TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura each offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its subtle feedback, providing a gentle tactile bump that users can feel without being overly intrusive, making it ideal for those who appreciate nuanced keystrokes without excessive noise. Its low-pitched and thocky sound profile ensures that every press is a discreet whisper, allowing typists to remain immersed in their tasks. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch that prioritizes comfort and silence, boasting an ultra-light feel that enhances typing efficiency during extended sessions. Its quiet operation is perfect for office environments or shared spaces, ensuring that users can type without disturbing colleagues. While both switches cater to different typing experiences—one focusing on tactile feedback and the other on silence and ease—understanding their unique qualities and applications is essential. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings, contributing similarly to their overall sound profiles. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material’s translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially with RGB lighting, but also serves a functional purpose—allowing more light to diffuse through the housing. As a result, users of either switch can expect a clear and resonant audio experience with satisfying feedback when typing or gaming.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the two switches diverge significantly in material choice, which affects their sound characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, imparting deeper and fuller sound qualities due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder profile, significantly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, meaning it maintains the sharper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate across both top and bottom. This consistency in material can create a uniform sound experience, albeit one that skews toward the higher-pitched end of the spectrum.
Ultimately, while both switches share similar top housing materials, creating a complementary sound profile, their differing bottom housings bring unique characteristics that affect user experience. The hybrid nature of the Gold Brown Pro, with its nylon bottom, cultivates a textured typing experience—ideal for those seeking a rich sound. Conversely, the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom gives it a more consistent sound across the board, making it preferable for users who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback. The interplay between the materials determines the acoustic qualities of each switch, leading to distinctions that can significantly impact user satisfaction based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier than the Light Sakura, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference indicates that users favoring a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Gold Brown Pro, while those who seek a lighter touch might find the Light Sakura more comfortable, especially for prolonged use. Regarding bottom out forces, the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Light Sakura features a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is categorized as light. If the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro were known and similar to that of the Light Sakura, users could expect comparable bottoming out experiences; however, given the current uncertainty, users leaning towards a definite force may find the Light Sakura preferable with its established metrics.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch measures a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a more pronounced depth when typing or gaming, the Gold Brown Pro may be the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, for those who prioritize faster response times and prefer a more abrupt feedback sensation, the Light Sakura's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance might be more suitable. Overall, while both switches offer a travel distance that falls within the trend of shorter distances, the Gold Brown Pro stands out for offering a bit more depth, making it the longer option between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, creating a deep and satisfying auditory feedback when a key is pressed. This sound profile is described as neutral, making it versatile enough for any typing environment, whether at home or in the office. It provides a mellow tone that harmonizes well with the tactile feedback of the switch, facilitating a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch are currently unknown, which leaves its auditory experience to be discovered.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky texture, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Its mild and subtle nature implies that each keystroke is gentle, maintaining a light typing feel that is easy to manage over extended sessions. The stepped tactile feedback means that typists can navigate between the pre-travel and post-travel stages of the keystroke without feeling overly pronounced resistance. On the other hand, specific descriptors for the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch are also unknown, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous compared to the Gold Brown Pro.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch appeals to users looking for a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, combining a thocky sound profile with a polished and subtle feel, making it suitable for various environments. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura's qualities remain to be explored, particularly in sound and feel, which could lead to similarities in typing experience or a different sensation altogether. For a newcomer deciding between the two, the Gold Brown Pro presents a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed option, while the potential of the Light Sakura maintains intrigue and invites further investigation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch will hinge on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate subtle feedback and a polished typing experience where each keystroke provides a mild tactile bump, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its low-pitched and thocky sound profile ensures that you can type in peace, making it well-suited for both home and work scenarios where you value focus without being overly distracted by noisy interactions. On the other hand, if you want a light, silent switch that promotes comfort during extended typing sessions, then the Light Sakura linear switch is the way to go. Its ultra-light feel and quiet operation make it perfect for shared spaces or office environments, where you need to be considerate of those around you. In summary, choose the Gold Brown Pro for a nuanced tactile feel and operator discretion, while the Light Sakura is ideal for ease and tranquility as you type away.
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