Everglide Sakura Pink vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sakura Pink and HMX Twilight stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their extremely light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for delicate typists seeking a feather-light touch. Their gliding feel and frictionless operation create a smooth and effortless typing experience, while their delightful poppy sound brings a playful dimension to everyday typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a slightly heavier feel with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, resulting in a quieter typing experience that still retains the distinct clacky characteristics beloved by fans of HMX switches. While the Sakura Pinks are perfect for those who prioritize a light, fun, and responsive typing experience, the Twilight appeals to users who prefer more travel distance and a subdued auditory feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Twilight, we find a clear distinction between the two. The Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by a stiffer structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for scenarios where RGB lighting is employed, as its translucency enhances the visual effects of the lighting. The focus on clarity in sound also aligns well with the intention for a more exciting typing experience, making it a favorable choice for enthusiasts seeking vibrant auditory feedback.
On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features nylon housing materials, both for the top and bottom. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more subdued auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound compared to the sharper tone produced by polycarbonate. This characteristic tends to favor users who appreciate a quieter typing experience, as well as those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback during use.
Despite the differences in the housing materials, users can still achieve similar results by prioritizing what they seek in their typing experience. While the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate provides a more vibrant and clear sound, the HMX Twilight compensates with richness and depth. If a user desires a blend of characteristics, they may opt for switches that integrate housing materials from both versions to create a hybrid experience, balancing the sharper sound of polycarbonate with the fuller resonance of nylon. Therefore, while the roofing materials are distinct, users can tailor their choices to meet their preferred auditory and tactile responses across various applications.
Weight
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both offer a unique typing experience, yet they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Twilight's 42 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during long gaming sessions or work tasks. Additionally, the Sakura Pink features a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is also lighter than the Twilight's 50 grams. As such, users seeking a more sensitive feel may prefer the Sakura Pink, while those who enjoy a heavier typing experience might find the Twilight more appealing due to its increased resistance. Overall, if you're looking for lighter forces to enhance your typing comfort, the Sakura Pink stands out as the more suitable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Sakura Pink features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This difference highlights a notable contrast in the switches: the Sakura Pink offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which is often preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you lean towards a hearty depth, the Sakura Pink would be the better choice, whereas the Twilight is more suited for users prioritizing responsiveness and speed.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 noise, likened to the fun sound of popping bubble wrap. This sound adds a cheerful ambiance to the typing experience, enhancing the playful nature of the switch. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is specifically designed to be slightly quieter, thanks to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a more subdued acoustic profile while still retaining some clack. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by various factors like the choice of keyboard, construction, and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switches are characterized by their buttery and creamy sensation, which provides a remarkably smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The very light actuation force of 35g means that typing is effortless and reduces finger fatigue, making them particularly appealing for delicate typists seeking an easy and enjoyable keyboarding experience. The frictionless nature of the Sakura Pink switches enhances this effect, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly over the keys. The feel of the HMX Twilight switches, however, remains undefined in the available information, which leaves a gap in evaluating their tactile quality in comparison.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches are fantastic for those who prioritize a light touch and an enjoyable auditory feedback with a smoother typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight switches cater to individuals looking for a quieter option with a bit more travel distance, albeit with less defined tactile characteristics. While these switches can cater to different preferences, both aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different manners: the Sakura Pink promising a bouncy, playful sound and an effortlessly light feel, while the Twilight offers a more muted auditory experience but lacks comprehensive information on its tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience with a soft, muted sound profile, the Sakura Pink is your best bet. Its feather-light actuation force and buttery feel make it ideal for delicate typists or anyone who types for extended periods and wants to minimize finger fatigue. Moreover, the playful sound of these switches adds a fun element to your keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bit more resistance and a slightly quieter operation but still enjoy linear performance, the HMX Twilight might be more suitable for you. Its extended travel distance could provide you with a different tactile sensation, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without the noise often associated with clackier switches. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: choose Sakura Pink for a relaxed and fun typing experience, or go with the Twilight for a more subdued yet still engaging feel.
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