Kailh Plum vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum 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 that often come up for consideration are the Kailh Plum and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Plum is known for its unique characteristic of feeling hefty without a strong tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are praised for their super light actuation force of 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists. While the Plum offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, the Sakura Pink switches produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience with their gliding type feel and frictionless operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both switches make use of polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create an aesthetically pleasing effect. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clear and resonant sound profile with the option of RGB lighting, both the Plum and Sakura Pink provide similar results in terms of their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Plum utilizes nylon, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Plum switch. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which means it shares the same qualities as its top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both the bottom-out sound and feel of the Sakura Pink.
In terms of tactile feedback, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role. With the Plum switch, its nylon bottom housing influences the overall sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Conversely, the top housing of each switch affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with distinct characteristics for both the pressing down and releasing actions, the Plum and Sakura Pink offer different results due to the disparity in their bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are some notable differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable, while the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams. This indicates that the Sakura Pink requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Plum switch. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Plum switch has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the Sakura Pink has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that when fully pressed, the Plum switch has a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier force, while the Sakura Pink provides a lighter typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, these differences have various implications. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Sakura Pink switch would be a suitable choice since it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, like the Plum switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force. It is crucial to match the force preference with the desired typing experience to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
Although the specific actuation force of the Plum switch is not available, it is evident that the Sakura Pink switch offers a lighter typing experience overall. In instances where a lighter actuation force is desired, both switches would yield similar results. It is necessary to consider personal preferences and the intended usage scenario when selecting between these switches, as weight plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Sakura Pink is slightly longer than the Plum switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while a distance of 3.6 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Plum switch would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper key press, the Sakura Pink with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the user's personal 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are using the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as having a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as having a mild and stepped feel. The mild characteristic means that it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities. The stepped characteristic refers to the tactile switches feeling like it has two stages, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as being buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The light actuation force required makes typing easy and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch provides a low-impact and responsive typing feel by offering a fluid travel without any sense of resistance or friction.
In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have different subjective qualities. The Plum has a unique feel with a hefty weight without a huge tactile bump, and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a super light actuation force, gliding type feel, and produces a delightfully poppy sound. While they offer contrasting experiences, both switches provide enjoyable and unique typing experiences. If you are looking for a switch with a moderate sound and a safe middle-ground feel, the Plum would be a great choice. If you prefer a switch with a muted sound, a smooth and effortless feel, and a light actuation force, the Sakura Pink would be an excellent option. Overall, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile experience and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is a good choice for you. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its mild and stepped feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and effortless typing sensation, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the way to go. With its light actuation force and buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel, it offers a delightful typing experience. Additionally, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment, the muted sound profile of the Sakura Pink is an added advantage. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for weightiness, tactility, sound, and feel.
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