Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its super light 35g actuation force, making it perfect for delicate typists. With a gliding feel and a frictionless operation, this switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboard sessions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that marries the best of both worlds. With a refined sound profile, this switch combines the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. Each press delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile, attributed to its softness.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Sakura Pink and the U4Tx also differ in composition and resulting sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, the top housing of the switch plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the U4Tx incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile. By opting for a softer material, the U4Tx offers a distinct tactile experience and a unique sound profile when compared to the Sakura Pink.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gazzew U4Tx aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their chosen materials. While the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, the U4Tx's proprietary blend offers a rich and deep sound experience. This suggests that both switches can deliver satisfactory sound profiles, albeit with their own distinct characteristics. Therefore, those seeking a sharp, high-pitched sound profile may opt for the Sakura Pink, while those desiring a rich, deep sound experience may prefer the U4Tx. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences. The Sakura Pink has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the exact actuation force for the U4Tx is not available, but it has a considerable bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be the more suitable choice, allowing them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who desire a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push would gravitate towards the U4Tx switch with its heavier bottom out force.
While the actuation force for the U4Tx switch is unknown, it can be expected to deliver a similar result to the Sakura Pink if it is close in weight. However, the notable difference in their bottom out forces implies that the U4Tx will have a noticeably heavier keystroke when fully pressed. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the typing experience and the comfort level for different users' preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Sakura Pink falls within the range of a more traditional travel distance, while the U4Tx is slightly shallower. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance may not be the ideal choice. However, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the U4Tx with its slightly shorter travel distance to be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 U4Tx 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 Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a delightfully poppy sound, similar to the satisfying sound of popping bubble wrap. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are designed to offer a cleaner and refined sound profile. When typing on the U4Tx switches, you can expect a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The sound produced by the Sakura Pink switches is more muted, while the U4Tx switches offer a bassy and muted sound. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switches are described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These attributes contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a seamless and uniform sensation. The U4Tx switches, on the other hand, are characterized by a sharp tactile bump. This means that with each keypress, you will experience a strong and crisp tactile feedback.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Sakura Pink and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sakura Pink switches provide a poppy sound and a smooth, effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches have a cleaner sound profile with a deep thock and quiet topping out sound, accompanied by a sharp tactile bump. Both switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience. However, if you are looking for a switch with a similar sound, the muted attribute of the Sakura Pink and U4Tx switches can provide comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a super light and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feather-light actuation force, making them ideal for delicate typists. They provide a smooth and frictionless operation, giving you a gliding type feel while typing. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a playful and delightful poppy sound, adding an enjoyable touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, if you value a cleaner and refined sound profile along with a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch would suit your needs. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, the U4Tx switches provide a medium-heavy resistance during key presses, resulting in a luxurious typing experience. You can expect a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, paired with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience (Sakura Pink) or a more tactile feedback and refined sound profile (U4Tx).