HMX 1989 vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it appealing to gamers and typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile response and a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed with silent operation in mind, providing a comfortable typing experience without the noise—ideal for those who work in shared spaces or require discretion. With its ultra-light feel, the Light Sakura allows users to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it a standout choice for individuals prioritizing comfort. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Bsun Light Sakura showcase a distinctive contrast in their compositions, primarily in their bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, thus delivering a similar sound profile characterized by crispness and resonance. The shared choice of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of sound but also supports RGB lighting through its translucency. This similarity in top housing materials results in a consistent auditory experience as users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched response from both switches when the keys are released. This choice of material undoubtedly impacts gamers and typists who find the visual appeal of RGB lighting a significant aspect of their keyboard aesthetics.
In contrast, the HMX 1989 employs nylon for its bottom housing, whereas the Bsun Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference introduces a distinctive tonal characteristic between the two switches. Nylon's softer properties produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, helping to absorb sound frequencies and create a more rounded auditory experience. This makes the 1989 a suitable choice for users who favor a more muted typing sound. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura, with its polycarbonate bottom, reinforces the crispness and clarity initiated by the top housing, ultimately leading to an overall sharper sound. This divergence showcases how the varying materials influence the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the full sound profile and tactile response users will experience. In the HMX 1989, the effects of nylon in the bottom housing dominate the sound when bottoming out, yielding a fuller auditory experience complemented by the crispness of the polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, in the Bsun Light Sakura, the synergistic effect of the dual polycarbonate housings fosters a more consistent sharpness throughout the switch's operation. Therefore, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, especially considering that both switches, despite their differences, harness the clarity of polycarbonate in their top housing for a striking RGB-lit performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a preferable option for those who favor a softer touch during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the 1989 is the heavier option, suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial push feel, whereas the Light Sakura caters to users seeking a lighter and more effortless keystroke. This difference in weight can significantly influence the overall typing experience, with the heavier switch offering more resistance and the lighter switch facilitating faster, less strenuous keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options and thus providing a deeper and more pronounced keystroke experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which aligns with the trend towards quicker and more responsive switches, favored particularly by gamers for faster reaction times. Ultimately, those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing might gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while users seeking rapid response and a lighter keystroke may find the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura more appealing. Therefore, the HMX 1989 is the longer switch, while the Light Sakura is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch produces a deep and thocky sound profile, making it a delight for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This distinctive sound can give a satisfying acoustic experience, particularly when typing quickly or engaging in gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is intentionally designed to be quiet and unobtrusive, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, such as offices or shared workspaces. The sound characteristics of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but users can expect the HMX 1989 to deliver a more resonant experience compared to the silent operation of the Light Sakura.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is noted for its heavy, tactile sensation, providing a satisfying resistance with each keystroke, ideal for users who appreciate a robust and engaging typing experience. This quality can enhance both gaming and typing by giving a tactile feedback that some users find addictively rewarding. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura switch boasts an ultra-light feel designed to promote comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Its lightweight action makes it easy to press with little effort, which is perfect for users who prioritize speed and endurance without the strain typically associated with heavier switches.
In conclusion, selecting between the HMX 1989 and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches largely depends on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. The HMX 1989 is suited for those who enjoy a thocky sound and a more robust feel for engaging typing and gaming, while the Light Sakura excels in silence and comfort, making it a prime choice for office use or environments where quiet operation is preferred. Thus, both switches provide unique benefits that cater to different typing experiences, ensuring that newcomers can find a suitable option based on their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a deeper, thockier sound and feel while typing, the HMX 1989 is an excellent option, especially for gaming or more tactile experiences. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams strikes a balance that provides a satisfying resistance, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy feedback during their key presses. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is perfect for anyone seeking a lightweight and silent experience. With a bottom out force of only 43 grams, it caters well to long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while remaining discreet enough for public or shared office environments. If noise is a significant concern or you value comfort above all else, the Light Sakura should be your go-to switch. By understanding these key attributes, you can confidently select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment preferences.
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