Gateron Quinn vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sakura Pink are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences. The Quinn switches, known for their crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, offer a unique typing experience. With a precise and clean tactile bump, each keystroke on the Quinn switch feels snappy and polished. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their super light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for delicate typists. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience with a gliding type feel and frictionless operation. They produce a delightfully poppy sound akin to popping bubble wrap. While the Quinn switch offers a more tactile and resounding typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch provides a lighter touch and a playful sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your individual typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sakura Pink differ in their housing materials. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, while the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects, while nylon lacks this feature.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Quinn and Sakura Pink use nylon and polycarbonate respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Quinn contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, just like its top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Similarly, the translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the RGB lighting effects of the switch.
While the two switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings, they still share similarities in terms of the sound profiles they produce. Both the nylon and polycarbonate contribute to a fuller sound when pressing the switch, while the impact on the release sound is determined by the top housing. However, the Quinn with its nylon housing will offer a more rounded and duller sound, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing will provide a crisper and more defined sound when releasing the key. Despite the differences in housing materials, the switches share the common goal of delivering an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, a noticeable difference can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Quinn has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, while its bottom out force is slightly higher at 67 grams. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams.
These variations in force levels cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. For individuals who value lighter switches, the Sakura Pink provides a favorable option. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to initiate keystrokes and ensure a gentler typing experience. This lighter weight can be particularly beneficial for those who require extended typing periods, such as office workers or gamers indulging in lengthy gaming sessions.
Alternatively, some users may prefer a more substantial typing feel that requires a stronger push force. In this case, the Gateron Quinn with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable choice. This increased resistance can add a sense of solidity and satisfaction to the typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Though the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, both the Gateron Quinn and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer distinct advantages. Those seeking a lighter option can opt for the Sakura Pink for prolonged, comfortable typing sessions. Meanwhile, individuals desiring a heavier typing feel can select the Gateron Quinn for a more substantial and satisfying keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Quinn a favorable option for them. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Sakura Pink might be the preferred choice due to its longer travel distance. It is important to note that both options provide a noticeable tactile feedback, but the Sakura Pink offers a slightly deeper key press experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep and resonant profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. With each keystroke, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The sound can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. This playful sound adds a unique touch to your keyboarding sessions. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. While the Sakura Pink may not have the same deep and resonant sound as the Quinn, it offers a distinct and enjoyable sound of its own.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy and polished typing experience. The switch is described as snappy, indicating its super responsiveness, and polished, referring to its smooth and refined finish. These qualities result in a sleek and smooth key travel, reducing friction and providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In addition, the Quinn switch is also described as bouncy and accented, offering a lively and medium tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. Furthermore, the Quinn switch can be described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch.
Similarly, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch shares some of the qualities of the Quinn switch in terms of feel. It is also described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless feel. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, offering a low-impact and comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the switch is frictionless, meaning it offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. While the Sakura Pink may not have the same level of snappiness and bounce as the Quinn switch, it provides a lightweight and effortless typing experience that is enjoyed by delicate typists.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique and enjoyable qualities. The Quinn switch provides a crisp and clean sound with a deep and resonant profile. Its feel is characterized by snappiness, polish, bounce, and a buttery and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch offers a poppy sound and a smooth and effortless typing experience, with qualities such as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. While they may differ in sound and some aspects of feel, both switches deliver a satisfying and immersive typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and desired sound and feel when choosing between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a deep and resonant sound profile, precise tactility, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. With its specially designed nylon housings, these switches provide a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a rich, immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. The Quinn switches are best described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant in terms of sound, and they offer a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and effortless feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are perfect for delicate typists and provide a frictionless, easy-to-press, buttery, creamy, and overall low-impact typing feel. The Sakura Pink switches have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch depends on your preference for sound, feel, and typing force. The Quinn offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound profile, while the Sakura Pink offers a light actuation force and a smooth, effortless typing experience. Consider your typing style, personal preferences, and the type of sound and feel you're looking for to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard switch.