TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Bsun Light Sakura present two compelling yet distinct options for users seeking linear switches. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience that accommodates various preferences, making it a solid choice for gamers, office workers, and casual typists alike. With a neutral sound signature, it strikes a balance that's pleasant in diverse auditory environments, characterized by its polished, thocky feel and silky performance. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and discretion, offering an ultra-light touch that reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. Its silent operation is particularly beneficial in shared or office spaces, allowing for a peaceful working atmosphere. Both switches have their unique advantages; 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura, it is notable that both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing. The choice of polycarbonate is significant as it imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to both switches. Each switch benefits from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is utilized. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches produce vibrant lighting effects, elevating the visual appeal and enhancing the user's experience, especially in low-light scenarios.
However, the differences between the two switches become apparent upon examining their bottom housings. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a warmer and rounder auditory experience upon key press. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This results in a unified sound profile, as both top and bottom housings contribute to the clearer and crisper sound associated with polycarbonate. Consequently, while the Gold Red Pro delivers a more varied sound profile with its nylon bottom, the Light Sakura remains consistent in producing a sharper and brighter auditory output.
In considering how these materials affect the overall performance of each switch, it is essential to understand the distinct roles played by the top and bottom housings. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a rich and full tactile feedback when pressed, while the polycarbonate top housing ensures clarity in the release phase. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura's dual use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings means that both pressing and releasing of keys generate a harmonized sound profile, leading to uniformity in sound quality. Despite their differing bottom housings, the similarities in top housing material create a foundation where users can expect excellent performance in both switches with respect to RGB illumination and sound clarity.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch reveals interesting differences in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unavailable. The TTC Gold Red Pro requires an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Bsun Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the Light Sakura more comfortable for long typing sessions, while the heavier Gold Red Pro might be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel for a more tactile typing experience. The bottom out force of the Light Sakura is 43 grams, indicating that it reaches a firm resistance when fully pressed down, but without the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro, a direct comparison cannot be made in that regard. Overall, for users looking for a lighter experience, the Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a heavier switch might lean toward the Gold Red Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback. The Gold Red Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Light Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. For those who favor quicker response times, the Light Sakura may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro might provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Light Sakura might be the better choice, while the Gold Red Pro is suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched auditory experience, producing a deep, satisfying sound when pressed. Its neutral sound signature makes it versatile enough for various settings, from gaming to office environments, ensuring that it doesn’t overwhelm the user or those nearby. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is specifically designed for silent operation, making it an ideal choice for shared spaces where noise could be a concern. While the exact sound profile of the Light Sakura is not defined, its quiet operation aligns with its focus on comfort and discretion, suggesting that users will experience a more muted auditory feedback compared to the Gold Red Pro.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red Pro switch impresses with its polished and silky finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The mild and subtle resistance of the switch allows for a gently satisfying touch, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. This smooth key travel minimizes friction, allowing for fluid typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Bsun Light Sakura remain unspecified, but its ultra-light design suggests a very gentle typing experience that could reduce fatigue during prolonged use. Despite the lack of detailed descriptors for feel, it's reasonable to infer that the Light Sakura would prioritize comfort, favoring a lighter touch similar to that encountered with the Gold Red Pro.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch excels in sound with its balanced thocky profile and offers a luxurious typing feel, the Bsun Light Sakura provides a quieter alternative designed for discretion and prolonged comfort. Each switch has its unique strengths, with the Gold Red Pro being versatile and adaptable, making it suitable for various environments. If you're after an adaptable switch for a variety of activities, the Gold Red Pro would be the clear choice, while the Light Sakura would appeal to those prioritizing silent operation and comfort. Ultimately, both will cater to users looking for a smooth typing experience, but in different contexts and with different auditory feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself looking for a switch that offers versatility across various applications—be it gaming, typing, or office work—the Gold Red Pro may be the superior choice for you. Its polished and silky feel ensures a smooth typing experience, while its neutral sound profile keeps things comfortably discreet without being overly silent. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and discretion, particularly for extended typing sessions in shared or quiet environments, the Light Sakura would be ideal. Its ultra-light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for long hours of use, all while maintaining a silent operation that won't disturb those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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