Huano Elf vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Bsun Light Sakura both offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, providing a deep sound signature that, paired with a medium-light actuation force, yields a satisfying yet responsive typing experience—perfect for gamers and typists alike who enjoy tactile feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on silent operation and comfort, making it an exceptional choice for those who need to maintain discretion in shared spaces, or for users who engage in long typing sessions; its ultra-light feel further reduces typing fatigue, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort. While both switches cater to different needs, they each showcase the versatility and personalization available in today's mechanical keyboard market. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the switches of the Huano Elf and Bsun Light Sakura exhibit both distinctive qualities and shared characteristics that define their sound profiles and overall performance. The Huano Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which is known for its durability and smooth action, contributing to a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. While POK provides a slightly higher coefficient of friction, resulting in a smooth operation, polycarbonate shines with its clarity, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. This fundamental difference in materials creates a divergence in the auditory experience, with the Elf focusing on smoothness and durability, whereas the Light Sakura prioritizes brightness and clarity.

The bottom housings show an even starker contrast between the two switches. The Huano Elf features a nylon bottom housing, characterized by its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper sound profile. This makes the typing feel warm and rounded, aligning with those who prefer a richer acoustic experience. In stark contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining a stiffer structure that enhances the crispness of each keystroke. This results in a higher-pitched, resonant sound, which can appeal to typists seeking a more modern, lively keyboard experience. The materials utilized in the bottom housing are crucial here, as they largely dictate the tactile feedback and sound when a key is bottomed out, further differentiating the two switches.

Overall, although the Huano Elf and Bsun Light Sakura offer unique auditory experiences shaped by their respective materials, they also share a commonality in their ability to create an engaging typing feel. If both switches were to employ similar materials across their top and bottom housings, one could achieve a balanced sound profile. However, as each switch currently stands, their differing material choices serve to highlight their unique identities. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as the desired aesthetic in a keyboard setup.

Weight

The Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers. The Elf switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the actuation force for the Light Sakura is lighter at 37 grams, making the Sakura an easier switch to press for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. However, the Elf switch does not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to compare on that front. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which indicates a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This difference leads to the conclusion that while the Elf's lighter actuation may provide a smoother feel, the Sakura offers a more defined feedback with its bottom out, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, for those who appreciate a lighter touch, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better option, while those seeking a potentially heftier feel may lean towards the Huano Elf, although more information on its bottom out force would be beneficial for a complete comparison.

Travel distance

The Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch, providing a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable performance in terms of actuation and feedback, highlighting that personal preference for other switch characteristics would play a more significant role in choosing between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch produces a deep sound signature, likely due to its POK top housing, which is engineered for enhanced acoustics. This characteristic results in a more resonant typing experience, making it satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for silent operation, which means it will produce minimal sound, making it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept low. The contrast between the deep thump of the Elf and the near-silent operation of the Light Sakura will appeal to different users based on their sound preferences and typing environments.

In terms of feel, the Elf switch provides a medium-light experience, allowing for a responsive and pleasant typing action without being overly taxing on the fingers. This makes it a good option for those who enjoy a balanced feel while typing. Conversely, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light feel, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize comfort in long work or gaming sessions. The Elf's more moderate weight compared to the Sakura's feather-light action offers distinctly different tactile experiences, catering to users with varying typing style preferences.

In summary, both the Huano Elf and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user needs. The Elf switch delivers a rich auditory experience accompanied by a medium-light feel, perfect for those who appreciate sound and a balanced typing action. In contrast, the Light Sakura excels in creating a quiet and ultra-light typing experience, making it an excellent choice for extended use in noise-sensitive environments. Users can select based on sound preference and tactile feel, discerning their ideal switch according to their specific typing habits and settings.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a medium-light feel and appreciate a deeper sound signature, the Huano Elf could be the perfect fit for you. Its engaging acoustics may enhance your typing experience, especially if you find pleasure in the tactile feedback and sound that come with each keypress. On the other hand, if your primary concern is comfort during long typing sessions, especially in settings that require a quieter operation, the Bsun Light Sakura should be your go-to option. Its ultra-light feel combined with silent actuation makes it ideal for those who prioritize discretion and reduced fatigue without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—whether you seek a more auditory and engaging feedback with the Elf or a peaceful, ergonomic experience with the Sakura.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more