Everglide Sakura Pink vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness offer distinctly different experiences that cater to various typing preferences. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch designed for those who favor a light touch; with an impressively low actuation force of just 35g, it provides a smooth, frictionless typing experience akin to gliding over a soft surface. This switch is favored by delicate typists who appreciate the satisfying pop of sound akin to bubble wrap, making each keystroke feel both playful and effortless. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who seek a tactile sensation while typing. With its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, this switch strikes a compelling balance between feeling satisfying to type on and producing a balanced sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference—whether you desire a buttery, light touch or a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and Gateron Weightlessness switches employ distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This creates a sharper, crisper sound profile that resonates more clearly, making it particularly suited for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a softer and more muted sound. This leads to a deeper and fuller auditory experience as nylon absorbs more sound waves than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials serve the same function of housing the switch components, the contrasting properties impart differentiated auditory experiences when typing.
The bottom housings of both switches align closely with their respective top housing materials, reinforcing the tonal characteristics established at the top. Both the Sakura Pink and Weightlessness feature polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, for their bottom housings, echoing the same sound profiling observed in the top housings. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contributes to its already crisp sound, reinforcing its signature sharpness and making it resonate further upon actuation. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Weightlessness continues to foster a deeper, fuller sound profile, amplifying its softer auditory feedback. As such, the different materials in the bottom housings not only maintain the core tonal characteristics of each switch but also interact with the top housing to deliver a well-rounded typing experience.
Fundamentally, the choice of housing material in each switch profoundly impacts the typing experience, shaping both the sound profile and tactile feedback. The unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a layered auditory output when actuating the switches. For the Sakura Pink, the clear and resonant elements of polycarbonate result in a feedback experience that is bright and vivid. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness crafts an auditory experience that is rich and enveloping due to nylon's sound absorption properties. However, when comparing results from a practical typing experience, users will notice that the interplay between top and bottom materials showcases the diversity offered by these materials, allowing for a distinct yet complementary experience across different switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while information about the bottom out force of the Weightlessness remains unknown. The Sakura Pink is characterized by its lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, allowing for longer usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who might favor a more substantial and tactile typing feel. While the bottom out force for the Gateron switch is unspecified, it is likely that the added resistance in the actuation force compensates for the absence of a defined bottom out pressure. Overall, if users seek a lighter switch for extended use, the Sakura Pink is the clear option, while the Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a heavier force for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's clear that the Sakura Pink offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference reflects a broader trend in switch preferences: gamers often lean towards shorter distances for quicker response times, making the Weightlessness an appealing choice for those seeking immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, with its greater travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for responsiveness or depth, with a clear winner in length being the Sakura Pink.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 stand out with a delightfully poppy noise that resembles the satisfying sound of bubble wrap being popped. This unique auditory feedback adds a playful element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have a balanced sound profile, though specifics about their decibel level or quality of sound are not provided. This suggests that while the Weightlessness may have a more muted sound experience compared to the vibrant sounds of the Sakura Pinks, they still deliver a pleasant auditory response, keeping the overall noise level reasonably controlled.
Regarding feel, the Sakura Pink switches excel with their creamy, buttery, and frictionless operation. They demand a feather-light actuation force of just 35g, making them extraordinarily easy to press. This seamless keystroke experience reduces finger fatigue, making them a joy for those who type for extended periods. The tactile sensation is smooth, allowing for seamless transitions between keys. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are known for providing a subtle to moderate tactile feel. While their tactile experience may not be as pronounced or fluid as that of the Sakura Pinks, their balance suggests a pleasant typing experience. However, without further descriptors, it is difficult to ascertain their exact characteristics.
In conclusion, if you're drawn to a more playful auditory experience and a very light, effortless feel while typing, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are undoubtedly an excellent choice. Their buttery and frictionless nature is a clear advantage for typing comfort and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile with a balanced tactile response, the Gateron Weightlessness switches might fit the bill, providing comfort and satisfaction without the flamboyance of the Sakura Pinks. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find the experience that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing style and personal preferences. If you prefer a super light actuation, slick feel, and a whimsical typing experience, the Sakura Pink is an excellent option. With its feather-light 35g actuation force, buttery smooth keystrokes, and delightful poppy sound, it's ideal for delicate typists or anyone looking to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more grounded typing experience with tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness switch caters to that preference. While the exact bottom-out force is unknown, the subtle to moderate tactile feedback can enhance your typing precision without being overly pronounced. Its balanced sound profile makes it a versatile choice for various tasks, whether you're gaming or typing up a report. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to whether you want the lighthearted ease of the Sakura Pink or the subtle dependability of the Weightlessness.