Outemu Phoenix vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Phoenix and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Phoenix is a clicky switch that stands out for its unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing a distinct and sparkling feel and sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is a linear switch known for its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists. With a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. Furthermore, the Sakura Pinks emit a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Phoenix and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both switches use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This means that they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
However, it's worth noting that if a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, as with some other switches, this can lead to a split in sound profile and feel. In the case of the Phoenix and the Sakura Pink, since both top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate, the qualities of the housing material are evenly distributed throughout the switch. This means that when you press down on the switch, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when you release a key.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Phoenix and the Everglide Sakura Pink share the same housing materials of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, they provide a consistent and coherent sound profile and typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the sharpness and crispness of the switches. Moreover, the use of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of visually appealing RGB lighting. So, whether you choose the Phoenix or the Sakura Pink, you can expect similar results in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are significant differences to note. The Phoenix has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, while the Sakura Pink requires only 35 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Sakura Pink significantly lighter in terms of actuation force. When it comes to bottoming out, the Phoenix requires 62 grams of force, which is considered medium, while the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams, which is relatively light. Therefore, the Sakura Pink is not only lighter in actuation force but also requires less force to fully press down. This may be appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, such as during work or gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel, the Phoenix may be a better choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Phoenix and Sakura Pink switches differ, with the Sakura Pink being lighter and requiring less force for both actions. However, those seeking a heavier and more substantial typing experience may find the Phoenix switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing or gaming experience. In comparing the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The Phoenix has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance typically associated with switches. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a longer 4 mm travel distance.
For gamers seeking a faster response time, the shorter travel distance of the Phoenix switch may be more appealing. With a shorter distance to travel, keystrokes can be registered quicker, allowing for swift gameplay reactions. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, lacking the depth they prefer.
Alternatively, those who enjoy a more hearty and tactile feel when typing or gaming may gravitate towards the Sakura Pink switch with its longer travel distance. The additional length in travel allows for a more pronounced and satisfying keystroke experience for those who value depth and precision in their interactions with the keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. The Phoenix offers a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while the Sakura Pink provides a longer travel distance for a more substantial and tactile interaction. Both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is best described as crunchy. These switches produce a distinctive sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as muted. Muted switches have a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, effectively minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Outemu Phoenix switch offers a polished experience. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoother surface and reduced friction allow for a seamless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch has several descriptors for its feel. It is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The light actuation force and low-impact typing feel make typing on Sakura Pink switches comfortable and reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Phoenix switch produces a crunchy sound, while the Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound. In terms of feel, the Phoenix switch provides a polished and refined typing experience, while the Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing sensation. Both switches have their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a crunchy sound and a polished feel, the Phoenix switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a muted sound and a smooth, effortless feel, the Sakura Pink switch would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and distinctive typing experience, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be an excellent choice. With its under-skirt click mechanism, the Phoenix offers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, resembling the sound of crunching autumn leaves. Additionally, the Phoenix switch provides a polished and refined typing feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and gentler typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be ideal for you. These switches have a feather-light bottom out force of 45 grams, making them perfect for delicate typists. The Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and creamy feel with easy-to-press keys, allowing for a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Moreover, these switches produce a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, your choice between the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch depends on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique and sparkling clicky feel with medium bottom out force, the Phoenix switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a muted sound, the Sakura Pink switch would be the perfect fit. Consider your preferences and needs to make an informed decision and enhance your keyboarding sessions.
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