Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Sunset Yellow switches are renowned for their captivating sound profile that brings to mind the satisfying clatter of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich and bassy tone, typing becomes a truly indulgent experience. These linear switches are medium-weight, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, their unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, resulting in a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a more delicate typing experience, making them ideal for users who spend extended periods at the keyboard. Their material blend produces a crisp and subtle sound profile. Both switches share similarities in being polished and thocky, but the Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and mild experience while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamier and more frictionless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Sunset Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu both utilize unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Yanyu incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, resulting in a brighter sound that is not particularly sharp. Despite these differences, both switches offer pleasing sound profiles that are considered unique.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Sunset Yellow once again utilizes a POM material, leading to a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Yanyu implements a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing. This unique blend contributes to a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. It is interesting to note that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of material composition, they both aim to deliver enjoyable sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Sunset Yellow create a pleasing and unique deeper sound, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top and bottom housings of the Yanyu produce a pleasant, slightly brighter sound. It is clear that the choice of housing materials directly influences the overall sound profile of these switches. However, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results, albeit with different tonal characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Sunset Yellow switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium-light touch to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the Yanyu switch's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to assess its specific requirement. However, the Yanyu switch does have a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a relatively light touch needed to fully depress the key.
Considering the weight aspect, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force than the Yanyu switch, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing or gaming. This heavier actuation force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Yanyu switch's light bottom out force may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as it allows for a more effortless keystroke.
Overall, while the actuation force remains unknown for the Yanyu switch, comparing it to the Sunset Yellow switch reveals that the latter offers a slightly heavier touch both for actuation and bottoming out. However, if a lighter touch is desired, the Yanyu switch's light bottom out force may provide a similar result. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their distances. The Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Yanyu has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu switch has the longer travel distance. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, providing a sense of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.2 mm in the Sunset Yellow switch offers a shorter and more responsive experience, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If one prefers a deeper and more substantial feel, the Yanyu switch with its longer travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, if a more responsive and quicker keypress is desired, the Sunset Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance would provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
The Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is best known for its captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The switch offers a rich, bassy, and decadent sound when typing, creating an indulgent experience. It is described as "bassy" and "thocky," meaning it produces a deep and satisfying sound with lower frequency ranges. The sound is characterized by a deeper tone and richness associated with bass tones. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more immersive and distinctive auditory experience during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is known for its more delicate sound profile. It is described as "neutral" and "thocky," offering a moderate sound with a satisfying thud or knock when the key is pressed and released. The Yanyu switch provides a crisp sound, but it is less pronounced and bassy compared to the Sunset Yellow. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow would be the more suitable choice.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is characterized by a smooth and buttery typing experience. It is described as "creamy," "frictionless," and "polished," providing a silky sensation when typing. The switch glides effortlessly, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This is achieved through the application of lubricant at the factory and the use of specific materials. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience. It is described as "mild," "feathery," "subtle," and "polished." The Yanyu switch has a gentle resistance and requires less exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches offer a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and pleasant typing experience. However, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch leans towards a creamier and more frictionless feel, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a lighter and gentler sensation.
In conclusion, the Everglide Sunset Yellow and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sunset Yellow provides a rich, bassy, and indulgent sound experience, suitable for users who enjoy a more immersive auditory feedback. It offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, ensuring smooth and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate sound profile, characterized as neutral and thocky. It provides a more gentle typing experience, reducing finger fatigue with its feathery and subtle feel. Both switches offer a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel. Ultimately, whether opting for the Everglide Sunset Yellow or the SP-Star Yanyu, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the way to go. With its rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Additionally, the medium-weight of the Sunset Yellow makes it suitable for a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or anticipate typing for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the ideal choice. These Yanyu switches offer a crisp sound profile and are perfect for users seeking a lighter actuation force. Furthermore, the Yanyu's material blend and factory lubing provide a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu will depend on your preference for sound, weight, and feel.
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