Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Sakura Pink switches are known for their super light actuation force of 35g, making them ideal for those with a light touch while typing. With a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, they offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. In addition, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switches are praised for their innovative design. They feature a semi-silent topping-out sound, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience, while still maintaining a satisfying clacky bottom-out sound. The type feel of these switches is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished and retaining some snappiness. Both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housing. This means that they will provide a similar sound profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, allowing for the use of RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with these particular qualities, both the Sakura Pink and the Semi-Silent Linear would be suitable choices.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate, while the Semi-Silent Linear employs nylon. Typing on the Sakura Pink, you can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the polycarbonate bottom housing's stiffness. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the Sakura Pink will differ from that of the Semi-Silent Linear.
It's important to note that the top housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the sound when you let go of a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, although the top housing of the Sakura Pink and the Semi-Silent Linear is the same (polycarbonate), their bottom housings (polycarbonate for Sakura Pink and nylon for Semi-Silent Linear) will contribute to different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, some differences emerge. The Sakura Pink switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams, making it responsive to even gentle keystrokes. Its bottom out force of 45 grams ensures a satisfying and tactile typing experience without requiring excessive effort. On the other hand, the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine its sensitivity. However, it has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a slightly heavier key press compared to the Sakura Pink switch.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches like the Sakura Pink as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it an excellent choice for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force. While the Sakura Pink offers a light actuation force for effortless typing, the Semi-Silent Linear switch remains a bit mysterious in this regard. Nevertheless, both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback during bottoming out, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter switch, the Sakura Pink is the go-to option, while for those who appreciate a medium-weight switch, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Sakura Pink offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can be noticeable to those who are sensitive to key travel distances. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sakura Pink as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a deeper keypress may find the 0.3 mm extra travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Sakura Pink switch produces a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound when pressed, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Sakura Pink provides a more distinct and playful sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subtle and subdued sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild and snappy typing experience. The mild feel of the switch makes it approachable to most typists, while the snappiness adds a liveliness to the typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with the Sakura Pink emphasizing on the fluidity and the Semi-Silent Linear focusing on the responsiveness.
Overall, the Sakura Pink switch is best known for its super light actuation force, smooth and effortless typing experience, and delightfully poppy sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its semi-silent topping-out sound, approachable feel, and snappy responsiveness. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a more distinct and playful sound, along with an extremely light actuation force, the Sakura Pink switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a mild yet snappy typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a light and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch might be the perfect choice for you. With its feather-light 45g bottom out force, buttery and frictionless feel, and poppy bubble wrap-like sound, it offers a smooth and playful typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a muted sound profile, the Sakura Pink switch will minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a more subdued sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch could be a great option. With its medium 62g bottom out force and silky smooth type feel, it provides a comfortable and gentle typing experience. The switch offers a dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. Moreover, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as snappy, which adds a touch of liveliness to each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Sakura Pink and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light and playful typing experience with a muted sound, the Sakura Pink switch is the way to go. However, if you value a slightly higher bottom out force, a subdued sound, and a snappy feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired sound profile when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
