Everglide Sakura Pink vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX SU both offer unique experiences, despite being linear switches. The Sakura Pink switches are renowned for their feather-light 35g actuation force, making them an ideal option for delicate typists who prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Their signature poppy sound is not only delightful but also adds a playful dimension to your keyboarding sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU switches are housed in a full PA12 casing, paired with a T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet deeper sound profile. While both switches provide the linear smoothness that many users seek, the Sakura Pink excels in its ease of use and lightness, making it perfect for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes. Meanwhile, the HMX SU caters to a preference for a more grounded auditory feedback with a solid construction. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX SU exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, primarily highlighted by the difference between polycarbonate and nylon. The Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile that is sharper and higher-pitched. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear audio experience, making it particularly well-suited for those who appreciate an articulate typing sound. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing enhances aesthetics, especially for setups utilizing RGB lighting, adding a vibrant visual appeal.
Conversely, the HMX SU employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, known for being a classic switch housing material, tends to yield a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound more than stiffer plastics like polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing environment or a more subdued feedback sound. The contrasting sound profiles of these two materials highlight a fundamental difference in user experience between the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX SU.
Despite these differences in housing materials, the impact on performance can be nuanced when considering the overall switch design. For both switches, the combination of housing characteristics contributes to the final sound and feel when typing. In the case of the Sakura Pink, the polycarbonate enables a clear response, particularly during the release of a key, while the nylon used in the HMX SU creates a more cushioned experience at bottom-out. Thus, while the material composition leads to differing sound aesthetics—crisp versus deep—they can both provide satisfying results based on user preference. In environments where clarity is valued, the Sakura Pink excels, whereas the HMX SU may appeal more to those who enjoy a fuller, softer typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we note a clear distinction in both 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 long typing sessions or gaming, where less effort is required to register each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes. This difference in weight signifies that the Sakura Pink is designed for those seeking a lighter touch, while the HMX SU caters to individuals who appreciate a firmer push. While both switches are classified as light, the Sakura Pink stands out as the lighter option, allowing for potentially less finger fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Sakura Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a more traditional and deeper feel, catering to users who appreciate a more satisfying key press. In contrast, the HMX SU features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing more to gamers who favor quicker response times due to the reduced travel needed for actuation. This shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some users, but it enhances responsiveness for those who prioritize speed. Overall, if you're looking for a more pronounced keystroke experience, the Sakura Pink is the better option, while the HMX SU is ideal for those seeking quicker, more nimble key presses.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 linear switches produce a delightfully poppy sound that resembles the joyful act of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful element to your typing sessions. This lively auditory experience stands in contrast to the muted sound profile found in many mechanical switches, which minimizes the noise typically associated with keyboard use. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the HMX SU linear switches remain unspecified, leaving the auditory experience somewhat open-ended. However, sound can also be influenced by various factors such as the type of keyboard and keycap materials used, so achieving a desired auditory experience with either switch will depend on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switches shine with their buttery, creamy sensation that provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Their feather-light 35g actuation force enhances this tactile pleasure, making each key press feel effortless and comfortable. The switch is designed to allow for a frictionless operational quality, resulting in a typing experience that feels almost whimsical and easy, significantly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switches do not have a clarified feel descriptor available, making it difficult to compare them directly to the Sakura Pink switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches are characterized by their light actuation force and playfully poppy sound, coupled with a buttery, smooth typing experience that makes them particularly appealing for sensitive typists. While the sound and feel of the HMX SU linear switches are less defined in the available information, it is clear that the two switches differ significantly in their auditory and tactile sensations. This makes the Sakura Pink a strong contender for those seeking a light and pleasurable typing experience, but ultimate satisfaction will also depend on personal preferences and the specific keyboard setup used.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you favor a lighter actuation force and a more playful typing experience, the Sakura Pink is an excellent option. Its feather-light 35g actuation force is not only ideal for delicate typists but also provides a buttery and creamy feel that glides effortlessly, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The muted, poppy sound further enhances its appeal, making it perfect if you seek a switch that combines both performance and a fun auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer slightly firmer resistance with a more substantial feel, the HMX SU linear switch, with its 50g bottom out force, may be better suited for you. It produces a deeper sound profile, which might appeal to those looking for a more traditional typing feel without going overly loud. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preference; if you enjoy an incredibly light, smooth keystroke, go with the Sakura Pink. If you instead lean towards a more balanced typing experience with a tad more resistance, the HMX SU is the way to go.
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