HMX Gravel vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Light Sakura both stand out as linear options, each catering to different typing preferences and environments. The HMX Gravel is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that promotes effortless keystrokes, ideal for those who value a responsive and satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura excels at providing a quiet and ultra-light typing experience, making it perfect for extended sessions in shared or office spaces, where discretion is key. While the Gravel offers a more tactile satisfaction for enthusiasts, the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and silence, appealing to those who type for long hours or in busy environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Light Sakura, both switches share a commonality in their top housing: both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, irrespective of the individual design elements of each switch. Polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant output, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience, particularly in RGB-lit environments where the translucency of polycarbonate can enhance visual aesthetics. Thus, for users who prioritize the brightness and clarity of sound, both switches promise similar results due to their identical top housing material.
However, the dynamics change with the bottom housing, where the two switches diverge significantly. The HMX Gravel employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer characteristics. This softness allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing more sound and yielding a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper sound characteristics of its top. This fundamental difference in materials means that the two switches will produce distinct auditory experiences; the Gravel will produce a more subdued and dulcet tone, while the Light Sakura will resonate with a clearer and crisper sound.
The combined effects of these materials offer an interesting interplay when a user interacts with either switch. The top housing mainly influences the sound when releasing the key, with the polycarbonate delivering clarity during this phase for both models. However, it is the bottom housing that dictates the action's bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, in the case of the HMX Gravel's nylon bottom housing, users will experience a warmer sound signature upon bottoming out, while the Bsun Light Sakura, with its polycarbonate bottom, will accentuate the crispness of each key press. Ultimately, while both switches harness the advantages of polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials create uniquely tailored acoustic experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both options are notable for their lighter actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prioritize ease of typing and prolonged usage. The Gravel has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura is even lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Light Sakura the lighter option, requiring less force to actuate, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Gravel, while still light, provides a slightly heavier push feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches will yield comfortable typing experiences, but for users seeking an ultra-light touch, the Bsun Light Sakura would be the more suitable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Gravel switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Light Sakura boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option of the two, and the Light Sakura the longer. If a user prefers quicker response times and a more responsive feel, the Gravel may be the better choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial depth when typing might find the Light Sakura more appealing, as its longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 HMX Gravel switches tend to offer a relatively muted acoustics profile, primarily characterized by a soft thock when bottoming out, which means they won't be overly loud or jarring during use. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is explicitly designed as a silent switch, delivering an additional layer of discretion suited for quiet work environments. This makes the Light Sakura particularly appealing for users who want to minimize noise, especially in shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches can produce a pleasant sound level, with the Gravel delivering a soft thock and the Light Sakura offering an even quieter typing experience, making them both suitable for more private settings.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switches shine with their exceptional smoothness and medium-light actuation force. This translates to an effortless typing experience that many users find responsive and enjoyable, particularly for those who engage in long typing sessions. The Gravel’s refined tactile feedback ensures confidence without sacrificing comfort. Comparatively, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light feel, which also enhances comfort for extended use, reducing finger fatigue significantly. Though the actuation may be lighter in the Sakura, both switches share a smooth typing experience, making them well-suited for productivity-focused users.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Bsun Light Sakura switches cater to mechanics enthusiasts with their unique qualities. The Gravel excels in providing a slightly punchier sound and a more traditional typing experience, while the Light Sakura prioritizes silence and an ultra-light feel, making it ideal for quiet environments. Ultimately, users can achieve a comfortable and refined typing experience with each switch, depending on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Whether opting for the smoothness of the Gravel or the gentle touch of the Light Sakura, both switches represent excellent choices in the realm of linear mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the HMX Gravel linear switch or the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing needs and environment. If you value a smooth and refined typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Gravel switch may be the better option for you. Its 50-gram actuation force offers a satisfying feedback that can enhance your overall typing performance, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a more responsive feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes comfort and silence, especially in shared or quiet environments, the ultra-light 43-gram actuation force of the Light Sakura is ideal. Its discreet operation allows you to type for extended periods without causing noise disturbances, making it perfect for professionals or anyone who needs to maintain tranquility while working. So, choose the Gravel for smooth performance combined with a responsive touch, and select the Light Sakura for a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience that's kind to both you and your surroundings.
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