KTT Purple Star vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and Everglide Sakura Pink both offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The KTT Purple Star, renowned for its all-POM construction, provides a buttery smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for light typists who value comfort and ease. With a light 45g bottom-out force, this switch caters to those who prefer a more mild tactile feel without overwhelming sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches stand out with an even lighter actuation force of just 35g, designed for delicate typists who enjoy a frictionless, gliding typing experience. These switches also generate a playful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, adding a fun dynamic to keyboard interaction. While the Purple Star excels in delivering comfort and neutrality, the Sakura Pink shines with its ultra-light touch and whimsical auditory feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches, the differences in housing materials present distinct sonic profiles and tactile experiences. The Purple Star features POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound, which can create an overall pleasing acoustic experience. In contrast, the Sakura Pink employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear auditory output, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
Aesthetic considerations also play a significant role in the comparison of these switches. The KTT Purple Star, with its opaque POM material, focuses on enhancing the warmth of the sound profile, which can be more subtle and laid-back. Conversely, the translucent quality of polycarbonate used in the Everglide Sakura Pink allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switch. This functional design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but can also improve the overall typing experience by making the switch visually engaging, especially in setups where lighting effects are a priority.
Despite the differences in sound signature and aesthetics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. For users who appreciate the deeper sound characteristic of the KTT Purple Star, they’ll enjoy the acoustical depth provided by the POM material. Meanwhile, those who opt for the Everglide Sakura Pink will benefit from the clarity and brightness that polycarbonate brings. If one were to mix and match these switches, such as pairing the purple top with the pink bottom or vice versa, one could achieve a unique blend of sound profiles, harnessing the individual strengths of each material to craft a personalized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink requires less force to actuate, making it a better choice for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming periods. Conversely, the Purple Star, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, delivers a more substantial typing experience that some users may find preferable. Overall, if you desire a lighter switch, the Everglide Sakura Pink is the better option, whereas the KTT Purple Star leans towards heavier preferences for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches, it is clear that the Purple Star offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience. Gamers and users seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Purple Star for its responsiveness. Conversely, users who appreciate a more pronounced key press might lean towards the Sakura Pink's longer 4 mm travel, which provides a sense of depth that can feel more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key sensitivity and feedback during use.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 KTT Purple Star switch features a low-pitched tonal quality, producing a mellow and bass-heavy sound that can contribute to a more subdued typing experience. This neutral sound signature can be appreciated in quieter environments, making it more versatile for various settings. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch boasts a delightfully poppy sound, akin to the joyful experience of popping bubble wrap. Its muted characteristics create a softer auditory signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit of playfulness in their keyboard sound while keeping noise levels minimized. While the acoustic properties can differ based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, these switches set themselves apart in the tonal experiences they offer.
In terms of feel, both switches prioritize an effortless typing experience but deliver their sensations in unique ways. The Purple Star has a mild character, offering a balanced typing experience that is approachable for most typists. Its very light actuation force of 45g creates an easy-to-press action, allowing for comfortable and reduced finger fatigue during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is characterized as buttery and creamy in feel, delivering a smooth and frictionless operation with an even lighter actuation force of 35g. This aspect complements its playful auditory quality, as the silky sensation allows users to glide over the keys with minimal resistance, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When considering all these aspects, the choice between the KTT Purple Star and Everglide Sakura Pink switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. While both switches are designed to provide a light and comfortable typing experience, the Purple Star leans towards a low-pitched, mellow audio signature combined with a mild feel, making it suitable for a broader range of environments. In contrast, the Sakura Pink appeals to those looking for a more whimsical sound combined with an ultra-smooth tactile response. Either choice promises a satisfying typing experience, but the distinct qualities of each can cater to different stylistic preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when determining whether to choose the KTT Purple Star linear switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, your personal typing style and preferences will play a crucial role. If you prefer a slightly heavier and more stable typing experience with a mellow sound signature, the Purple Star is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force and mild feel make it suitable for those who want a gentle, yet responsive typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist who desires a lighter touch and a more playful, softer sound profile, the Sakura Pink will be your go-to option. With a 45g actuation force and a buttery, frictionless feel, these switches ensure a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, perfect for those who love a bit of auditory fun with their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preference for force, feedback, and sound, ensuring that you can find the switch that perfectly fits your typing style.
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