TTC Gold Silver vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Light Sakura stand out as two popular linear options, each catering to different user preferences and experiences. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, boasting a shortened travel distance that culminates in a satisfying bottom-out sensation. This switch not only delivers a quick, thocky feel but also offers a mild, low-pitched sound that enhances its overall performance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who value speed and precision. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura focuses on comfort and discretion with its ultra-light actuation, making it a perfect choice for those who engage in long typing sessions or work in shared environments. With its silent operation, this switch minimizes any auditory distractions while providing a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience. While both switches have their merits, they cater to different priorities—be it speed or serenity. 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Light Sakura switches share a notable similarity in their top housings, as both utilize polycarbonate, a type of plastic recognized for its unique acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the keys are pressed. This shared material enhances both switch designs by facilitating clearer and more resonant audio profiles, making them particularly appealing for users who prioritize sound quality, especially in setups that feature RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for engaging visual effects from the lighting, thus augmenting the overall aesthetic of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these switches diverge significantly, impacting their acoustic performance. The TTC Gold Silver employs nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer properties, which tends to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which means that its sound profile will be more uniform, maintaining that crispness throughout the keystroke. Consequently, while the Gold Silver offers a varied auditory experience through its combination of housing materials, the Light Sakura provides a more consistent sound profile, albeit with less depth.
When a user interacts with either switch, they will experience distinct tactile and auditory feedback shaped by these housing materials. With the Gold Silver, the user will notice the influential role of the nylon bottom housing, especially when bottoming out, where it contributes a rounded and deeper acoustic quality. Conversely, the Light Sakura will offer a consistent high-pitched sound throughout the keystroke, reinforcing its crisp tonal characteristics due to its full polycarbonate composition. Thus, while the top housing similarities between the two allow for similar visual lighting effects, the bottom housings distinctively define each switch's tactile sound experience, leading to varied outcomes despite their shared top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier than the Light Sakura, which only requires 37 grams to actuate. This lighter actuation force of the Light Sakura may be more appealing for users seeking comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is not specified, while the Bsun Light Sakura's bottom out force is 43 grams, which is considered light. Therefore, if one prefers a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver may be the better choice, while those looking for a lighter feel would likely favor the Bsun Light Sakura. Overall, the difference in actuation forces suggests distinct user experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, it's noted that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prioritize quick response times for their key presses. On the other hand, the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm offers a bit more depth, which could be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial key feel and might find the shorter travel of the Gold Silver too abrupt. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional options, the difference in their measurements may influence user preference based on their individual typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch distinguishes itself with a thocky, low-pitched resonance that provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. This sound profile not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a richer typing atmosphere, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more robust sound from their switch. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed with silence in mind, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize discretion and a quieter environment. The absence of detailed sound descriptors for the Light Sakura leaves its specific sound characteristics somewhat unknown, but given its purpose, it is aimed to minimize noise significantly, making it suitable for quiet offices or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver offers a polished, silky typing experience characterized by its smoothness and refined finish. The combination of reduced friction and gentle tactile feedback creates a seamless typing journey from key press to bottom-out, catering to users who enjoy a more nuanced, pleasant interaction with their keyboard. The mild and subtle characteristics ensure that the typing experience remains approachable and comfortable. Unfortunately, little is clarified regarding the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura switches; thus, it's difficult to provide a comparative analysis for this aspect. However, based on its design intent as a silent switch, one could surmise that it promotes a gentle typing feel appropriate for long sessions without causing much fatigue.
In summary, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels in sound and feel, delivering a thocky auditory experience and a smooth, enjoyable typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out for its quiet operation and ultra-light feel, making it an ideal choice for users in noise-sensitive environments. While both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in their own right, the Gold Silver shines with its impactful sound profile and tactile sophistication, whereas the Light Sakura focuses on providing a discreet and comfortable alternative. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile finesse or silence and ease during prolonged use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you're looking for a switch that emphasizes rapid responsiveness and solid feedback, the TTC Gold Silver would be your best choice. Its smooth actuation and thocky sound signature create an engaging typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy gaming or typing at high speeds while wanting a bit of auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and discretion for long typing sessions in quieter environments, the Bsun Light Sakura is ideal. With its lightweight feel and silent operation, it reduces fatigue and minimizes noise, making it perfect for shared spaces or office use where you don’t want to disturb those around you. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards an exhilarating tactile experience or a more subtle, comfortable typing journey.