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TTC Flame Red vs. Bsun Light Sakura

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

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and Bsun Light Sakura stand out as two impressive options, each catering to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Flame Red switch is celebrated not only for its dazzling light diffuser, which elevates the aesthetics of any RGB keyboard, but also for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, offering a tactile sensation that many typists relish. This switch is an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value both visual appeal and a satisfying auditory feedback with a categorized feel of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished.' On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for those who prioritize silence and comfort, boasting an ultra-light feel that minimizes strain during prolonged use. Its discreet operation makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces, appealing to users who desire a gentle, fatigue-reducing typing experience without causing disturbances. Ultimately, while each switch has its unique advantages and target user base, it's essential to dive deeper beyond generalities to help you determine which switch best suits your specific needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

37g

Bottom-out force

54g

Bottom-out force

43g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

24.5mm long spring

Spring

22mm extended spring

Housing materials

The TTC Flame Red and Bsun Light Sakura differ significantly in their housing materials, which affects their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing that is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, resulting in a more muted audio experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, making it suitable for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback.

Both switches exhibit the same contrasting pairing in their bottom housing materials. The Flame Red again utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which complements the softer, fuller acoustic profile it creates. This combination leads to a rounded sound that characterizes the typing experience on the Flame Red switches. Conversely, the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a lift in sound clarity and a more sustained audio response. This allows the Light Sakura to consistently manifest a sharper acoustic profile throughout the typing experience.

Despite their differences, it's important to note that if one desired a similar auditory experience when using both switches, adjustments could be made in typing technique or acoustics of the surrounding environment. For instance, using sound-dampening materials with the polycarbonate Light Sakura could potentially soften its sharper sound profile, enabling a sound experience akin to that of the Flame Red. On many typing surfaces, the tactile and auditory qualities from both configurations can indeed reach harmonious outcomes, especially when factoring in user preference and typing style, ultimately allowing for satisfactory results with either switch choice.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out force that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura switch is generally more sensitive and requires less effort to activate, which could be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Flame Red switch may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, providing a tactile response that some find more satisfying. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Bsun Light Sakura, while those who enjoy a stronger push should consider the TTC Flame Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches, the Flame Red measures 4 mm, while the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Flame Red offers a more substantial travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and deeper feel when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Light Sakura, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, is likely to provide a more responsive experience, making it a suitable choice for gamers or those who favor quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you seek a hearty depth, the Flame Red is the better option, while the Light Sakura might be preferable for those valuing speed and quick response times due to its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.

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

The sound characteristics of the TTC Flame Red and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Flame Red switches have a neutral sound profile, balancing a moderate actuation force with a sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet. This versatility makes them suitable for a variety of settings, whether for casual home use or more formal work environments. In contrast, the Light Sakura switches are designed for silence, providing a very discreet typing experience ideal for shared spaces or office settings. The quiet operation of the Light Sakura enhances its appeal for users who wish to type without drawing attention or disturbing others.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the TTC Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience. These qualities combine to create a gentle yet satisfying feedback as you type, making them accessible for both beginners and experienced users. The polished finish contributes to a smooth keystroke, reducing friction during key presses and allowing for comfortable, prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Light Sakura is unknown, but given its focus on comfort and fatigue reduction, it likely provides a lightweight and possibly smooth experience tailored for prolonged use.

In summary, the TTC Flame Red and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch strikes a balance with its neutral sound and mild, polished feel, making them versatile for various environments. The Light Sakura, designed for discretion and comfort, may appeal to users prioritizing a quiet typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfaction to different types of users, whether you desire a more dynamic typing experience or a tranquil one.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, your choice should be guided by your specific needs and preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force with a smooth, polished feel and a mildly clacky sound profile, the Flame Red switches would be an excellent fit, especially if you enjoy the aesthetics of backlit keyboards. Their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office, appealing to both beginners and experienced typists who appreciate a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter, ultra-light option for extended typing sessions—particularly in shared environments—the Light Sakura is your best bet. With its gentle actuation, this switch minimizes fatigue and helps maintain a calm atmosphere, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and discretion in their typing endeavors. Ultimately, weighing the sound, feel, and usage context will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

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