HMX Hibiscus vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus 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 HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Light Sakura present two compelling yet distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a satisfyingly clacky sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback alongside an ultra-light actuation force. This feature enhances the overall typing experience, catering to those who prioritize expressiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is engineered for silence and comfort, with an emphasis on discretion—ideal for users working in shared environments or during long typing sessions. Its gentle actuation minimizes fatigue without disrupting those around you. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, appealing to different needs and preferences in the keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Light Sakura, a distinct difference is immediately evident in the choice of plastics used for the top housing. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, more absorbent nature. This material effectively dampens the sound produced when a key is pressed, leading to a muted yet rich acoustic experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of switches used with RGB lighting, adding visual vibrancy to the overall experience.
The differences in bottom housing material echo a similar trend. The Hibiscus again uses nylon, which, due to its softness, contributes to a similar deeper sound profile and a less pronounced impact upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Light Sakura magnifies the sonic clarity, lending a crisper touch to the typing experience. As is the case with the top housing, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom allows for greater resonance and articulation of sound. This signifies that while both switches may deliver quality typing experiences, the Hibiscus tilts towards a subdued sound whereas the Light Sakura captures a sharper auditory profile.
In summary, while both switches employ nylon and polycarbonate materials, they sharply contrast in terms of sound characteristics and acoustics. The Hibiscus’s nylon components produce a warm, rich sound, enhancing the sensation of typing through a more resonant experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura’s use of polycarbonate in both housings brings forth a clear and defined typing experience, perfect for users seeking crisper auditory feedback. Ultimately, although they utilize different materials, the Hibiscus and Light Sakura each provide unique benefits, yielding distinct auditory profiles while catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we can observe differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Light Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Hibiscus, making it the lighter option overall. In terms of user experience, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may favor the Light Sakura due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Hibiscus, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel. Both switches are designed for light use, but the Hibiscus offers a slightly firmer experience, while the Light Sakura provides a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find that the Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness, such as gamers who benefit from quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Light Sakura’s greater distance caters to users who prefer a more pronounced keypress, providing a heavier depth while still being relatively modern for today’s standards. While both switches provide excellent performance, the Hibiscus may feel more abrupt, whereas the Light Sakura may offer a more tactile experience. If you value a quick response time, the Hibiscus would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a bit more travel in your keystrokes, the Light Sakura would be ideal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that can be quite pleasing to the ear. This auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response while typing. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch offers a quiet operation that is ideal for environments where discretion is key, ensuring that you can type away without bothering those around you. The Hibiscus provides a more engaging auditory experience, which may not be suitable for all settings, while the Light Sakura caters to users who prefer a noiseless typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch excels with its ultra-light actuation force, making it notably smooth and responsive under the fingers, allowing for a fast and enjoyable typing experience. This smoothness contributes to an overall lush feel that many typists find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is also designed with an ultra-light feel, focusing on comfort for extended typing sessions. It aims to reduce fatigue, making it perfect for users who need to type for long periods without discomfort. Both switches offer a lightweight touch, but the Hibiscus leans towards a more engaging tactile sensation while the Light Sakura prioritizes user comfort and fatigue reduction.
In conclusion, the HMX Hibiscus and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches serve different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards. While the Hibiscus provides a lively sound profile and a smooth, engaging typing experience, the Light Sakura focuses on comfortable and quiet operation, making it suitable for shared spaces. Depending on your typing environment and personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, if you appreciate a little acoustic feedback, the Hibiscus is your go-to, while for a subtler approach, the Light Sakura would be ideal.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a switch with a delightful and engaging acoustic profile, the Hibiscus may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a smooth typing experience coupled with a satisfying clacky, poppy sound. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a dynamic keyboard feel and don't mind a bit of noise in their environment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes comfort and discretion, the Light Sakura is likely your best bet. With its quieter operation and ultra-light actuation force, it is perfect for extended typing sessions, particularly in shared or office environments where keeping noise to a minimum is essential. Thus, assess your typing environment, the importance of sound, and the type of feel you desire in your keyboard to make the best choice between these two exceptional switches.
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