HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Light Sakura both offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, which makes every keystroke feel effortless. Its visually striking housing, adorned with glitter, complements a clacky sound signature that delights both the eyes and ears, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out due to its silent operation and ultra-light design, catering to those who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions. This switch provides a gentle and fatigue-reducing experience, making it perfect for professionals working in shared spaces where noise can be a concern. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether you're drawn to the vibrant sound and feel of the Blue Topaz or the quiet effectiveness of the Light Sakura. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Light Sakura, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile associated with polycarbonate. Both switches capitalize on the stiffer nature of polycarbonate to produce a clearer and more resonant sound, which is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate the aesthetics of RGB lighting. Given that both switches feature a translucent top housing, they will deliver similar results in terms of light diffusion and sound clarity when RGB lighting is applied, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant and sharp auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Blue Topaz and Light Sakura diverge significantly. The Blue Topaz employs a nylon bottom housing, a material known for its softer, sound-absorbing properties. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that dulls the acoustics, creating a rounder sound when keys bottom out. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura has a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring its top housing. As such, it produces a harmonious sound that remains in line with the higher-pitched characteristics associated with polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material speaks to the overall acoustic profile of each switch, as the Blue Topaz emphasizes warmth and depth through its nylon bottom, while the Light Sakura maintains a consistent brightness with its polycarbonate configuration.
The implications of these material choices become evident when a user interacts with each switch. The distinct bottom housing characteristics of the Blue Topaz will enhance the auditory experience during key presses and bottoming out, making it ideal for users who prefer a fuller sound. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura's all-polycarbonate composition offers a more uniform auditory experience, favoring clarity and brightness. Users looking to explore their preferences in tactile and auditory response will find that the Blue Topaz provides a contrasting depth in sound, while the Light Sakura immerses them in a cleaner, sharper acoustic landscape. Ultimately, understanding these differences will help users tailor their keyboard experience to match their desired auditory aesthetic.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing options for users who prefer less resistance while typing. The Blue Topaz features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Light Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means the Light Sakura is the lighter option, providing a gentler touch ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Blue Topaz, although still on the lighter side, offers a marginally higher resistance, giving a more substantial feel to each keystroke. Despite their differences, both switches will deliver a similar typing experience owing to their overall light characteristics, making them suitable for users seeking comfort without excessive effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it a slightly deeper option, while the Light Sakura comes in at 3.6 mm, which provides a shorter travel distance. This means that if you favor responsiveness in your key presses, the Light Sakura would be the advantageous choice due to its quicker actuation. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more depth in your key presses, the Blue Topaz would cater to that preference. Thus, in this comparison, the Blue Topaz is the longer travel distance switch, while the Light Sakura is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch delivers a distinctively clacky tone that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive with each keystroke. This sound adds an auditory charm that makes typing feel more engaging and lively. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for silent operation, catering to those who prefer discretion in their typing experience. The absence of an audible click or clack means that, while the Blue Topaz creates an energetic atmosphere, the Light Sakura fosters a peaceful environment, making it suitable for office settings where noise levels need to be kept in check.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz switch is characterized by its super smooth actuation and easy-to-press design that requires minimal force to activate. This allows for a fluid typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and promoting ease during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, while specific characteristics of the Light Sakura's feel are unknown, its ultra-light design suggests a similarly comfortable typing experience, likely minimizing resistance and enhancing typing efficiency. Both switches cater to users looking for a lightweight feel, although the Blue Topaz offers a more responsive tactile feedback due to its design.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches present distinct choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Blue Topaz offers a lively and engaging typing experience with its clacky sound and smooth actuation, making it ideal for those who enjoy lively feedback. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura focuses on offering a quiet and comfortable experience for those who prefer subtlety and discretion in their typing habits. While both switches provide lightweight and comfortable options, they cater to different preferences in sound and overall typing atmosphere.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage environment. If you’re looking for a switch that provides a lively tactile sensation combined with a satisfying clacky sound, the Blue Topaz is your ideal choice. Its lightweight actuation at 48 grams ensures that every keypress is easy and effortless, making it especially enjoyable for casual typing, gaming, or anyone who appreciates an auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, if your primary concern is a quieter, more discreet typing experience—such as in a shared office space or during long work sessions—the Light Sakura, with its superior silencing features and even lighter actuation force of 43 grams, would be more suitable. This switch emphasizes comfort, reducing finger fatigue, and enables you to type for extended periods without disturbing those around you. Thus, weigh these characteristics carefully based on your personal needs and environment to choose the switch that will enhance your keyboard experience the most.
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