Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Light Sakura present two appealing options that cater to different typing experiences. The Aliaz, categorized as silky, muted, and polished, is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback with every keystroke. Its medium-heavy weight enhances the typing experience, making it a great choice for users who desire a more substantial feel in quieter environments like offices. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch that excels in delivering an ultra-light and smooth keystroke, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key. This switch operates silently, making it an ideal pick for professionals who need to maintain discretion while working alongside others. While both switches are well-suited for quiet settings, the Aliaz provides tactile feedback while the Light Sakura aims for a gentle and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Light Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, culminating in similarities in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience. This characteristic means that both switches will evoke a similarly resonant auditory feedback when pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes these switches excellent choices for setups featuring RGB lighting, making them visually striking while amplifying the luminosity of the lights that shine through.
While the material composition for both the Aliaz and the Light Sakura is identical, it's worth noting how each switch may exhibit subtle differences due to design choices. With both utilizing polycarbonate throughout, the overall sound characteristics will be very similar, but variations in design feature, such as stem shape or the internal components, might influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The bottom-out sound and feel will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing, while the acoustic performance during release will be more dictated by the top housing. This shared material ensures that enthusiasts who prioritize sound feedback and visual appeal will find either of these switches satisfying.
Ultimately, since both switch models share the same housing material, users can expect consistent a performance and experience in terms of sound quality and RGB compatibility. The polycarbonate construction allows for the realization of a bright and clear auditory profile, so whether one opts for the Gateron Aliaz or the Bsun Light Sakura, they will enjoy a crisp keystroke feel and an aesthetically pleasing light display. However, individual preferences for tactile feedback or the specific characteristics that may enter into their overall typing experience could still lead users to favor one model over the other.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura offers a much lighter typing feel with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who value prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. While the Aliaz's heavier forces provide a satisfying resistance that can lead to improved tactile feedback for some users, the lighter forces of the Light Sakura allow for quicker keystrokes, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a more agile feel. Thus, if you are seeking a switch with a heavier feel, the Gateron Aliaz is the way to go, whereas the Bsun Light Sakura is perfect for those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find that they differ in measurement. The Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you choose the Light Sakura, you'll experience a more immediate response, which may be favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Aliaz's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience when typing. Therefore, for users prioritizing responsiveness, the Light Sakura would be the optimal choice due to its shorter 3.6 mm travel, whereas those who appreciate a more significant keypress may enjoy the Gateron Aliaz's 4 mm travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch stands out as a muted option, specifically designed for environments where noise reduction is a priority. This switch produces a softer, quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is also tailored for quiet operation, ensuring minimal disturbance during use. However, since specific sound characteristics of the Light Sakura switch are not provided, it’s best to assume that its silent design similarly aligns with the Aliaz in achieving quiet performance, making both switches suitable for discreet typing.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Aliaz offers a luxurious typing experience characterized by its silky-smooth action and polished finish. This refined touch allows for reduced friction during key presses, resulting in a sleek and enjoyable typing experience, particularly appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback in a quieter form. The Bsun Light Sakura, being an ultra-light linear switch, is designed for comfort, particularly during extended typing sessions. While the Light Sakura provides a gentler typing experience aimed at reducing fatigue, the lack of specific descriptions means the precise tactile feel remains unknown. However, it can be anticipated that both switches will ensure a pleasant experience in responsive typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Light Sakura switches are designed for silent operation, making them great options for environments where noise is a concern. The Aliaz excels with a specialized tactile feel, combining silky smoothness with a polished finish, whereas the Light Sakura focuses on providing an ultra-light experience aimed at comfort. While the specific tactile qualities of the Light Sakura are not detailed, their shared commitment to quiet use suggests that users will achieve similarly satisfying experiences with both switches depending on personal preference for weight and feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environments in which you work or play. If you find yourself in an office or shared space where a quieter keyboard is essential, the Aliaz is ideal thanks to its muted sound and tactile feedback that allows for substantial typing engagement without disturbing those around you. The heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams also caters to users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke that enhances typing precision. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and prolonged use without inducing fatigue, the Light Sakura proves to be an excellent choice. With its ultra-light force of 43 grams, it offers a smooth, gentle experience perfect for extensive typing sessions and discreet operation. Selecting between these two switches will hinge on whether you value the tactile feedback and weight of the Aliaz or the lightweight and silent nature of the Light Sakura.
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