Everglide Sakura Pink vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the KTT Semi Mute. On one hand, the Sakura Pink is renowned for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists. With a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pink produces a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the Semi Mute lives up to its name by providing completely silent operation, making it perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Both switches fall under the categories of being buttery and muted, which means they prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate housing materials for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound when typing, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an enhanced auditory experience.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate. The clear housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing and customizable keyboard. Whether it's the Sakura Pink or the Semi Mute, users can expect a visually stunning keyboard that can be personalized to their liking.
However, it's important to note that if the top and bottom housings are different for a particular switch, the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the two. When pressing down on either the Sakura Pink or the Semi Mute, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key.
Overall, while the Everglide Sakura Pink and the KTT Semi Mute both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, their individual design and construction may result in slight variations in sound and feel. Nevertheless, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate housings. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows both switches to offer the benefit of translucent housing, ideal for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Sakura Pink offers a lighter typing experience, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter weight makes it ideal for users who prefer a keyboard that is easy to type on for extended periods, such as those using it for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch provides a slightly heavier feel, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This medium weight option appeals to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience, as the heavier forces require a stronger push.
While the weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. For those who favor a lighter touch, the Sakura Pink switch would be the preferred option. However, if a more robust and tactile feel is desired, the Semi Mute switch would be the suitable choice. Interestingly, despite these differences in force, it is worth noting that both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Consequently, users can expect a consistent typing experience, regardless of the specific switch chosen.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience with the same amount of key travel.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 subjective qualities of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch can be compared in terms of sound and feel.
When it comes to sound, both the Sakura Pink and Semi Mute switches are described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a smooth, fluid, and uniform keystroke experience, with minimal resistance and friction when pressing the keys. The light actuation force of the Sakura Pink switch makes typing effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Similarly, the Semi Mute switch is also described as buttery and mild. This indicates that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel of the Semi Mute switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
Based on the available information, both the Everglide Sakura Pink and the KTT Semi Mute switches offer a smooth and fluid typing experience, with a muted sound profile. While the Sakura Pink switch provides a lighter actuation force and more specific descriptors like creamy and easy-to-press, the Semi Mute switch is described as mild and offers a more gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches are suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment and desire a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. The choice between the two would depend on personal preferences regarding factors such as actuation force and specific typing sensations.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a super light actuation force and enjoy a playful poppy sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them perfect for delicate typists. Additionally, if you appreciate a muted sound profile, the Sakura Pink switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the better option for you. Despite being completely silent, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. With a moderate actuation force and a muted sound profile, the Semi Mute switches are suitable for most intents and purposes.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Sakura Pink and the KTT Semi Mute switches depends on your individual preferences. Whether you prioritize a light actuation force and playful sound or value a noise-free environment and comfortable typing feel, both switches offer unique advantages.