Huano Sakura vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Sakura switches are celebrated for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them exceptionally suited for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. This linear switch allows for smooth key presses without tactile feedback, ideal for those who favor a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches stand out with their deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. The lengthened single-stage spring provides a bouncy feel, while the standard spring weight ensures these switches are both enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users, appealing to those looking for a more dynamic typing sensation. While both switches are linear, their distinct sound profiles and tactile responses make them interesting contenders for different user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is clear that the two switches employ distinct materials for their top and bottom housings. The Sakura features POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is noted for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. This material enables the Sakura to deliver smooth, clacky feedback while emphasizing longevity in performance. It offers superior shock resistance compared to other materials like Nylon and POM, which enhances the switch's overall resilience. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity results in a more resonant auditory experience, making it particularly well-suited for those who favor a bright sound.
The contrast in the bottom housing materials further delineates the differences between the two switches. The Sakura’s bottom housing is made from Nylon, a classic material known for its sound absorption properties, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts sharply with the Tourmaline Blue’s polycarbonate bottom, which, like its top housing, contributes to a higher-pitched and clearer sound. As a result, the overall expérience of typing on the Sakura may feel warmer and softer compared to the Tourmaline Blue's sharper and more articulated sounds. In essence, the choice of Nylon for the Sakura emphasizes richness and warmth, while the polycarbonate of the Everglide favors brightness and clarity.
While the differences in materials impact the sound and feel of the switches distinctly, they also highlight how the combination of these materials contributes to a unique typing experience. The Sakura’s POK top housing promotes smoothness during key presses, while its Nylon bottom balances that with a fuller sound upon bottoming out, offering a harmonious typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate housings, guarantees a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, emphasizing a sharper auditory feedback. Overall, while both switches maintain the highest quality in terms of construction, the differences in materials lead to a varied yet equally satisfying typing experience that caters to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch with the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel that allows for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, the heavier Tourmaline Blue will provide a firmer feedback, while the lighter Sakura will be easier to press, especially for prolonged use. In summary, if users favor a lighter switch for comfort, the Huano Sakura is the better choice, whereas those seeking a more deliberate keystroke with heft would prefer the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Sakura switch provides a more responsive feel, making it suitable for gamers who prefer quicker actuation and a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press, providing a sense of depth that some users find more comfortable. In summary, if you are looking for a faster response time, the shorter Huano Sakura switch would be the better choice, whereas the longer Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deeper, more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
The Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura switch is characterized by its medium acoustics, which strike a balance that makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without being overly intrusive. This moderate sound profile ensures that it won't disrupt a quiet workspace, making it a great choice for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a deeper, thocky sound that immerses users in a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. This richer sound texture adds a layer of engagement, allowing typists to enjoy each press more fully. Overall, while both switches produce different sound signatures—one being more neutral and the other more resonant—both can be equally pleasing depending on personal preference.
When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch that is designed to minimize finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. This smooth and gentle resistance fosters comfort, making it accessible for extensive use. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents a different typing experience, described as buttery and easy-to-press, which complements its longer single-stage spring for a bouncier feel with every keystroke. Its mildly pronounced characteristics appeal to a broad range of users, ensuring an effortless typing experience that is both pleasant and responsive. While the Sakura focuses on a light and fatigue-free touch, the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a smooth and buoyant keystroke, offering distinct but enjoyable sensations.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches cater to unique typing preferences. The Sakura provides a balanced acoustic and a feather-light feel, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use without causing fatigue, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a deeper sound and a more bouncy, buttery feel that can enhance the typing experience through its engaging auditory and tactile response. Individuals can choose based on their prioritization of sound or feel, and although each switch has its unique qualities, both can provide satisfying results for their respective user bases.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a lightweight touch and are looking for a switch that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, then the Sakura is clearly the better option for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force and medium acoustics create an environment perfect for long hours of writing or gaming without causing strain. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will likely be more appealing. With its 67-gram bottom-out force, deep thocky sound profile, and a smooth keystroke feel, it's ideal for users who appreciate a stronger tactile response and indulge in the satisfying acoustics that accompany each keypress. In essence, choose the Sakura for effortless comfort and longevity in use, while opting for the Tourmaline Blue when you seek auditory satisfaction coupled with a bouncy bounce in your typing rhythm.
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