Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Light Sakura both offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its smooth and polished feel coupled with a higher-pitched clack that adds character to the typing experience, making it a hit among gamers and typists who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. With its lighter typing action, it may appeal to those who favor a swift and responsive tactile sensation. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes discretion and comfort, providing a silent typing experience that makes it an exceptional choice for prolonged use in quiet environments. Its ultra-light feel is designed to reduce typing fatigue, making it particularly suitable for professionals or students who spend long hours at their keyboards without the worry of disturbing others. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Light Sakura switches, we find a contrast in composition and sound profiles that influences their performances. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by a distinctively high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound. This choice of material emphasizes a sound that is pointed yet not overly sharp, providing a unique auditory experience. Conversely, the Light Sakura switch is constructed with polycarbonate for its housings, a material known for producing a sharper, crisper sound that is enhanced by its stiffness. In essence, while both switches aim for a high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink achieves this through its proprietary blend, whereas the Light Sakura relies on the acoustic properties of polycarbonate.

In terms of aesthetics, the Light Sakura benefits from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it an excellent choice for setups featuring RGB lighting. This quality allows for vibrant light diffusion, which can enhance the visual appeal of a keyboard. The Ink Box Pink, however, does not emphasize the same level of translucency, as its proprietary INK blend may not be as clear as polycarbonate, potentially affecting its light-passing qualities. Nonetheless, both switches retain a high-pitched auditory signature, which means users may experience a degree of similarity in sound, despite the disparate materials. This shared characteristic offers keyboard enthusiasts various options based on their preferences in both sound and visual aspects.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics, but one interesting aspect to note is how these materials influence user experience. The bottom housing's characteristics, whether it be the INK blend of the Ink Box Pink or the polycarbonate of the Light Sakura, have a notable effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the contrasting materials of the top housings contribute to the audible feedback when releasing the key. Although one might prefer one switch over the other based on specific preferences in sound and feel, both products deliver a crisp and resonant auditory experience, achieving a high-quality response through their unique housing designs.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch offer distinct experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a heavier option that appeals to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter configuration may be more suitable for users who engage in lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force to actuate, reducing fatigue over time. Overall, the Ink Box Pink provides a firmer feel while the Light Sakura emphasizes a softer touch, catering to different user preferences in actuation and bottom out dynamics.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and response when using either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same measurement, they will provide similar performance in terms of keystroke depth, allowing for equal feedback and comfort during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches deliver a distinctively clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. Each keystroke resonates with a sharp, crisp tone, making it an engaging option for typists who appreciate a percussive sound profile. This brightness can enhance the tactile feedback while typing, providing a satisfying auditory cue for each key press. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switches are designed to maintain a quiet operation, making them an ideal choice for users in shared or office environments where noise is a concern. Thus, while the Ink Box Pink offers an expressive clack, the Light Sakura prioritizes discretion and a quieter experience.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switches stand out for their silky and polished characteristics. The exceptionally smooth typing experience they provide minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless key presses and an overall fluidity that many typists find appealing. This refined finish, likely enhanced by quality materials and factory lubing, results in reduced friction and a satisfying key travel. The Light Sakura, however, emphasizes an ultra-light feel designed for comfort during extended typing sessions, though its specific tactile qualities remain unspecified. While both switches may cater to comfort and ease of use, the Ink Box Pink offers a more pronounced tactile experience.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different priorities in sound and feel, both have their unique advantages depending on the user's environment and preferences. The Ink Box Pink is favored for its engaging sound profile and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback. Conversely, the Light Sakura appeals to individuals looking for a quieter, lighter option perfect for longer typing stints without disturbing others. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value sound and tactile feedback or prioritize a silent, fatigue-reducing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force that provides tactile feedback with a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink switches might be your best choice. They offer a silky and polished feel, making them ideal for those who prioritize a satisfying auditory and tactile experience while typing. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes comfort and quiet operation, the Light Sakura is the ideal option. With its significantly lighter bottom-out force, it allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for long typing sessions, especially in shared or office spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you favor an engaging sound and feel or a discreet, fatigue-reducing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more