PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, is designed for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a lively feel, featuring a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g and a notable clacky sound that adds auditory pleasure to each keystroke. Its extended 22mm spring not only enhances the bounce but also contributes to a uniquely enjoyable typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who crave tactile engagement. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes discretion and comfort, boasting an ultra-light weight designed for long typing sessions without the typical wear on fingers. Its silent operation is perfect for office settings or shared spaces, creating an environment free from disruptive noise. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on your typing environment and style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Light Sakura both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, resulting in sound profiles characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This similarity arises from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which is notably a stiffer plastic. This stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience when using RGB lighting due to the material's translucence. Both switches showcase this advantage, making them appealing options for users who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside sound quality while gaming or typing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches diverges in material and resulting sound profile. The Jacaranda utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic creates a duller sound that complements the sharper notes from its polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a well-rounded acoustic performance. Conversely, the Light Sakura's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, reflecting the same characteristics as its top, thereby reinforcing the prominent high-pitched sound profile across both ends of the switch. This contrast in materials leads to distinctly different auditory experiences when the switches are engaged and released.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Jacaranda results in a unique separation of sound qualities, providing both clarity and depth. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura relies on uniformity, as both its top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate, amplifying the high-end sound profile throughout the keypress. The differing materials impact the switches' acoustic signatures: while the Jacaranda offers a harmonious blend of sounds, the Light Sakura emphasizes a consistent clarity. Users choosing between the two will ultimately decide based on their preference for either a rounded sound experience or a sharper, more piercing auditory profile.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch with the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, both share a light feel in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda features an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Light Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Jacaranda requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Sakura, making the Light Sakura the lighter option overall. Despite this difference, both switches offer a fairly similar tactile experience, appealing to users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Users preferring a lightweight switch for prolonged use would find both options satisfactory; however, those who enjoy a more substantial feel might opt for the heavier Jacaranda for its firmer push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch measures 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter option of the two, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the Light Sakura's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, so users may find that either option can lead to a similar typing experience, though individual preferences will dictate which characteristics—responsiveness or depth—are more desirable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
When comparing the sound of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, a distinct contrast emerges. The Jacaranda is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant auditory profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound on each keystroke. This sound gives the tactile feedback a lively presence, making your typing experience more engaging and seemingly more dynamic. In contrast, the Light Sakura is designed for near-silent operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where discretion is key. While the sound profile of the Light Sakura isn't detailed, users can expect a significant reduction in noise when compared to the Jacaranda, favoring a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda linear switch excels in providing a silky smooth typing experience, enhanced by the long 22mm spring that adds a delightful bounce. This results in a responsive and ergonomically pleasing keystroke that aids in reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, while the exact feel of the Light Sakura is not outlined, it is emphasized as an ultra-light switch, which suggests that it is designed for comfort and ease of use, likely offering a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience similar to the Jacaranda.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch cater to different preferences and typing environments. The Jacaranda's clacky sound and silky feel are appealing to those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts. Conversely, the Light Sakura offers a quieter experience ideal for collaborative settings, where noise levels must be kept to a minimum while still assuring a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance comfort during extended use but do so through different auditory and tactile approaches. If sound and feel matter in your decision-making, the choice will largely depend on whether you prefer a lively click or a muted soundscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a lively, engaging typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound that adds an aural dimension to your work or gaming sessions, the Jacaranda is your best choice. Its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force combined with its unique 22mm spring offers a bouncy feel that enhances your keystrokes, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more dynamic and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you require a more subtle and silent typing experience, particularly in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions where discretion is key, the Light Sakura should be your go-to option. Its slightly lighter 43-gram actuation ensures a gentle and fatigue-reducing experience, allowing for prolonged use without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, choose the Jacaranda for its engaging sound and feel, and the Light Sakura for quiet, comfortable typing.
Mentioned in this article
