Gateron Glory Red vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing standout options like the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Light Sakura, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red is renowned for its lighter actuation force and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying travel distance that many users find enhances their typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and discretion, featuring an ultra-light feel that makes it well-suited for long typing sessions, along with a silent operation that ensures peace in shared or office environments. While the Glory Red appeals to those who appreciate a lively typing experience, the Light Sakura is ideal for anyone seeking a gentle, fatigue-reducing option that won’t disrupt others. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Light Sakura switches, the differences in their housing materials significantly influence the overall sound profile and tactile experience. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, providing a deeper, fuller sound that is characterized by a duller and rounder quality. This is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, users of the Glory Red switches can expect a muted, yet pleasant auditory feedback that complements a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate creates a more pronounced and resonant sound, making the typing experience feel crisper and more dynamic. Therefore, while both switches aim to deliver satisfying tactile feedback, they achieve distinct sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials.

Aesthetically, the choice of housing materials also plays a significant role. The Light Sakura's polycarbonate housing is translucent, which makes it particularly suitable for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This feature is appealing to users who want their keyboard to glow and sparkle in various colors. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red’s nylon housing lacks this translucency, making it less optimal for RGB setups. Users looking for visual customization might prefer the Light Sakura for its aesthetic capabilities, while those prioritizing sound and typing experience may lean towards the Glory Red due to its sound-dampening qualities. Consequently, the visual and auditory aspects of each switch cater to different user preferences.

Ultimately, even though the housing materials differ between the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Light Sakura, the overall typing experience remains enjoyable, albeit in distinct ways. If a user appreciates the vibrancy and clarity of sounds, the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate housing will deliver a more lively and resonant experience. However, if they favor a soothing and softer feedback, the nylon-based Glory Red will provide that duller, more muted output. For users who may wish to achieve a hybrid experience, using a mix of switches in a keyboard could balance these contrasting sound profiles and tactile feedback, resulting in both a visually appealing and acoustically pleasing typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which influence typing feel and user preference. The Glory Red switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier compared to the Light Sakura's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that those who favor a smoother, less fatiguing typing experience may prefer the Light Sakura, especially for prolonged use, while users who appreciate a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Glory Red. The bottom out force of the Glory Red switch is unknown, while the Light Sakura has a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura provides a tactile response when bottoming out, allowing users to feel when they have fully pressed the key, whereas the Glory Red's bottoming out experience remains unspecified. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose in different contexts, the Light Sakura is notably the lighter option, making it more suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions, whereas the Glory Red offers a heavier feel for those seeking more resistance in their key presses.

Travel distance

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that they provide the same feel when pressed down. This equal travel distance ensures that users will experience a similar keypress sensation, making both switches ideal for those who prefer a consistent and uniform actuation. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they can be expected to deliver comparable performance in terms of key responsiveness and actuation feel, allowing users to choose either option based on other factors such as aesthetics or brand preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch tends to produce a soft and subdued acoustic profile, making it relatively quiet while still providing a satisfying acoustic feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is specifically designed to be silent, emphasizing discretion in its operation. This makes it ideal for office environments where noise might be a concern. Overall, while both switches are on the quieter side, the Light Sakura takes the lead with its ultra-silent performance.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Glory Red is recognized for its smooth keystroke, which allows for an enjoyable typing experience without any tactile bumps. It provides a pleasing travel distance that many users find comforting. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura has an ultra-light feel, which is particularly advantageous for those engaging in prolonged typing sessions. This gentler actuation reduces finger fatigue, making it a great choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. The smooth action of both switches can lead to a similarly pleasurable typing experience, though the Light Sakura's featherlight feel sets it apart for longer typing sessions.

In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches provide pleasant typing experiences with their respective qualities. The Glory Red balances a smooth keystroke with a moderately quiet sound, while the Light Sakura excels in silence and ultra-light action, making it preferable for those concerned about noise and comfort during extensive typing. Ultimately, both switches offer commendable performance, and your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a more satisfying key feel or a silent typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prioritize a smoother keystroke and enjoy a slightly more responsive typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red may be the better option for you, especially if you're looking for a more leisurely or casual typing feel. However, if you're frequently typing for long periods and require a switch that minimizes fatigue while also maintaining a quiet profile, the Bsun Light Sakura’s gentle and silent operation is likely to be your best bet. The Light Sakura’s lightweight bottom out force of 43 grams makes it particularly suitable for shared spaces or office environments where noise levels matter, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. In essence, consider your typing habits and environment when making your choice; the Gateron Glory Red is perfect for a fulfilling tactile experience, while the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and discretion.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more