Everglide Sakura Pink vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam both represent excellent options, each catering to different preferences in typing experience. The Sakura Pink switch is renowned for its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for delicate typists or those who favor a super smooth, effortless feel while typing. With a unique poppy sound akin to bubble wrap being popped, these switches bring a sense of playfulness to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam stands out with its expertly crafted blend of materials, offering a subtle top-out and satisfying clack characteristic of high-quality linear switches. Known for its excellent factory lubrication, the Sunset Gleam ensures a consistent and pleasing typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a touch of auditory feedback. While both switches are linear and share similarities in providing smooth operation, their distinct tactile and acoustic qualities set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, clarity, and resonance. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which amplifies the higher frequencies, producing a more pronounced and articulated auditory experience. Moreover, because polycarbonate is translucent, both switches offer an aesthetically pleasing integration with RGB lighting. The design choice to use polycarbonate for the top housing in both cases not only optimizes sound but also enhances visual appeal, making either switch an excellent option for users who value both auditory and visual performance.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials set these two switches apart significantly. The Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of achieving a crisper, higher-pitched sound throughout the keyboard experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer texture and ability to absorb sound. This softness leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the differences in bottom housing materials contribute to how these switches feel and sound during operation, particularly with the bottom-out action, which is more pronounced in the Sunset Gleam due to the nylon's sound-dampening properties.

Overall, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing creating similar high-pitched sound characteristics, they diverge significantly when it comes to their bottom housings. The dual characteristics of the Sakura Pink, with polycarbonate in both housing sections, lead to a more consistent and crisp sound profile throughout the keypress. In contrast, the dynamic of the HMX Sunset Gleam, with nylon in the bottom housing, offers a richer and softer sound experience that diversifies the overall typing feel. Users looking for a particular auditory experience will find that despite the shared polycarbonate top, the differences in bottom housing material will significantly influence the overall sound and feel of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique characteristics. The Sakura Pink features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming without excessive strain. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel with every keystroke. Thus, for those who desire a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be the better choice, while the Sunset Gleam caters to users who appreciate a stronger push. Overall, while both switches are classified as light, the Sakura Pink clearly offers a softer touch compared to the Sunset Gleam.

Travel distance

The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Sakura Pink offers a more traditional feel, appealing to those who prefer the hearty depth associated with longer travel distances. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam is better suited for gamers and individuals who favor responsiveness, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and faster response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more substantial tactile experience, the Sakura Pink is the way to go; however, if you prioritize speed and quick execution, the Sunset Gleam will yield a more immediate reaction. In summary, the Sakura Pink is the longer switch while the Sunset Gleam is the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches are characterized by a delightfully poppy auditory profile that brings a playful element to typing, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. This sound quality is generally muted, offering a softer experience that's less intrusive than traditional clacky switches. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches have a subtle top-out with a satisfying clack, making them enticing for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. While both switches deliver distinct sound profiles, the Sakura Pink's muted tone provides a quieter, more refined experience compared to the more pronounced sound characteristics of the Sunset Gleam.

In terms of feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches excel with their buttery, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. With a feather-light actuation force of just 35g, they guarantee easy presses, allowing typists to glide through keystrokes with minimal effort and reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This smoothness combines with a unique sensation that feels seamless and effortless, making it an ideal choice for delicate typists. The Sunset Gleam’s feel profile remains less specified, creating a gap in comparison regarding how they might match up against the ultra-smooth and responsive tactile qualities of the Sakura Pink.

Ultimately, choosing between the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and tactile experience. The Sakura Pink offers a quieter, delightful auditory experience with a super smooth feel that is perfect for extended typing. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam introduces satisfying clack and materials that promise unique tactile qualities, although their exact feel characteristics remain less defined. Each switch provides a distinct option for users, allowing enthusiasts to find a match that aligns with their typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sakura Pink and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter, more delicate touch with minimal resistance, the Sakura Pink is an excellent choice, thanks to its feather-light actuation force and smooth, frictionless glide. This switch is tailored for typists who appreciate a muted sound profile and a playful, poppy typing experience, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, if you prefer a touch more resistance and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the HMX Sunset Gleam is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force and exceptional factory lubrication, it offers a satisfying clack and a balanced typing feel, ideal for those who want a more engaging and slightly louder keypress. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you prioritize—whether it’s a quiet, buttery experience with the Sakura Pink or a more robust and auditory engagement with the Sunset Gleam—and choose accordingly to enhance your keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more