Gateron Melodic vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Melodic excels in providing a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness due to its dual-railed stems and factory lubing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a smooth and decadent typing experience with its distinct gliding feel and rich, bassy sound profile. While the Melodic is ideal for those who enjoy a crunchy and invigorating typing experience, the Sunset Yellow caters to users looking for a polished and frictionless feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, we find that the Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow boasts a POM top housing, which offers a more muted and deeper sound profile. While both materials contribute to unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the Melodic leans towards a sharper sound, while the POM in the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Melodic utilizes a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile akin to the POM top housing. While both bottom housings offer a deeper sound, the nylon in the Melodic may lean towards a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM in the Sunset Yellow.
Overall, the differing housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound contrasted with the deeper tone of the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing, both switches exhibit a similar deep sound thanks to their respective nylon and POM bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch has a lower actuation force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option, and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which falls in the medium-light category. The Melodic switch offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the Sunset Yellow switch, making it a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite the differing force requirements, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out functions, making them suitable choices for various preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The Melodic switch provides a longer keypress experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a shorter travel distance, ideal for users who prioritize faster response times and quick key presses. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences and needs of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a longer or shorter travel distance in your keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy characteristics, providing a clean and sharp sound profile that immerses users in an auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, with deeper, richer tones resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, creating a satisfying and indulgent typing experience. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can enjoy a pleasant auditory experience based on their sound preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. On the contrary, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is characterized by its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction, offering a sleek and effortless typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, enhancing productivity and typing pleasure for users based on their tactile preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Sunset Yellow switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer premium qualities that ensure a satisfying typing experience, whether users prioritize sound, feel, or both in their mechanical keyboard switch selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy and thocky sound profile with a creamy and polished feel, along with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Sunset Yellow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer, whether it be a classic clicky and tactile feel or a smooth and indulgent glide across the keys.
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