Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular switches that stand out are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its super light 35g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a delicate typing experience. With a gliding type feel and frictionless operation, it provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump when typing, giving a responsive feedback to users. It also provides an unexpectedly plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, providing a unique typing experience. Furthermore, the U4s have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, perfect for those who prefer a muted typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4 have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate makes the sound profile more clear and resonant. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4 has a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This soft plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Sakura Pink.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Sakura Pink has a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This polycarbonate material contributes to the switch's sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Just like with the top housing, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the U4 has a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which adds its own unique characteristics to the switch. The softness of the Gazzew blend plastic creates a different sound profile, giving the U4 switches a distinct and deep tone.
Although the Sakura Pink and U4 have different housing materials, it's worth noting that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities will come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top and bottom housings contribute to similar sound profiles, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend materials give it a different and distinctive sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the U4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams of force, while the U4 requires 62 grams. This makes the U4 a significantly heavier switch when it comes to bottoming out.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience and aim to type for longer periods of time may opt for the Sakura Pink. This switch would be suitable for keyboards used in work or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience should choose switches with heavier forces. For them, the U4 with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better option.
In summary, the Sakura Pink offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, while the U4 provides a slightly heavier experience. However, it is important to note that the actuation forces are fairly similar, so users can expect somewhat comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we find that the Sakura Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Sakura Pink falls into the category of the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, providing a standard key press experience. On the other hand, the U4 offers a shallower travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is more suited for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and may be preferred by those who value responsiveness. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper key press may gravitate towards the Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, both the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4 switches are described as muted, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. However, the U4 switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switches are described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. They provide a smooth and fluid typing experience, with a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. These switches are also easy to press, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. The U4 switches, on the other hand, are known for their sharp tactile bump. With each keypress, there is a distinct and intense feedback that can be felt.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer a light and delicate typing experience with a gliding feel. They produce a playful, poppy sound that adds a touch of fun to keyboarding sessions. The Gazzew U4 switches, in contrast, provide a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a whisper-quiet sound profile. While the Sakura Pink switches excel in smoothness and ease of use, the U4 switches prioritize tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities and can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, newcomers can choose between the Sakura Pink or U4 switches to achieve similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are a delicate typist who values a light and effortless typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be an excellent choice. With its feather-light actuation force and smooth, frictionless operation, these switches provide a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Additionally, the playful and poppy sound they produce adds a fun touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a sharp and intense tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 is the way to go. These silent tactile switches offer a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, combining style with subtlety. While both switches are described as muted in terms of sound, the U4 also features a low-pitched sound profile, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Sakura Pink and the U4 boils down to whether you prioritize a lightweight linear switch or a more tactile experience with a sharp feedback intensity.
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