Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type A mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer different qualities to cater to various preferences. The Sakura Pink stands out for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for delicate typists who enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful touch of poppy sounds. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" offers a medium-weight option with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum. While the Sakura Pink is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Frictionless', and 'Muted', the Type A is classified as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type A, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more muted and rounder sound. While the top housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound profile, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Sakura Pink and the Type A continue to showcase their differences in housing materials. The Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound profile. Conversely, the Type A features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a tactile experience that is influenced by the specific material used in this component.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type A can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users. While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their top and bottom housing materials, the decision between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a sharper, resonant sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon, both switches deliver distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Type A linear switch. The Sakura Pink requires 35 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Type A needs 50 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This makes the Sakura Pink ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Type A provides a slightly heavier push feel, perfect for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. As a result, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of keypress depth. The Sakura Pink and Type A switches are equal in this aspect, offering a consistent and comfortable typing feel with their identical travel distances.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 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
In terms of sound, the Sakura Pink switch offers a softer and more playful typing experience with a poppy sound akin to bubble wrap being popped, while the Type A switch leans towards a deeper sound profile that is more on the subdued side. The Sakura Pink switch is muted, minimizing typical mechanical keyboard noise, while the Type A switch provides a neutral and subdued sound suitable for various purposes. However, the actual sound output can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard design and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press typing sensation with a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. The frictionless operation of the Sakura Pink switch contributes to its smooth and fluid typing feel. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Type A switch is not provided. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of feel, but the Sakura Pink switch excels in providing a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sakura Pink switch stands out for its lighter actuation force, playful sound, and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Type A switch is characterized by a deeper sound profile and an undisclosed feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique typing experiences that can enhance your overall keyboarding sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a super light and smooth typing experience with a playful sound profile, you should choose the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch with its 45g bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a deeper sound profile that leans towards the subdued side, the Gateron Type A linear switch with its 55g bottom out force would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between the Sakura Pink and Type A switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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