Huano Sakura vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a fascinating contrast in feel and auditory experience. The Huano Sakura switches are celebrated for their feather-light touch, making them an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions due to their medium acoustics that balance sound and comfort. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches immerse users in a captivating auditory landscape, producing a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, while their medium-weight design caters to a broad range of typists. The unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method of the Sunset Yellow contribute to a distinctly smooth gliding feel, combined with a highly responsive typing experience thanks to their short travel and long-pole stem. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a lightweight feel and comfort of the Sakura or the indulgent sound profile and tactile satisfaction of the Sunset Yellow, both switches offer unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, notable differences emerge in terms of materials and their respective acoustic and tactile properties. The Sakura features a POK top housing, known for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and impressive durability. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which, while still producing smooth performance, has a slightly higher friction coefficient and a more muted sound profile. POK stands out not only for its sturdiness, being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM, but also for its ability to produce a smooth, clacky sound. The distinct auditory experience provided by each material means users may expect different tactile feedback pending the switch design utilized, even if both aim for a superior feel.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches take a different approach with the Huano Sakura employing nylon and the Everglide Sunset Yellow using POM. Nylon’s softer plastic composition offers a unique benefit in terms of sound absorption, which results in a deeper and fuller audio profile that can lend a rounded feel to typing. In contrast, POM’s characteristics contribute to a pleasant sound that, while engaged in the deeper range, still delivers a somewhat more pronounced and consistent experience. This distinction suggests that while both switches share a focus on sound quality, the nuances in their bottom housing materials create different auditory sensations during use, particularly in terms of how they render sound when the key is pressed and released.
Ultimately, while the Huano Sakura and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches employ different materials for their respective tops and bottoms, the qualities of each housing can lead to complimentary results. The effectiveness of the POK or POM top, combined with the unique characteristics of nylon and POM in the bottom housing, showcases how varied combinations can still achieve a balance between smoothness and sound clarity. Therefore, users can expect each switch to offer a distinct feel and auditory experience shaped by the composite nature of its materials, allowing for an exploration of tactile preferences while recognizing the fundamental principles that guide switch design and performance in achieving desirable outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. This difference means that users of the Sakura switch can enjoy a softer touch, while the Sunset Yellow provides a firmer push. Ultimately, for those who favor a more relaxed typing experience, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Sunset Yellow presents a slightly heavier feel for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Sakura switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference means that users of the Sunset Yellow may experience quicker key presses, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel during typing, making it preferable for those who appreciate a deeper actuation. Therefore, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow would be the ideal choice, while the Sakura caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
The Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 Huano Sakura linear switch stands out with its medium acoustics, offering a balanced auditory experience that keeps typing sessions enjoyable without becoming overly intrusive. This quality makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle sound profile during their writing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch produces a captivating and rich sound that is deeper and more resonant. Characterized by a bassy and thocky profile, it provides a satisfying acoustic experience akin to the sound of mahjong tiles colliding, which adds an indulgent layer to every keystroke. While both switches accommodate different preferences, the Sakura provides a gentler sound, whereas the Sunset Yellow focuses on a richer auditory sensation.
On the tactile front, the Huano Sakura switch is renowned for its feather-light touch, which is especially beneficial during prolonged typing sessions, allowing for a comfortable experience without fatigue. The Sunset Yellow, however, excels with its unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method, leading to a distinctly creamy, frictionless feel. Users can expect a luxurious, smooth, and polished typing experience, as if gliding effortlessly across the keys. Although the Sakura offers a lighter touch, the Sunset Yellow compensates with a robust and responsive feel, catering to a different preference in the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches bring their unique strengths to the table. The Sakura switches are optimal for users seeking a lighter, more subdued touch and sound, making them suitable for long typing sessions where quiet operation is crucial. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow switches present a more indulgent acoustic experience alongside a creamy and responsive feel, ideal for those who enjoy a richer typing sound. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will boil down to personal preferences concerning sound and tactile feedback, as both can provide enjoyable and satisfying experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Huano Sakura and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, you should consider what aspects of typing and sound are most important to you. If you prioritize a feather-light keypress and are looking for a switch that will allow for comfortable extended typing sessions, the Sakura is your best option. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams enhances ease of use, making it ideal for those long hours of work or gaming without tiring your fingers. Furthermore, the medium acoustics of the Sakura provide a balanced sound experience that won’t be overly distracting. On the other hand, if you desire a more engaging auditory experience coupled with a slightly heavier feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow will fulfill those needs. With a bottom-out force of 51 grams, it offers a delightful experience characterized by its bassy and thocky sound profile, which is reminiscent of mahjong tiles, enhancing your typing with a rich auditory satisfaction that many find pleasurable. Additionally, the creamy and frictionless feel of the Sunset Yellow contributes to a luxurious typing experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate smooth key travel and response. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you favor a lighter touch with more subdued sound, in which case the Sakura excels, or a richer sound and a creamier typing experience offered by the Sunset Yellow.