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HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Light Sakura

An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly affect your typing experience. On one hand, the HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness and a delightful typing experience, featuring a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that many typists find exhilarating. Weighing in as some of the lightest switches on the market, they offer an almost effortless keystroke, making them a favorite among gamers and fast typists looking for speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura switches cater to a different niche, prioritizing comfort and discretion. With their silent operation and ultra-light design, they are specifically crafted for long typing sessions typical in office environments, where minimizing noise and fatigue is crucial. This focus on quiet efficiency makes them an excellent choice for those who work in shared spaces where distractions should be kept to a minimum. Each switch has its distinct advantages, tailored to varying preferences and environments; 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

43g

Actuation force

37g

Bottom-out force

46g

Bottom-out force

43g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Nylon

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-staged spring

Spring

22mm extended spring

Housing materials

The HMX Cheese and Bsun Light Sakura switches showcase distinct materials used for their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Cheese features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softness, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and translucence. This material creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, providing a higher-pitched auditory experience. Consequently, when typing on the Cheese, the notes will resonate with a rich depth, while the Light Sakura will deliver a more precise and bright sound, highlighting the differences even with an RGB lighting backdrop.

Similarly, both switches employ different materials for their bottom housings, which further separates their performance Profiles. The HMX Cheese again uses nylon, lending itself to the same deep sound characteristics observed in the top housing, reinforcing its overall mellow resonance. On the other hand, the Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing that enhances the clarity of sound and feel when bottoming out. The impact of the bottom housing becomes particularly noticeable during keystrokes; the nylon in the Cheese rounds the sound experience, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Sakura introduces a more dynamic interaction that can emphasize sound clarity when keys are pressed down.

The combination of different materials in both switches creates a unique auditory experience depending on the key action. Typing on the Cheese will yield a more cohesive sound that is plush and full, derived from the consistent use of nylon in both housing components. Meanwhile, the distinct use of polycarbonate in the Light Sakura's housings results in a dual-layer sound profile, creating sharper contrasts between the pressing and releasing of the keys. This differentiation suggests that while the switches deliver varying auditory experiences, they each have merit depending on the user’s sound preference; a softer profile from the Cheese or a sharper resonance from the Sakura can cater to distinct typing styles and aesthetic choices.

Weight

The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who favor a softer typing experience. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Light Sakura is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Light Sakura the lighter of the two options, which may be preferable for those looking for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Cheese offers a marginally heavier feel, providing a bit more resistance that some users might appreciate for a more substantial touch when typing. Both switches exhibit similar behaviors in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in a comparable overall performance profile, but the noticeable differences in weight may sway users towards one switch over the other based on their personal typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Cheese switch provides a marginally shorter travel distance, which may deliver a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quick keypresses. On the other hand, the Light Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a more substantial depth, creating a less abrupt keypress experience. Therefore, while both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the HMX Cheese would be ideal for those seeking a snappier response, whereas the Bsun Light Sakura would be better suited for those who appreciate a little more depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.

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 Cheese linear switch delivers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory signature that stands out from many other switches. This lively sound is great for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience, making it ideal for users who want their keystrokes to resonate with character. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura is crafted to be exceptionally quiet, catering to those who prefer muted keystrokes that won't disturb others in shared spaces or office environments. Its silent operation pairs well with its design ethos of comfort and discretion, resulting in a soundscape that’s noticeably subdued compared to the Cheese switch.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, providing an exceptionally luxurious typing experience with its ultra-lightweight construction. This quality allows it to glide effortlessly under the fingers, making it feel less tiring during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura also promotes an ultra-light feel that prioritizes comfort, making it equally suitable for extended use. While both switches offer an ultra-light experience, the HMX Cheese leans into smoothness and responsiveness, while the Light Sakura emphasizes a gentle touch that reduces fatigue.

In conclusion, the choices between the HMX Cheese and Bsun Light Sakura switches come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. If you value a lively and engaging auditory feedback, the Cheese's clacky sound will appeal to you, whereas the Light Sakura offers a whisper-quiet experience well-suited for quieter environments. In terms of feel, both provide ultra-light actuation, allowing for fatigue-free typing, but the Cheese shines with its smoothness, while the Sakura focuses on mild comfort. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend largely on whether you prioritize sound and expressiveness or a discreet and gentle typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal use case and environment. If you favor an engaging typing experience with a light, smooth feel and enjoy the auditory feedback of a clacky, poppy sound signature, the Cheese switch will be your go-to. Its 46-gram bottom-out force provides both responsiveness and lightness, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for a lively feel. On the other hand, if you require a switch that excels in quietness and comfort for long typing sessions, the Light Sakura is tailored for you. With just 43 grams of bottom-out force, its ultra-light touch minimizes fatigue, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where a discreet typing experience is essential. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you prioritize an expressive auditory experience and tactile feedback with the Cheese or a silent, fatigue-reducing feel with the Light Sakura.

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