TTC Iron vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Iron and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct experiences geared toward different user preferences. The TTC Iron, with its clacky sound signature and lightweight actuation, caters to typists who relish auditory feedback and the joy of a responsive keystroke. Its smooth travel provides both enthusiasts and everyday users with a satisfying typing experience marked by precision and enjoyment. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes silence and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those in shared or quiet environments. Its ultra-light feel allows for extended typing sessions without the worry of disturbing others, appealing to users who favor discretion without sacrificing performance. While both switches offer unique benefits—expressive feedback versus silent comfort—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Iron Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Iron and the Bsun Light Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Iron employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a sound that is deeper and more muted. This material choice contributes to a cohesive auditory experience, wherein both the key press and release manifest a pleasingly subdued sound. In contrast, the Light Sakura is crafted with a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, introducing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This significant shift in materials leads to differences not only in sound but also in the overall feel of each switch, with the crispness of polycarbonate lending a different tactile feedback that emphasizes the clear resonance of the switch.

One of the key contrasts between the two switches lies in the impact of their respective materials on the sound profile. The POM housing of the TTC Iron, while delivering a more muted auditory experience, ensures that both the key press and release are harmonized in their deeper tones. Conversely, the polycarbonate construction of the Light Sakura allows for a separation in how each key press and return resonates. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate, especially when combined with RGB lighting, enhances its clarity and sharpness, particularly notable in the sound produced upon release. This variation showcases how the materials used distinctly influence the overall user experience and sound character of each switch.

Furthermore, the different effects of top and bottom housing materials highlight how each contributes uniquely to the typing experience. In the case of the Iron, the POM housings lead to a more uniform sound profile, where the muted qualities facilitate a pleasurable feedback across all aspects of the switch's operation. Meanwhile, with the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate housing, the switch's sound profile is dramatically more articulate, granting it a lively character that some users may prefer for specific applications such as gaming or typing where audio clarity is favorable. Ultimately, while both switches can provide satisfying results, the TTC Iron leans toward a muted and harmonious experience, whereas the Bsun Light Sakura offers a vibrantly pronounced auditory appeal.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a softer typing experience. The Iron switch requires an actuation force of 41 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Light Sakura switch offers a slightly lighter feel with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Light Sakura the lighter option overall. The difference in actuation force means that users may find the Light Sakura easier to press, while the Iron may provide a slightly firmer feedback upon key activation. However, both switches cater to users looking for a comfortable typing experience suitable for prolonged use, making them ideal for long gaming sessions or work environments. Despite their variations in force, users can expect a relatively similar typing experience due to their light overall design.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find that the Iron has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Light Sakura measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the TTC Iron the longer option, providing a depth that some users may prefer for a more pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who seek faster response times often favored by gamers. While both switches are designed for different user preferences, they both reflect the trend towards shorter distances in mechanical switches, which can enhance responsiveness for quick keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on whether one values depth and feedback (Iron) or speed and quick action (Light Sakura).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Iron linear switch delivers a distinctively clacky auditory experience that provides a sharp and snappy response with each keystroke. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound adds a layer of satisfaction, making typing not just functional but enjoyable. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is a silent switch designed for quiet operation, making it perfect for environments where discretion is key, such as offices or shared spaces. While the Iron invites attention with its sound, the Light Sakura allows users to type without disturbing those around them, offering a more subtle auditory presence.

In terms of feel, the TTC Iron stands out with its easy-to-press nature, combining minimal resistance and a light actuation force to facilitate effortless typing. This design promotes comfort during long typing sessions while reducing finger fatigue, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura is unknown, but its ultra-light design suggests a similarly comfortable and fatigue-reducing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease and comfort in their typing sessions.

Overall, both the TTC Iron and Bsun Light Sakura cater to different preferences and environments. The Iron excels in sound and tactile feedback, offering a noisy yet rewarding experience ideal for enthusiasts, while the Light Sakura focuses on silent operation, perfect for discreet use. Though they offer different auditory experiences, if you value a light typing force and comfort, both switches—including the Iron's easy-to-press feel—aim to reduce fatigue effectively. Thus, your choice would depend on whether you lean towards an engaging auditory experience or a more silent, subtle presence in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you are someone who values an engaging auditory experience along with smooth keystrokes, the TTC Iron is an excellent pick. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, which is still light but slightly heavier than the Light Sakura, provides a satisfying clacky sound that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. This switch shines in casual and home settings, where that delightful sound can be fully appreciated without worrying about disturbing others. However, if you find yourself working in shared spaces or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the Bsun Light Sakura is the perfect alternative. Its remarkably lightweight feel (bottom-out force of just 43 grams) coupled with its silent operation makes it ideal for long typing sessions where discretion and comfort are paramount. Ultimately, choosing the right switch comes down to the balance between auditory feedback and typing comfort: pick the Iron for an engaging tactile experience, or select the Light Sakura for serene and fatigue-free typing.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Iron Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more