Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Aflion Thunder Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists who enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful poppy sound. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow is a tactile switch that offers a pronounced bump and medium weight feel of 63.5g, catering to those who appreciate a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Sakura Pink and Aflion Thunder Shadow keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, adding a visually appealing element to the overall keyboard aesthetic.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Everglide Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow employs nylon. The nylon material in the Thunder Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than its polycarbonate counterpart. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, creating a unique typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink.
While both keyboards share similar top housing materials, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Everglide Sakura Pink and Aflion Thunder Shadow allows for diverse typing experiences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings impact both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when letting go of a key. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, these housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience on these mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch. The Sakura Pink requires 35 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unknown and requires 63.5 grams to bottom out. The Sakura Pink would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it would be easier on the fingers during long typing sessions or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to individuals with varying preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. The Sakura Pink's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for fast response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Sakura Pink catering to those who prefer a deeper keypress sensation while the Thunder Shadow appeals to individuals seeking a swifter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 switch is best described as producing a playful and poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is known for having a neutral sound signature, complementing its balanced tactile bump. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Sakura Pink being more lively and the Thunder Shadow being more neutral, catering to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switch is praised for its buttery and frictionless typing experience. With an incredibly light actuation force of 35g, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing sensation, perfect for delicate typists. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. These switches provide a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing experience. While the Sakura Pink focuses on ease and fluidity, the Thunder Shadow offers a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Sakura Pink and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Sakura Pink switches are ideal for those who enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with a playful sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow switches are perfect for users seeking a balanced tactile bump and neutral sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their preferences and typing style. Ultimately, whether you choose the Sakura Pink or Thunder Shadow, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you are a delicate typist who prefers a feather-light actuation force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, a medium-heavy bottom out force, and a neutral sound signature, the Thunder Shadow might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing feel. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing habits and preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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