mechanical keyboard click depending on other factors like the board and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that the Sakura Pink switch will offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to a typical mechanical switch, which can be preferred by those looking for a more discreet sound profile during use.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it may offer a standard tactile feel typically associated with mechanical switches. The Everglide Sakura Pink switch, however, is described with various descriptors such as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. This indicates that the Sakura Pink switch provides a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing sensation with a light actuation force, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentle and comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue.
Overall, while the Outemu Tom and Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you enjoy a standard mechanical click sound with a tactile feel, the Outemu Tom switch may be more suitable for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth, effortless keystroke and light actuation force, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique feel and sound, you may want to choose the Outemu Tom switch. It offers a different typing experience with its specific characteristics. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light actuation force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch would be a great option for you. It provides a gentle and effortless typing sensation with its buttery and creamy feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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