Everglide Sakura Pink vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their feather-light 35g actuation force, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by a playful auditory feedback similar to the sound of bubble wrap being popped. This delightful, gliding sensation combined with a muted feel is ideal for delicate typists who appreciate both comfort and fun in their keyboard sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer a slightly higher actuation force at 43g, providing a hush that’s particularly appealing to those who prioritize a tranquil typing environment—akin to the soothing sound of raindrops. This makes them a superb option for users who want to maintain focus without distraction in a quieter workspace. 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
35g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch housings showcase distinct differences in their top materials, impacting their overall sound profiles and tactile feel during use. The Sakura Pink switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound experience. This material's translucent nature is advantageous for users who incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant display. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch features a nylon top housing that presents a more subdued sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb more sound, rendering a deeper and rounder auditory experience which may appeal to those favoring a quieter typing experience.
Interestingly, both switches share the same polycarbonate bottom housing, which further influences their sound characteristics. Regardless of the contrasting top materials, this uniformity means that the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will exhibit a sharper and more resonant quality due to the polycarbonate's properties. When pressing the switches, users will encounter a consistent bottom housing experience, contributing to a more pronounced auditory feedback. This shared characteristic allows for a harmonious blending of sounds and feels, with the polycarbonate bottom ensuring that when both switches are struck, the overall tone remains bright and clear.
As a result, even though the top housings diverge in material and resulting sonic qualities, the shared polycarbonate bottom in both switches harmonizes their performance. Users will notice that while the typing sound differs on release—sharper on the Sakura Pink due to the polycarbonate top and rounder on the Silent Sakura - 43g due to the nylon—the lasting impact of the polycarbonate bottom housing ensures both switches produce a consistent and appealing typing experience. Ultimately, whether one prefers the crisper note of the Sakura Pink or the fuller tone of the Silent Sakura, the polycarbonate bottom guarantees that users will enjoy an engaging and satisfying keystroke with either option.
Weight
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing, which is beneficial for extended use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a stiffer feel when triggering keystrokes while still being relatively light overall. Therefore, while both switches are classified as light, the Sakura Pink is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force. For users who favor a more substantial typing experience, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Silent Sakura may be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer a light typing experience but vary in their specific force characteristics, tailoring to different preferences and use scenarios.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical feel when pressing down on a key for both switches. This similarity ensures that regardless of which switch is employed in a keyboard, the physical key press will deliver the same distance, resulting in comparable tactile feedback. Therefore, for those considering these switches, the choice may come down to other factors, such as actuation force or noise level, rather than travel distance.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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 Everglide Sakura Pink switches deliver a delightfully poppy sound, evoking the playful sensation of bubble wrap being popped. This adds a lively character to the keyboarding experience, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed for a whisper-quiet experience, akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. While the Sakura Pink's sound is more vibrant and lively, the Silent Sakura caters to those who prioritize minimal noise, creating an environment that is unobtrusive and calming. Ultimately, both switches provide different auditory experiences, allowing typists to choose based on their preferences for sound.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switches are characterized by their buttery and creamy typing sensations. With a super light 35g actuation force, these switches offer a frictionless experience, making key presses feel smooth and effortless. The easy-to-press nature of the Sakura Pink switches significantly reduces finger fatigue, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, details concerning the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are unknown. However, with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 43g, it is likely that these switches provide a different tactile sensation that may appeal to typists looking for a balance between ease of use and feedback.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience. The Sakura Pink excels with its playful sound and smooth, effortless keystroke feel, ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback and low resistance. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on creating a quiet environment, perfect for those who prioritize peace over sound. By considering your personal typing style and environment, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, whether you lean towards the lively Sakura Pink or the serene Silent Sakura.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g largely hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you thrive on an engaging and expressive typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch is an excellent choice. With its ultra-light 35g actuation force, buttery feel, and poppy sound that adds a playful flair, it's perfect for individuals who appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a whimsical typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and tranquil setting, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for you. With a slightly lower actuation force of 43g, these switches promise a whisper-quiet performance, ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where silence is paramount. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to balancing the joy of a lively sound and feel against the need for a subtle and peaceful typing environment.