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HMX Deep Navy vs. Bsun Light Sakura

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

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options between various styles and characteristics. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile and full nylon construction, offering a sumptuous auditory experience paired with silky smooth keystrokes thanks to its Ly stem design. These features make the Deep Navy an excellent choice for those who relish the tactile and acoustic feedback of their keyboards, elevating both gaming and typing experiences. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed with a focus on comfort and discretion. Its ultra-light feel allows for effortless typing, making it perfect for long sessions, while its silent operation is ideal for shared spaces or office environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. Both switches cater to distinct needs: the Deep Navy appeals to those who appreciate sound and tactile feedback, while the Light Sakura is tailored for quiet efficiency. 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

40g

Actuation force

37g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

43g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 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

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

22mm extended spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Bsun Light Sakura, a notable contrast emerges between the nylon and polycarbonate used in their constructions. The Deep Navy uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This is due to nylon’s relatively soft characteristics that absorb sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature enhances sound resonance and clarity, especially notable in its transparent housing ideal for RGB lighting.

Additionally, the differences in sound profiles directly correspond to the unique properties of the materials used. While the nylon of the Deep Navy offers a more muted and absorbent sound, the polycarbonate of the Light Sakura produces a more vibrant audible feedback. This distinction plays a significant role in the overall typing experience; the softness of nylon allows for a less jarring sound when the key bottom outs, while the rigidity of polycarbonate amplifies the acoustic response. The contrasting materials cater to different user preferences in terms of feedback and auditory satisfaction, making them appealing to distinct audiences within the mechanical keyboard community.

However, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Bsun Light Sakura can provide a pleasant typing experience tailored to the type of sound preference the user seeks. If one were to mix elements from each keyboard, creating a switch with both nylon and polycarbonate components, similar typing results could be achieved, albeit with a blend of characteristics. This integration would potentially yield a unique auditory profile that marries the deep, round sounds of nylon with the bright, crisp tones of polycarbonate, allowing users to enjoy the best of both material worlds. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards—dependent on housing material—highlights the nuanced relationship between material properties and user experience in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both are categorized as light switches, albeit with slightly varying specifications. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Light Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that, in terms of actuation, the Light Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Deep Navy’s actuation and bottom out forces, albeit still light, provide a slightly firmer experience. Therefore, while both switches offer a similar light tactile feedback, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, appealing to users seeking a more delicate feel.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch boast an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users pressing down on either key will experience the same physical distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide a comparable feel and responsiveness during typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, those looking for a consistent experience in key actuation can expect similar results from either switch, making them equally viable options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch with a smooth travel profile.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.

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 Deep Navy switch produces a rich, sharp sound profile that engages users with its audible feedback, likely contributing to a more satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate sound cues. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch operates silently, emphasizing discretion and suitability for quieter environments like offices or shared spaces. This leads to a pronounced contrast between the two; while the Deep Navy offers an acoustically rich experience, the Light Sakura prioritizes silence and smooth keystrokes, catering to different preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is notable for its silky smoothness, providing a fluid keystroke experience that many typists find enjoyable. This smoothness, complemented by its full nylon construction, can enhance the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Light Sakura offers an ultra-light feel that reduces fatigue, making it especially comfortable for extended typing sessions. Its gentle actuation further promotes a relaxed typing experience. While both switches excel in their own domains, they cater to different user needs: the Deep Navy for those who enjoy feedback and smooth action, and the Light Sakura for those who prefer a lightweight and quiet touch.

In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and Bsun Light Sakura switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to various typing preferences. The Deep Navy is all about rich sound and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate an engaging typing environment. Conversely, the Light Sakura focuses on silence and comfort, perfect for long sessions without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback or tactile ease during your typing experience, as each switch delivers different yet rewarding attributes.

Conclusion

To summarize, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you appreciate a tactile sound experience and a performance that offers a satisfying auditory feedback while typing, then the Deep Navy switch, with its rich sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, might be the right fit for you. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy typing with a bit more presence and want a switch that contributes to a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize silence and comfort during extended typing sessions or work in a shared office space where noise can be a concern, the Light Sakura switch is designed specifically for that purpose. With its ultra-light feel and discreet operation, it's the perfect choice for minimizing disturbances and reducing fatigue, allowing you to type comfortably for hours on end. Consider your environment and typing style, and you'll find that each switch has unique advantages that cater to different preferences.

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