Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the perfect fit for your typing style and preferences is essential. Two switches that offer unique experiences are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4T. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch, known for its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a delicate typing style. It offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding, with a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. On the other hand, the U4T is a tactile switch that combines thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Both switches have their unique charms and advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and Gazzew U4T switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the U4T boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing. These materials differ in terms of stiffness and softness, respectively. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, resulting in a more transparent and resonant audio experience. Conversely, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a deep and rich sound due to its softness.
Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Sakura Pink features polycarbonate, while the U4T incorporates their proprietary Gazzew blend. Again, the polycarbonate material of the Sakura Pink contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when bottoming out the keys. Conversely, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T enhances the impact and feel upon pressing the keys, potentially offering a more satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
Overall, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Sakura Pink provide a consistently clear and resonant sound profile, the Gazzew U4T switches offer a richer and deeper sound due to their proprietary blend used in both the top and bottom housing. Both switches offer unique audio experiences tailored to different preferences. However, if you are seeking a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a softer and more satisfying typing feel, the U4T with its Gazzew blend housing would be a suitable option.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, meaning it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4T is not available, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of lightness or heaviness. When it comes to bottom out force, the Sakura Pink requires 45 grams of force to reach the bottom, while the U4T requires a heavier 62 grams.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Those who prefer lighter switches can enjoy extended typing sessions and find them ideal for work keyboards or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer switches with heavier forces for a more substantial typing experience.
In terms of actuation force, the Sakura Pink offers a lighter typing experience compared to the U4T, as its force requirement is known to be lower. However, since the actuation force of the U4T is unavailable, it is challenging to make a direct comparison.
When it comes to bottom out force, the U4T's 62 grams provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience compared to the Sakura Pink's lighter 45 grams. In this aspect, the U4T is certainly on the heavier side.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may be drawn to the Sakura Pink, while individuals who enjoy a heavier and more tactile feel may find the U4T to be a better fit.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the tactile sensation felt when pressing down on a key. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring consistency and comfort for keyboard users.
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 U4T 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, the Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. This muted sound is reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the U4T switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is characterized by a deeper and richer tone. This switch offers a satisfying auditory experience with its lower frequency range and distinct tactile feedback. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These qualities result in a smooth and fluid typing experience with seamless and effortless keystrokes. The switch requires minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The U4T switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It provides a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. This tactile satisfaction enhances the overall typing experience.
In comparison, the Sakura Pink switch offers a light and delicate typing experience with a smooth and effortless feel, accompanied by a playful sound profile. On the other hand, the U4T switch provides a more tactile and satisfying experience with its sharp feedback and bassy thock sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you are looking for a similar smooth and effortless typing experience with a quieter sound, the Sakura Pink switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more tactile and audible experience, the U4T switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a feather-light typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pinks have a gliding type feel with a frictionless operation, making every keystroke seamless and easy. Additionally, they provide a delightful and playful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. On the other hand, if you're seeking a satisfying tactile feedback along with a deep and rich sound profile, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer an assertive tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The U4Ts embody a perfect fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for either a light and smooth typing experience or a more satisfying tactile feedback.
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