Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Light Sakura each offer distinctive experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, delivering a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken—perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile response and subtle auditory feedback while they type. With its clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished characteristics, this switch can elevate the typing experience for those who appreciate pronounced sensations and delightful acoustics. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for those who prioritize comfort and discretion. With its ultra-light touch, this silent switch is ideal for extended typing sessions and is particularly well-suited for office environments and shared spaces, allowing users to type without disturbing colleagues. While the Ink Box Black provides a more dynamic auditory and tactile experience, the Light Sakura excels in promoting a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Light Sakura provide distinct auditory experiences while showcasing some similarities in sound profiles attributable to their structural properties. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This unique material boasts a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is clacky without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate housing, known for its crisp and resonant characteristics due to its stiffer plastic structure. While both switches aim to achieve a higher-pitched sound, the specific material compositions yield subtle differences, rendering the Ink Box Black's sound slightly warmer and less piercing when compared to the sharper clarity of the Light Sakura.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the distinctions become even clearer. The Ink Box Black’s INK blend retains a similar pointed sound profile to its top housing—creating continuity in sound through the switch as a whole. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Light Sakura enhances the overall clarity and sharpness of the sound, which is particularly pronounced when the switch bottoms out. The interaction between the bottom and top housings in both switches results in a composite auditory experience where the Ink Box Black's softer, more blended sound contrasts with the Light Sakura's crisper, more defined auditory output. Thus, the material differences lead to varying effects on sound resonance during operation.

Despite their differing materials, both switches can deliver sound profiles that share the high-pitched and clacky elements. If a user were to favor the higher-pitched tones of both models, they may find similar results in auditory pleasure, albeit for different reasons. The Ink Box Black’s INK blend creates a satisfying sensation without the harsh sharpness commonly associated with polycarbonate, while the Light Sakura provides a clearer sound. Ultimately, the combined impact of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch crafts unique yet comparable experiences, making both viable options based on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to users who favor a more effortless keystroke, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. Thus, if you're looking for a heavier switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Ink Box Black would be a better choice, while the Light Sakura is suitable for those who desire a lighter, less strenuous typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed down, both switches will offer the same sensation and feel, providing users with a consistent response during typing or gaming. Since the travel distances are equal, one can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall experience. Therefore, neither switch has a shorter or longer travel distance; both provide an identical journey for the keypress, contributing to a comparable performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out with a unique auditory character. It produces a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can shaking, which evokes a clacky and high-pitched tone. This crisp and bright sound is a defining feature, creating an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for silence, producing a quiet operation ideal for office environments and shared spaces. While its specific sound characteristics haven't been detailed, the emphasis on discretion suggests that it will be significantly quieter than the Ink Box Black, making it suitable for users who prioritize a more understated auditory presence.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switch excels with smoothness that is often described as silky and polished. This smooth typing experience enhances overall performance, minimizing resistance during key presses and providing a luxurious feel that many typists cherish. The combination of high-quality materials and possibly factory lubing contributes to this refined touch, making it a great choice for enthusiasts seeking an effortless typing experience. Conversely, while the Light Sakura's specific feel qualities have not been detailed, its characterization as an ultra-light switch designed for comfort implies a focus on ease of use and pain reduction during extended typing sessions. This suggests that even without specific descriptors, it likely provides a lightweight and comfortable feel.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a distinctively clacky yet bright sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory engagement. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is ideal for users who prioritize quietness and ease of typing, particularly in shared spaces. While the Ink Box Black may offer a more vibrant sound profile and an extraordinary feel, the Light Sakura provides comfort and discretion, ensuring that users can achieve an enjoyable typing experience regardless of noise sensitivity or prolonged typing sessions.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenario. If you enjoy a heavier tactile feedback and a smooth, creamy feel—ideal for both gaming and typing—and appreciate a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Ink Box Black is an excellent fit. With its 70-gram actuation force, it provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing experience, perfect for those who don't mind or even welcome the more pronounced acoustics that come with it. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter and lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions in shared environments, the Light Sakura offers an impressive 43-gram bottom-out force. Its ultra-light feel promotes comfort and reduces fatigue while providing silent operation, making it a top choice for office settings or when you want to type with minimal disturbance. In essence, consider the Ink Box Black switch for a robust, tactile sound and feel, while the Light Sakura caters to those prioritizing discretion and comfort in their typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more