Keygeek Keylin vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Bsun Light Sakura both offer unique advantages for different typing preferences. The Keylin, known for its premium typing experience, boasts rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness thanks to its new molds from Keygeek, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed with comfort and discretion in mind, featuring a silent operation that makes it perfect for office environments and shared spaces. Its ultra-light feel is an appealing option for those who engage in extended typing sessions and seek a gentler experience to reduce fatigue without disturbing colleagues. While both switches are categorized as linear, their distinct characteristics cater to varying user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Bsun Light Sakura, we see significant differences in their construction that impact both the acoustics and overall feel of each switch. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material is known for creating a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, resulting from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively. Consequently, the Keylin's design allows for a muffled sound that many typists find satisfactory for a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its stiffness and translucency. This contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making each keystroke more pronounced and resonant, especially appealing for users who prefer a more tactile feedback while typing.

Despite the distinctive sound profiles produced by the two materials, the functionality of each switch may still yield similar typing experiences under certain conditions. In the case of the Keylin, the nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to an impression of a softer touch, which could still be perceived as smooth and engaging for typists who favor a quieter workspace. On the contrary, while the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate design generates a brighter and sharper sound, its stiff nature can still provide a consistent and reassuring feedback in each keystroke. This means that although they are different in composition and sound quality, both switches can cater to varying preferences, with the Keylin offering a more muted impression and the Light Sakura facilitating heightened auditory engagement.

Ultimately, the differences in materials also influence the tactile sensation users experience when pressing down on the switches. The Keylin's nylon components contribute to a more cushioned bottom-out feel, whereas the Light Sakura's polycarbonate configuration is likely to result in a firmer and highly responsive feel at the bottom of the press. However, the contrasting acoustics play a pivotal role in how users perceive their typing experiences. The Keylin's design focuses on an overall deeper sound signature with an understated aesthetic, while the Light Sakura aims to enhance the visual appeal with its clear polycarbonate housing, particularly useful when RGB lighting is involved. Thus, users' choices between these two switches will largely depend on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics, despite some overlapping aspects in functional performance.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Keylin requires an actuation force of 38 grams and reaches a bottom out force of 48 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 while both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, the Keylin is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out pressure. If weight is a primary concern, the Bsun Light Sakura may be the better choice for users seeking the lightest feel.

Travel distance

Both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they offer identical key travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and response from both switches, resulting in a nearly identical typing experience. Since the travel distances are the same, those seeking consistent tactile feedback across their keyboard will find both switches to perform equally in this regard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, which provide a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This characteristic gives it a more pronounced sound profile that can be enjoyable for users who appreciate the feedback of a tactile keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for quiet operation, making it an excellent choice in environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. The Light Sakura's focus on silence means that while it may lack the vocal richness of the Keylin, it excels in discretion, allowing for a more peaceful typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, offering a luxurious typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. The smooth keystrokes contribute to a seamless and comfortable feel, ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch provides an ultra-light feel, which is particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions as it minimizes fatigue. This lightweight characteristic ensures that typing remains comfortable over long periods, but it may lack the tactile feedback that some users desire in a more traditional switch.

In summary, the Keygeek Keylin and Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different preferences and requirements. The Keylin offers a rich and engaging sound with a buttery smooth feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura prioritizes silence and lightweight design, providing a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience. Depending on your needs, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, though the Keylin tends to emphasize auditory feedback and smoothness, while the Light Sakura focuses on comfort and discretion.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that offers a premium typing experience with rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, the Keylin may be the better choice for you. Its slightly higher bottom out force of 48 grams provides a balanced feel that many users find satisfying, especially if you enjoy the tactile response of keystrokes that offer both feedback and character. On the other hand, if your priority is a quiet, comfortable typing experience—especially in shared or office environments—the Light Sakura is likely your best bet. With an even lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, this switch is designed for prolonged use without causing fatigue, and its silent operation ensures that you won’t disturb those around you. In summary, if you value clarity and character in your typing sound, opt for Keylin; however, for a gentle touch and discretion, the Light Sakura is your ideal companion.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more