Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option. The Gateron Ink Yellow offers a typing experience that strikes a balance between the familiar feel of a laptop and that of a standard mechanical keyboard, featuring a smoothness combined with a mild clackiness that delights typists seeking both feedback and precision. Its shorter travel distance appeals to those looking for a swift and efficient typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura sets itself apart with its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions in shared or office environments where discretion is key. Unlike the Ink Yellow's more expressive sound profile, the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and quietness, providing a gentle, fatigue-reducing typing experience. Both switches have their compelling features, catering to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Light Sakura, we see notable distinctions despite some similarities in sound characteristics. The Ink Yellow leverages Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which is tailored to produce a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that is often described as satisfying and clacky. In contrast, the Light Sakura is constructed with polycarbonate for its top housing, contributing to a sharper, clearer, and crisper sound. While both materials aim to deliver a higher-pitch sound, their inherent properties differ, which can lead to variations in user experience and audio feedback during typing.

Delving deeper into the bottom housing reveals more differences. The Ink Yellow’s proprietary INK blend bottom housing maintains the same sound profile as its top counterpart, emphasizing the specific acoustic qualities that Gateron designed for this switch. Alternatively, the Light Sakura's bottom housing, also made of polycarbonate, similarly enhances the overall sound clarity. The differences in the materials used for the bottom housings are significant as they each contribute uniquely to the sound produced during bottoming out; the Ink Yellow offers a more integrated voice through its proprietary material, while the Light Sakura’s construction amplifies the sharpness and definition of the sound due to the stiffer polycarbonate.

Overall, while both switches aim to achieve high-pitched sound profiles, their housing materials provide unique contributions that can lead to distinct acoustic experiences. The Gateron Ink Yellow, with its proprietary INK blend, is designed for cohesive sound throughout, enhancing the overall clackiness and satisfaction when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura's polycarbonate materials allow for greater clarity and resonance, particularly beneficial for setups utilizing RGB lighting. Thus, while one can achieve a similar auditory result with both switches, the journey and feel of that sound will significantly differ due to the intrinsic qualities of their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches, significant differences exist in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow boasts an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura features a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a favorable choice for those who desire ease of typing, ideal for extended use in work or gaming scenarios. Consequently, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the heavier option, while the Bsun Light Sakura is notably lighter. For users looking for a switch with a gentle touch and less fatigue over long typing sessions, the Light Sakura would likely be the better fit.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we observe that the Ink Yellow 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 Ink Yellow the shorter option and the Light Sakura the longer one. For gamers and those seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may be more appealing, providing a more immediate feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their typing experience may prefer the Light Sakura switch for its slightly greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch presents a unique combination of characteristics. It is classified as neutral, which means its sound profile strikes a balance that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Additionally, its clacky nature adds a bright and percussive element when pressed, creating an engaging auditory experience. This sharp sound can provide feedback that typists often enjoy, making each keystroke feel more satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is silent, offering a completely different experience. With its quiet operation, it excels in settings where minimal noise is essential, such as open offices or shared spaces. While the Light Sakura doesn’t contribute any sound to the typing experience, the Ink Yellow provides a delightful auditory layer that can be both motivating and enjoyable.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow is designed to offer a mild typing experience that remains approachable for most users. This, combined with its polished finish, delivers a smooth and sophisticated feel as you type, thanks to either the materials used or factory lubrication that reduces friction. This makes the Ink Yellow suitable for those who appreciate a gentle yet satisfying tactile response in their typing. Meanwhile, the qualitative aspects of the Light Sakura’s feel are not detailed, leaving an open question about its specific characteristics. However, its ultra-light feel suggests that it could provide a comfort-focused typing experience ideal for extended use, especially for those who may struggle with fatigue during long typing sessions.

To conclude, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences and typing environments. The Ink Yellow offers a smooth, polished feel and an engaging auditory signature that is appealing for users who enjoy feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Light Sakura focuses on discretion and comfort, providing a silent operation that is well-suited for professional or shared settings, although its specific feel characteristics remain unknown. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a quiet, fatigue-reducing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a smooth, polished feel with a bit of clackiness, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. It excels in providing a typing experience that sits comfortably between the familiarity of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, making it suitable for both casual and more intensive typing sessions. However, if you are in search of a gentle and fatigue-reducing option for long periods of use—particularly in shared or quiet environments—the Bsun Light Sakura would be the ideal switch due to its ultra-light actuation force and silent operation. Thus, consider your preferences for key travel, sound, and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to determine which switch best aligns with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more