Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Light Sakura presents a fascinating contrast in user experience and intended functionality. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its medium-heavy feel, featuring a 60g actuation and a 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for users who appreciate a substantial typing experience that conveys each keystroke. Its crisp auditory profile adds a layer of engagement for typists who enjoy feedback. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating vibrant visual effects that appeal to gamers and enthusiasts alike. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on silent operation and ultra-light actuation, catering to those who prioritize discretion, comfort, and extended typing sessions without disturbing colleagues or housemates. Its featherlight feel significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it a great choice for professionals in shared spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Light Sakura exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, characterized by its unique sound profile that is pointed and relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp. This creates a clacky auditory experience upon keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing that also delivers a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances acoustic clarity, making it especially desirable for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite the differences, users can expect relatively similar outcomes in terms of the overall sound experience, as both switches lean toward producing a higher-frequency auditory feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, the contrast becomes even more pronounced. The G Pro 3.0 Black employs POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile, contributing to a unique and pleasant auditory signature. The POM material cushions the bottom-out feel, accentuating a softer touch compared to other materials. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's inherent rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant bottom-out experience, further enhancing the overall tactile feedback during key presses. Consequently, while both switches feature distinct material types for their bottom housings, the diverging acoustic characteristics of POM versus polycarbonate contribute significantly to each switch's feel and output.
In terms of user experience, these differences in housing materials translate to varied auditory and tactile sensations. The G Pro 3.0 Black's top housing creates a clackier sound upon release, benefiting from the unique qualities of the INK blend, while the POM bottom enhances a muted feel on bottom-out. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura's combination of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a consistently sharp and resonant sound profile. Even though the two switches differ in material composition, both can achieve appealing results for users who appreciate crisp auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness. For those seeking a higher-pitched, crisper experience, the Bsun Light Sakura may be more favorable, while the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who favor deeper, clackier sounds. Overall, both options are enjoyable and suited for different preferences in switch experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to users who favor a softer touch and ease of prolonged typing or gaming sessions. As a result, while the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier option, ideal for individuals seeking a firmer feedback during use, the Bsun Light Sakura is the lighter choice, providing a gentler keystroke experience. Thus, for users looking for a keyboard that enables long hours of typing with less fatigue, the Light Sakura would be more fitting, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might gravitate toward the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find that the G Pro 3.0 Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more traditional experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Light Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, though some may find a 3.6 mm travel to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, if you're looking for a responsive feel, the Light Sakura will provide that advantage, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more generous travel that some typists may prefer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch presents a medium-high pitch sound that is distinctly clacky, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This crisp sound contributes to its appeal among users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch excels in producing a subdued sound. Although specific descriptions of the Light Sakura's sound profile are unavailable, its silent nature is designed to cater to those in need of discretion, making it perfect for environments where noise can be disruptive. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Black engages users with its lively acoustics, the Light Sakura prioritizes quiet operation for a more unobtrusive experience.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is characterized by a creamy and silky typing sensation, which allows for a smooth and buttery interaction with the keys. This smoothness is likely bolstered by quality materials and possibly by factory lubrication, creating a unique and pleasurable typing experience that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, specific qualities regarding the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura switch are not detailed, leaving that aspect as an unknown. However, given its design for comfort and prolonged use, one can infer that the Light Sakura is engineered to provide a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience, lending itself to ergonomic typing practices.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Light Sakura switches cater to different preferences and needs. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a lively clacky sound and a creamy smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy expressiveness and feedback in their typing. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura emphasizes a quiet, discreet operation, ideal for shared workspaces or anyone prioritizing silence. Users should consider their unique requirements and environments to determine which switch aligns better with their desired typing experience, as both options can achieve satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences, typing habits, and environment. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is an excellent choice. Its 70g bottom-out force offers satisfying resistance, making it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile feedback and slightly more auditory stimulation—perfect for robust typing sessions or gaming setups where you want to feel each keystroke. On the other hand, if your focus is on comfort and discretion, the Light Sakura switch shines. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it is an ideal option for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. Moreover, its quiet operation makes it perfect for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared offices or libraries. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the G Pro's engaging yet bold feel or the Light Sakura's gentle touch, both switches cater to different styles of use and preferences.
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