Everglide Sakura Pink vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Sakura Pink is a linear switch that is perfect for delicate typists due to its super light 35g actuation force, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai, another linear switch, boasts a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and precise performance. While the Sakura Pink is described as 'buttery' and 'easy-to-press', the Xinhai is labeled as 'bouncy' and 'clacky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into the specifics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
37g
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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have the same material for their top housing, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing provides consistency in sound quality throughout the switch's keystroke, while the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate, which maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. This provides a sharp, clear sound that complements the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Xinhai features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a different typing experience for each switch, with the Sakura Pink offering a consistent and sharp sound profile, while the Xinhai provides a deeper and rounder sound with each keystroke.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience they deliver. Both the Everglide Sakura Pink and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate offering consistency in sound throughout the keystroke, while the Xinhai's nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar bottom out forces of 45 grams. However, the Sakura Pink is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams. This slight difference in actuation force may not be significant in terms of typing experience for many users, as both switches fall within the light force category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink may be the better choice, as the lighter actuation force can lead to less fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, those who prefer a slightly more tactile feel may opt for the Xinhai with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may make it more appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different key press experience, with the Sakura Pink providing a more substantial feel and the Xinhai offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 switch offers a muted typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, while producing a softer and quieter sound similar to bubble wrap being popped. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch has a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and uniform. The light actuation force of 35g makes typing gentle and easy, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The switch is also described as frictionless, providing a fluid travel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed, similar to the smooth and buttery sensation of the Sakura Pink switch.
Overall, both the Everglide Sakura Pink and HMX Xinhai switches offer a unique typing experience with their own distinct qualities. While the Sakura Pink switch provides a softer and quieter sound with a light and effortless typing feel, the Xinhai switch offers a crisp and percussive sound with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your typing preference and environment. If you are a delicate typist looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful sound profile, the Sakura Pink switch with its super light 35g actuation force and buttery feel might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique acoustics profile, crisp sound, and bouncy feel, the Xinhai switch with its softer acoustics and PA12 top housing could be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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