Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two notable options in the linear switch category are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Light Sakura. The Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their slightly heavier actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance that many typists appreciate for a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out as a silent switch designed for comfort and discretion, featuring an ultra-light feel that makes it ideal for extended typing sessions. Its quiet operation is particularly advantageous in office environments or shared spaces, ensuring you can type away without disturbing those around you. Both switches cater to different needs: the Glory Yellow offers a more substantial typing sensation for those who enjoy a bit of weight behind their keys, while the Light Sakura prioritizes a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Light Sakura switches utilize different materials for their housings, which significantly influences their acoustic properties and typing experience. The Glory Yellow boasts a nylon top and bottom housing; this choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. Its ability to dampen vibrations contributes to a round and muted auditory experience that many users find satisfying when working or gaming. In addition to sound, the tactile feedback is further enhanced by the softness of the nylon, providing a more cushioned feel upon actuation.
In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, which inherently offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, resulting in a higher-pitched sound that can be perceived as more vibrant and lively compared to its nylon counterpart. This material choice also affects the aesthetic aspect, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for better diffusion of RGB lighting, making the Light Sakura particularly appealing for users looking to showcase their keyboard’s illumination. The bottom housing of the Light Sakura, however, is also made of polycarbonate, which maintains that bright auditory characteristic throughout the switch.
Furthermore, since both switches utilize different materials for the top and bottom housings, their sound profiles and tactile sensations differ during various stages of typing. For the Glory Yellow, the nylon materials contribute to a consistent, muffled sound experience throughout compression and release, which can be appreciated in both daily typing tasks and gaming scenarios alike. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura’s polycarbonate top housing elevates the sound when releasing a key stroke, making for a more engaging acoustic feedback. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials lead to distinct experiences, but they also point to how varied preferences in tactile and auditory feedback can guide users in choosing the right switch for their needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a heavier option, while the Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that users seeking a lighter typing experience would likely prefer the Light Sakura, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Sakura's is set at 43 grams, while the Glory Yellow's bottom out force remains unknown. This indicates that, despite providing a heavier actuation, the lack of specified bottom out force for the Glory Yellow leaves its overall typing feel somewhat ambiguous. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation, the Glory Yellow might be a better fit, provided its bottom out force is appropriately balanced. Thus, while the Light Sakura is the lighter switch ideal for extended use, the Glory Yellow offers more heft, suitable for those favoring a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there's a notable difference: the Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, the Glory Yellow will provide a deeper, more pronounced feel, catering to those who prefer a sturdy and full typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura’s 3.6 mm travel distance is more suited for users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, as it allows for a more rapid actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a more satisfying depth with each keystroke, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the preferred choice. Conversely, if responsiveness is your main priority, then the Bsun Light Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, would be the better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch's auditory profile is generally considered to be more pronounced than that of the Bsun Light Sakura. The Glory Yellow doesn’t specifically emphasize any unique sound characteristics, making it quieter than tactile or clicky switches but still producing a subtle "thock" that some users may enjoy. On the other hand, the Light Sakura excels in delivering a virtually silent experience, which makes it ideally suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Its design prioritizes discretion, allowing users to type without drawing attention, which can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces or office settings.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switch boasts a heavier keystroke that offers a smooth linear experience, providing a satisfying travel distance that allows for confident typing. This makes it appealing for users who appreciate a bit more resistance without compromising the linear switch's smoothness. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is praised for its ultra-light feel, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. The gentle action minimizes fatigue and encourages a comfortable typing rhythm, making the Light Sakura a fantastic choice for users prioritizing ease over a more forceful keystroke.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and needs, with the Gateron Glory Yellow providing a heavier, smoother feel while maintaining a balanced sound. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on silent operation and effortless light feedback, making it perfect for users desiring comfort and discretion. Depending on what you prioritize in your typing experience, either switch can deliver results that align with your needs, though the overall sensory experience will vary significantly between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a switch that provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance and do not mind a slightly heavier feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be your go-to option. Its design allows for an enjoyable typing experience, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their strokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or require a quiet switch for an office or shared environment, the Bsun Light Sakura excels in these areas. With its ultra-light feel and silent operation, it’s tailored for users who want to minimize typing fatigue without causing disturbances. Ultimately, your decision should balance your typing style preferences alongside your workspace needs, ensuring that you select the switch that best enhances your overall experience.