TTC Gold Red vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth operation and moderate resistance, providing a tactile yet polished feel that many typists enjoy. Its subtle sound profile gives your keystrokes a low-pitched, thocky quality, striking a balance between personality and professionalism. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura excels in silent operation, perfect for users who prioritize discretion in shared environments. Its ultra-light actuation enables comfortable typing during long work sessions, reducing fatigue while keeping noise to a minimum. Both switches cater to unique needs: the Gold Red may appeal to those desiring a more responsive and expressive typing experience, while the Light Sakura is ideal for individuals in collaborative settings or who prefer a quieter setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and the Bsun Light Sakura share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes significantly to the auditory experience of each switch. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and transparency, is adept at producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy the aesthetic aspect of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Given that both the Gold Red and the Light Sakura utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar sound qualities of clarity and crispness when the keys are activated.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these switches illustrate a notable divergence in material choice that results in differing sound profiles. The Gold Red employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known to create a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. The nylon material absorbs sound, thereby delivering a duller and rounder tonal quality when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the Light Sakura's bottom housing continues the trend of polycarbonate, inheriting the same sharper sound quality that is prevalent in the top housing. This will result in a more cohesive sound profile across the entire key switch for the Light Sakura, whereas the Gold Red will provide a distinct contrast between the enriching lower end from its nylon housing and the crisp treble from the polycarbonate top.
As such, the differences in materials highlight the unique characteristics each switch can offer. Users of the Gold Red can expect a nuanced auditory experience where the deeper tones from nylon enrich the overall sound, providing a full-bodied feel when bottoming out the keys. In contrast, the Light Sakura will deliver a consistent, bright sound across both the top and bottom housings, aligning with the sharper profile of polycarbonate. This fundamental distinction in how the two materials interact with sound ultimately creates two different, albeit appealing, auditory experiences that cater to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both switches exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The TTC Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Bsun Light Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This indicates that the Light Sakura is the lighter of the two, providing an easier keypress and potentially longer comfort during use. Conversely, the TTC Gold Red offers a heavier overall experience with its greater bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel under their fingers. In summary, while both switches are relatively light, the Bsun Light Sakura is lighter in actuation and bottom out forces, making it better suited for those seeking a softer keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it align with the traditional travel distance favored by many users who appreciate a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times during use. This shorter travel can feel more responsive, but may also come across as too abrupt for individuals who enjoy a deeper key feel. Ultimately, the Gold Red's 4 mm travel distance offers a more hearty tactile experience, while the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance provides greater immediacy for faster interactions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched characteristics. This switch produces a deep, satisfying sound that feels rich and pleasant while typing. Its neutral sound profile balances well, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed to be silent, providing a quiet operation that is ideal for discreet environments. While the Gold Red offers a more expressive audio experience, the Light Sakura focuses on maintaining silence, making it perfect for those who work in shared spaces and wish to avoid disturbing others.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red delivers a buttery smooth typing experience characterized by mild resistance and an overall silky texture. This refined feel is particularly suited for users looking for a comfortable and subtle typing experience, supported by a polished finish that reduces friction for effortless key travel. On the other hand, the specific feel qualities of the Light Sakura are not disclosed. However, given its ultra-light design, it can be inferred that it will provide a gentle typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, which is suitable for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red offers a more engaging audio experience with its thocky sound and smooth, polished feel, making it versatile for various settings. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura prioritizes silence and comfort, ideal for those in need of a peaceful typing experience. Users can make their choice based on their environment and preferences; if quiet operation is paramount, the Light Sakura is the way to go, while those who appreciate sound might lean towards the Gold Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch will depend largely on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a typing experience that blends a bit of feedback with smoothness, the Gold Red is an excellent option, as its 50-gram actuation force allows for a lively, yet comfortable, interaction that many find appealing for both gaming and general typing tasks. Its thocky sound profile provides a satisfying auditory response that can enhance your typing experience without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if your focus is on prolonged typing sessions or you need a quieter switch for a shared workspace, the Light Sakura should be your go-to. With a lighter 43-gram actuation force and a design that prioritizes silence, it offers a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience that allows you to type for hours without disturbing others. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek the balance of tactile feedback and sound from the Gold Red or the ultra-soft, discreet operation of the Light Sakura.
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