Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Bsun Tomcat offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Sakura Pink, with its feather-light 35g actuation force, caters to delicate typists seeking a smooth, effortless typing experience reminiscent of gliding across a soft surface. Its playful, poppy sound adds a fun element to each keystroke, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat boasts Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth feel during typing, paired with a resonant sound profile that enhances the overall experience. While the Sakura Pink is celebrated for its muted but buttery touch, the Tomcat provides a more pronounced feedback, appealing to users who prefer a balance of smoothness and acoustic response. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches hinges on personal typing style and sound preference; 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and Bsun Tomcat both feature polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound profile. This shared material choice contributes to a higher-pitched resonance, which is particularly appealing for users who prefer a clear and articulate auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, making them ideal for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. As such, both switches will deliver similar auditory experiences when engaged due to their use of the same material in the top housing, facilitating vibrant lighting effects and an appealing sound signature.
However, the differences arise with the bottom housing materials, where the Sakura Pink employs polycarbonate while the Tomcat utilizes nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Tomcat tends to absorb sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer plastic characteristic results in a typing experience where the bottom-out sounds are acoustically softer and rounder. On the contrary, the Sakura Pink maintains the same crisp sound quality throughout due to its uniform use of polycarbonate in both housing sections, providing a coherent auditory feedback that aligns with typing preferences for higher-pitched sounds.
The combination of these housing materials leads to distinct typing sensations in the two switches. With the Sakura Pink's all-polycarbonate design, users can expect a consistent experience, where both the actuation and bottom-out sounds reflect a sharper resonance. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a more rounded and subdued bottom-out noise, while still benefiting from the clarity of the polycarbonate top. Essentially, while both switches can shine in terms of aesthetic lighting capabilities and immediate auditory clarity from the top housing, they diverge significantly in terms of the tactile and sound feedback generated from the different bottom housing materials, aligning with varied user preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura Pink features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions without significant finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience. While both switches allow for comfortable typing, the Sakura Pink's overall lighter force can be preferable for users who seek less resistance, whereas the Tomcat's heavier force may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Ultimately, these differences cater to varying preferences, with the Sakura Pink being ideal for extended use and the Tomcat offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Sakura Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard, providing a deeper keystroke that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers who value responsiveness and quicker actuation times. This shorter distance can translate to faster response rates during intensive gaming sessions. Therefore, if you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Sakura Pink is the better option, while those who lean towards rapid execution may find the Tomcat more appealing.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
The sound profile of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is characterized by a poppy quality, reminiscent of the playful sound associated with bubble wrap being popped. This delightful sound adds a lighthearted aspect to typing, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat’s sound profile is described as resonant, which implies a fuller, more pronounced acoustic character. While both switches may provide distinct auditory experiences, the Sakura Pink leans more towards a cheerful and muted sound, while the Tomcat offers a richer resonance that could vary in perception depending on the rest of your keyboard setup, such as the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink excels with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and frictionless, highlighting a truly smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches require a feather-light actuation force of merely 35g, making them incredibly easy to press, thus reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. They are designed for delicate typing, with minimal resistance that enhances the overall comfort and responsiveness. The Bsun Tomcat switches, with their Ly stems, are also designed for smoothness, suggesting a quality of function likely on par with the Sakura Pink. However, specific nuances in feel for the Tomcat switch have not been detailed, leaving room for uncertainty regarding how they compare in tactile feedback.
In summary, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to distinct preferences in both sound and feel. Sakura Pink shines with its light actuation force and playful, muted sound, emphasizing a smooth and easy typing experience. The Tomcat, with its resonant sound profile, suggests an enjoyable auditory characteristic as well, although its tactile experience lacks detailed descriptors for a complete comparison. For users looking for a serene yet lively typing experience, both switches offer appealing options; ultimately, personal preference will dictate the best choice between these two linear varieties.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Everglide Sakura Pink and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink switches are an excellent option, especially for delicate typists or those who engage in extensive typing sessions. Their 35g actuation force and buttery feel make them ideal for users who value a smooth, gliding operation and want to minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, the muted sound profile allows for a quieter workspace, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly firmer touch with a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switches may be more to your liking. With a bottom-out force of 54 grams, they offer medium-light resistance that can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback while still maintaining a smooth experience thanks to their Ly stems. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what enhances your comfort and enjoyment during typing or gaming—whether it’s the lightweight charm of Sakura Pink or the balanced resilience of Tomcat.