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Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Gateron Type L

An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When looking for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type L stand out as top contenders. The Sakura Pink is favored for its super light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for gentle typists who enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Type L from Gateron is part of Sillyworks' innovative "Project Rehash," offering a contemporary take on classic travel distances with a light 45g bottoming out force. The Sakura Pink is described as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Frictionless', 'Muted', while the Type L is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches boast unique qualities that cater to different preferences, 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

38g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

45g

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

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Type L, we can see that they both have different top and bottom housings. The Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, the sound produced is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Type L uses nylon for both top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This allows for an visually appealing experience when combined with RGB lighting effects. The Gateron Type L, on the other hand, does not offer the same level of transparency with its nylon top housing. While both housing types offer their unique sound profiles, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing has the added benefit of enhancing the visual experience of the switch.

When it comes to typing experience, the differences in housing materials become more apparent. The bottom housing of both switches will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing offering a sharper sound profile and the Type L's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper sound profile. Meanwhile, the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink creating a crisper sound compared to the rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Type L. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.

Weight

The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch both have light actuation and bottom out forces, with the Sakura Pink being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force at 35 grams compared to the Type L's 38 grams. However, they both share the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users can expect a similarly light typing experience with both switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Sakura Pink, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push may opt for the Type L. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force when typing or gaming for extended periods of time.

Travel distance

The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar feedback and actuation points when using either of these switches. This similarity in travel distance ensures that individuals who prefer a shorter or longer switch will get consistent results with both the Sakura Pink and Type L switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors, such as sound, smoothness, or actuation force.

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 L 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 Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is known for its delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, providing a playful touch to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound that elegantly veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. While the Sakura Pink produces a more lively and playful sound, the Type L emits a more mellow and subdued tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Sakura Pink being more distinct and the Type L being more subtle.

When it comes to feel, the Sakura Pink switch is described as offering a buttery, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The light actuation force of the Sakura Pink switch makes typing gentle and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch is characterized by a feathery and easy-to-press feel. These switches require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable for longer durations. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and lightweight typing experience, with the Sakura Pink offering a more buttery feel and the Type L being feather-light and easy to press.

In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sakura Pink is known for its lively and poppy sound, coupled with a buttery and creamy typing feel. In contrast, the Type L switch provides a more subdued sound and a feathery, easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the playful and distinct sound of the Sakura Pink or the mellow and subtle sound of the Type L. Both switches deliver a smooth and effortless typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a super light and effortless typing experience with a poppy sound, the Sakura Pink with its 35g actuation force is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and a light actuation force of 45g, the Gateron Type L might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a feather-light feel and playful sound (Sakura Pink) or a deeper sound signature and light press (Type L). Consider your typing style and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

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