Everglide Sakura Pink vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sakura Pink and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Everglide Sakura Pink and the SP-Star Yanyu switches, both of which are linear switches. The Sakura Pink switches are best known for their super light actuation force of 35g, making them perfect for delicate typists. They offer a gliding feel and frictionless operation, providing 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 Yanyu switches are ideal for those looking for a more delicate typing experience or for those who type for long periods of time. With a crisp sound profile and a blend of materials, the Yanyu switches offer a subtle, polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Sakura Pink and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials, with the Sakura Pink featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Yanyu has a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings.
In terms of sound profile, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a more pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Its unique blend provides a distinct auditory experience for users.
In terms of feel, when pressing down on the Sakura Pink, the qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Yanyu's blend of housing materials will provide a similar impact on the feel and sound when pressing down on a key. However, it is worth noting that the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, while the Sakura Pink and the Yanyu differ in their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and sound, with slight variations in sound profile between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light forces. The Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 43 grams. These light forces make them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time comfortably. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, both switches may not meet their preferences as both have relatively lighter forces. In such cases, it would be advisable for these users to explore options with heavier forces. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces are not identical for these switches, their lightness offers similar results in terms of easy and comfortable typing experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same amount of travel distance for both switches. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom for both switches.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a delightful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. This adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. While it is not specified whether it leans towards a softer or louder sound, a neutral switch typically produces a moderate sound. However, it is also mentioned that the Yanyu switch has a thocky sound, which implies a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, the Sakura Pink switch offers a more distinctive and playful sound, while the Yanyu switch provides a satisfying and potentially deep sound depending on the specific switch variant.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offers a range of descriptors that indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience. It is described as having a gliding type feel, suggesting a frictionless and fluid keystroke experience. The Sakura Pink switch is also referred to as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, all of which contribute to a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate a more gentle typing experience with a light actuation force and reduced finger strain. The Yanyu switch also offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Sakura Pink switch offers a more pronounced smoothness and effortless feel, while the Yanyu switch focuses on a gentle and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sakura Pink and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sakura Pink switch stands out with its delightfully poppy sound resembling bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to typing sessions. In terms of feel, the Sakura Pink switch offers a gliding type feel with a seamless and effortless typing sensation, providing a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with a light actuation force and smoothness. While the Yanyu switch is described as having a thocky sound, the specific sound profile is not defined, so it is unknown how it compares to the Sakura Pink switch in terms of sound. In general, both switches provide comfortable and enjoyable typing experiences, but the Sakura Pink switch offers a more distinct and pronounced smoothness and playfulness in sound and feel. However, if you are looking for a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time, the Yanyu switch may also be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist or someone who types for long periods of time, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light 45 gram bottom out force and easy-to-press feel, you can enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pink switch produces a playful and poppy sound, adding a fun touch to your keyboarding sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a suitable option. With its slightly lighter 43 gram bottom out force and mild feel, you can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch offers a crisp sound profile and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.