SP-Star RedBlue vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are both top contenders, offering unique and appealing features. The RedBlue is ideal for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience, with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, these switches provide a pleasant and smooth typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches boast a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy tone that adds indulgence to your typing. With their medium-weight and unique POM stem, these switches offer a distinct gliding feel. Additionally, the combination of a very short travel distance and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Both switches have their merits, however, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star RedBlue and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The RedBlue features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates more clearly, producing a crisper sound. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow incorporates a POM top housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound. This material creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile, offering a distinct auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the SP-Star RedBlue utilizes polycarbonate, similar to its top housing. Consequently, it shares the same characteristics of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when the keys bottom-out. Additionally, the transparency of the material complements the RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the Everglide Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing. This material imparts a deeper sound and contributes to a more muted experience. When pressing down on this switch, the POM bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
In terms of the impact on sound, the top and bottom housings play distinctive roles in both switches. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, any differences in the top and bottom housing materials will result in a split effect, with each housing material contributing its unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite these differences, it is important to note that both switches offer pleasing and distinct auditory experiences based on the chosen materials for their housing.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a relatively lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to heavier options. The RedBlue switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Sunset Yellow switch's actuation force of 43 grams. However, it should be noted that both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of bottom out force, with the RedBlue switch requiring 57 grams and the Sunset Yellow switch requiring 51 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may appreciate both switches as they allow for longer periods of typing. This can benefit individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel, the RedBlue switch may be more appealing due to its potentially higher actuation force, even though the specific measurement is unknown. Overall, both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of overall distance, the RedBlue switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. This means that when pressing down on a key with the RedBlue switch, you will feel a greater distance of movement compared to the Sunset Yellow switch.
The difference in travel distance between the two switches can have an impact on user preference. The 4 mm travel distance of the RedBlue switch is considered more traditional and may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the shorter 3.2 mm travel distance of the Sunset Yellow switch may be favored by gamers or individuals seeking faster response times due to its shallower press.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and specific use cases. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper key press with more tactile feedback, the RedBlue switch with its longer travel distance would likely be more suitable. Both options offer distinct advantages, and the decision should be based on individual needs and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
The RedBlue and Sunset Yellow switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The RedBlue switches have a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, which gives them a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. They can be described as having a "thocky" sound, producing a deep and satisfying noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a rich and decadent sound, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a lower frequency range and a "bassy" tone, these switches provide a deep and rich sound during key presses, also giving them a "thocky" characteristic. It is important to note that the sound of the switches may also vary depending on the choice of the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the RedBlue switches provide a mild typing experience, giving users a gentle and approachable feel. They fall within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a typing experience that is not too pronounced in its characteristics. Additionally, the RedBlue switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through materials used in construction, as well as the application of factory lube. As a result, users can expect reduced friction and smoother key travel when using these switches. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a creamy and frictionless typing experience. With a silky sensation and effortless glide, typing feels smooth and buttery. These switches also have a polished finish, contributing to a sleek typing experience and minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.
In conclusion, the SP-Star RedBlue and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The RedBlue switches provide a low-pitched sound profile with a thocky characteristic, while offering a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a bassy and thocky sound, along with a creamy and frictionless feel during typing. While the RedBlue and Sunset Yellow switches differ in their sound and feel, both provide unique and enjoyable experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel by choosing the switch that matches their desired characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and a higher-pitched sound profile, the RedBlue linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky feel, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the RedBlue switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a captivating typing experience with a rich and bassy sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is perfect for you. With its Creamsicle-colored appearance, it offers a unique aesthetic as well. The Sunset Yellow switch has a medium-weight and produces a thocky sound, resembling the deep "thud" or soft "knock" of the keypress. It also provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star RedBlue and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you prioritize a medium-light typing feel with a higher-pitched sound or a rich and bassy sound with a silky typing sensation, both switches offer their own unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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