HMX EMO vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and the Bsun Light Sakura each offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX EMO is characterized by its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for users who crave a satisfying and smooth typing experience that enhances their performance. Its factory-lubed design contributes to an effortless, bouncy sensation that many gamers and typists find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is engineered for a quiet and comfortable typing experience, featuring an ultra-light touch that minimizes fatigue during extended sessions. Ideal for office environments and shared spaces, this switch prioritizes discretion without sacrificing comfort, making it suitable for those who need to type in close proximity to others. While the EMO switch exuberantly invites tactile engagement, the Light Sakura focuses on serenity and functionality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
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
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
The HMX EMO and the Bsun Light Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, giving them a distinct sound profile that is characterized by sharpness and clarity. The polycarbonate material, being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance and allows for a high-pitched sound, making each keystroke feel more responsive and precise. This shared use of polycarbonate not only ensures that both switches will deliver a crisp auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency, but also leads to a similar aesthetic appeal. Users who appreciate a clear and vibrant sound profile along with the visual allure of RGB lighting will find common ground in both models.
However, a significant divergence exists in the choice of bottom housing materials. The HMX EMO utilizes nylon, a softer plastic that contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This choice creates a rounded bottom-out sound, as nylon absorbs more sound energy than polycarbonate, contrasting with the sharper characteristics exhibited in the top housing. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura maintains the consistency of polycarbonate throughout its construction, resulting in a cohesive sound profile that mirrors the top housing's clarity. This means that while both switches excel in producing clear and resonant sounds from the tops, the EMO's nylon bottom adds a layer of warmth and depth that the Light Sakura lacks, thereby impacting the overall keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the different choices for bottom housing will influence how each switch feels and sounds during use. The EMO's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom allows for a balanced interaction, where the sharper tones from the top complement the fullness of the nylon bottom. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura, with its dual polycarbonate design, offers a more uniform sound signature that may appeal to users looking for a flat, bright auditory experience. This distinction emphasizes that while the top housings may yield similar results in terms of sound clarity, the bottom housing materials distinctly shape the overall acoustic profile and tactile feedback of each switch, enabling users to choose according to their personal preference.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing options for users seeking a comfortable typing experience during extended sessions. The EMO switch requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Light Sakura slightly edges out with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura is the lighter of the two, providing a softer feel when typing. Both switches offer a similar experience in that they are designed for lighter keystrokes, which can facilitate longer hours of use without fatigue. Overall, while the HMX EMO is slightly heavier than the Light Sakura, both switches provide a lightweight typing experience with only minor differences in their force specifications.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the EMO measuring at 3.5 mm and the Light Sakura at 3.6 mm. This means that the Light Sakura offers a marginally longer travel distance compared to the EMO, potentially providing a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the EMO may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the choice may ultimately depend on personal preference; those who enjoy a more responsive feel may lean towards the EMO, while those who appreciate a more traditional keypress experience may prefer the slight depth of the Light Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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 EMO switch is characterized by a lively and clacky tone, adding a pronounced auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable and engaging. This can create a more interactive and responsive typing experience, reminiscent of traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is engineered for near-silent operation, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. This switch allows for undisturbed typing sessions, ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. Together, these switches cater to different preferences: one prioritizes sound feedback, while the other focuses on discretion.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch stands out for its lively, bouncy experience, aided by a feather-light bottom-out force of just 46g. This creates an effortless typing motion that many users find satisfying and smooth, ideal for both typing and gaming. Conversely, the Light Sakura switch provides an ultra-light feel that promotes comfort during extended periods of use. It's designed specifically to reduce fatigue, allowing for sustained typing without physical strain. Each switch offers a unique tactile experience, emphasizing different aspects of typing comfort and responsiveness.
Overall, both the HMX EMO and Bsun Light Sakura switches have distinct characteristics that cater to varying typing preferences. The EMO excels in providing a lively auditory experience and a responsive feel, while the Light Sakura focuses on silent operation and comfort for lengthy sessions. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether one values sound and feedback or quietness and ergonomics in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch will largely depend on your typing style, environment, and personal preferences. If you appreciate a lively typing experience with a satisfying clack and are looking for a switch that provides immediate feedback, the EMO switch would be a great pick. Its slightly heavier 46g bottom-out force and exceptional factory lubrication create a bouncy feel that many find enjoyable, making it ideal for those who favor a tactile sensation while typing and may not mind a bit of sound. Conversely, if you work in a shared space or prioritize a quiet and unobtrusive experience, the Light Sakura switch is the way to go. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it's designed for comfort during long typing sessions without the noise that might disturb others around you. This switch offers a gentle feel that's ideal for those who want to type for extended periods without the distraction of sound. Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether you value auditory feedback and a more dynamic feel or prefer a silent, smooth experience that minimizes fatigue.
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