TTC Gold Brown vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both tactile and linear options have their distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Brown, known for its balanced feel, offers a slight tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback during each keystroke. This moderate weightiness and rounded sound profile make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience without excessive noise, striking a harmonious balance between casual typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura serves well for users seeking comfort and discretion, with its ultra-light touch and silent operation. Perfect for lengthy typing sessions, this switch is designed to minimize fatigue while ensuring a peaceful working environment—ideal for shared spaces. Each switch serves its unique purpose: the Gold Brown for tactile feedback enthusiasts and the Light Sakura for those prioritizing silence and comfort. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Light Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which impart similar acoustic qualities to the switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer nature, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is crucial for achieving clarity and resonance in sound during use. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of the polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for setups featuring RGB lighting. Given that both switches employ a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a comparable audio experience when it comes to the actuation of the keys, with a bright and lively sound being a common result.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches are quite different, which significantly influences their overall sound and feel. The Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer composition that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the same sharper sound characteristics found in its top housing. The nylon used in the Gold Brown tends to absorb sound, contributing to a more subdued bottom-out sound and a rounder typing experience, while the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom will sustain the crisper tone throughout, thereby enhancing the clarity of each key press.
In essence, the sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown and Bsun Light Sakura will be influenced by this combination of materials. With the Gold Brown's nylon bottom softening the impact of each key press, it will lead to a more muted and rounded auditory feedback, while the Light Sakura will maintain the sharper, more transparent sound from both its top and bottom housings. Thus, when users experience these switches, they will find the Gold Brown is likely to appeal to those who enjoy a deeper sound, whereas the Light Sakura may attract those who prefer a brighter and more resonant typing experience. Despite their differences, the polycarbonate top housing remains a common feature, ensuring a certain level of auditory brightness regardless of the bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Light Sakura is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This discrepancy means that users who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions would likely prefer the Light Sakura, while those seeking a more substantial, grounded typing experience may opt for the heavier Gold Brown. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that allows for more extended use without fatigue, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice, while the TTC Gold Brown caters to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the Gold Brown offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Brown provides a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Light Sakura’s shorter travel distance aligns with the recent trend favoring quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and agility. If you're looking for a switch that offers a more responsive feel, the Light Sakura is the better choice, while the Gold Brown may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses. Thus, the Gold Brown is the longer switch, while the Light Sakura is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 profile of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized by a rounded and soft auditory experience that is moderate in volume. This switch offers a subtle presence that makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Its balanced nature ensures that it doesn't produce intrusive sounds, catering to both casual users and those who might be more discerning about noise levels. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize discretion over a pronounced auditory feedback. As a silent switch, the Light Sakura allows for undistracted typing, making it particularly well-suited for shared spaces where noise is a concern.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown offers a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. The mild tactile bump provides feedback without overwhelming the user, creating a comfortable middle-ground for typing. The buttery smoothness enhances the keystroke, making it effortlessly fluid, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction for an easy typing experience. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Light Sakura are unknown. However, it is designed for comfort with its ultra-light feel, specifically catering to long typing sessions, which suggests that it might prioritize ease of use and fatigue reduction.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch strikes a balanced compromise between sound and tactile feedback, making it approachable for a wide range of users, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch emphasizes silence and comfort, catering to those who wish to type discreetly for extended periods. If sound and tactile feedback are paramount, the Gold Brown offers a mild yet satisfying experience, while the Light Sakura’s ultra-light feel makes it a strong contender for those looking to preserve the quiet atmosphere of their workspace. Each switch brings its own unique qualities, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a gentle, tactile bump that provides tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the Gold Brown is an excellent pick. Its moderate weight and rounded sound profile make it suitable for both casual and professional settings, allowing for versatility whether you’re gaming, coding, or typing up lengthy documents. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter, ultra-light feel that emphasizes comfort, particularly for extended typing sessions, the Light Sakura switch would serve you well. Its low actuation force makes it easy to use, while its silent operation ensures that you won’t disturb those around you in shared spaces. Ultimately, if balance and tactile feedback are key to your typing style, go for the Gold Brown; however, if comfort and discretion are your main goals, the Light Sakura is the way to go.
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