KTT Laurel vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Laurel and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences and environments. The KTT Laurel, a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, is celebrated for its short travel and long pole design, providing a satisfying balance of responsiveness and comfort. Its subtly low-pitched and snappy sound profile allows for a pleasant typing experience without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out as a silent switch, specifically crafted for comfort and discretion. Its ultra-light feel makes it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions, while its quiet operation ensures it fits seamlessly into office environments and shared spaces, allowing users to type without disturbing others. Both switches have their merits depending on your needs—whether you prioritize responsiveness and a tactile feel or silent, fatigue-reducing comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and the Bsun Light Sakura keyboards feature distinct materials for their respective top and bottom switch housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. The KTT Laurel utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is characteristically deep and muted. This muted resonance is a hallmark of POM, as it tends to absorb certain frequencies, leading to a sound that many users find pleasing and unique. The uniform use of POM in both sections means that the overall tonal quality remains consistent across the switch, producing a cohesive auditory experience when typing or gaming.

In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a sharply different sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic known for producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound, which stands in stark contrast to the deeper tones of the Laurel. The translucency of the Light Sakura's polycarbonate housing also benefits RGB lighting setups, allowing for enhanced illumination effects that are not present in the Laurel. This material difference not only alters the sound but also affects the visual appeal of the switches, as polycarbonate’s clarity showcases the lighting in a more vibrant manner.

When considering both switches, it’s important to note how the material chosen for each housing can split the sonic characteristics between the top and bottom sections. In the Laurel, the POM materials create a unified sound experience that is distinctly muted, while the Light Sakura's polycarbonate sections contribute to a brighter auditory profile. The bottom housing typically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound as the key is released. Therefore, while both switches may offer unique sound experiences governed by their materials, the contrasting properties of POM and polycarbonate create distinctly different auditory trademarks for each model, making them suitable for different preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Laurel switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light option overall. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, also categorizing it as a light switch. This means that while both switches provide a relatively minimal effort to activate, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, requiring less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Laurel. For users seeking a lighter typing experience, the Sakura would be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a slightly more substantial feel might lean towards the Laurel. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience but cater to different preferences in actuation and bottom-out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Laurel the shorter of the two options by 0.1 mm. For gamers or users seeking a quicker response time, the Laurel's shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, the Light Sakura's increased travel distance could offer a more substantial, grounded experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. While both switches cater to different preferences, the closer yet distinct travel distances emphasize the nuanced choices available for users based on their typing or gaming styles.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched profile, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone that makes it less jarring in quieter environments. This low-pitched sound contributes to an enjoyable auditory experience while typing, as it avoids the high-pitched clatter of some other switches. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed to be silent, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain discretion while typing. This feature becomes particularly advantageous in shared workspaces or during late-night sessions, where noise can be a concern. Overall, both switches can provide a pleasant sound experience, albeit in different contexts, appealing to those who prioritize either a more acoustic engagement or a completely quiet operation.

In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel is characterized by a snappy tactile response that enhances the typing experience with a sense of immediacy and engagement. This responsiveness often stems from its longer or dual-staged springs, which make every keystroke feel lively and connected to the act of typing. The Laurel’s feel is likely to resonate well with those who appreciate quick, reactive switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is ultra-light and designed for comfort, catering to users who might be focused on longer typing sessions. The emphasis here is on fatigue reduction rather than intensified feedback, helping to create a more gentle and relaxed typing experience. While the Laurel’s snappiness may enhance productivity for some, the Light Sakura’s softness likely provides a more laid-back feel during extended use.

In conclusion, both the KTT Laurel and Bsun Light Sakura switches serve their unique purposes effectively, offering different sound and feel profiles to suit varying preferences. The Laurel provides a responsive and low-pitched sound experience that may appeal to those who enjoy an engaging typing session, while the Light Sakura excels in silent operation and ultra-light touch for comfort during long periods of use. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to individual typing style and the environments in which they will be used. Whether you prefer the snappy feedback of the Laurel or the gentle touch of the Sakura, either switch can lead to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the KTT Laurel and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches, your decision should be guided by your preferences for typing feel, sound, and environment. If you favor a responsive, snappy experience with a slightly firmer touch, the KTT Laurel would be your best bet, especially if you find yourself needing a switch that balances comfort and performance for both typing and gaming. Its low-pitched sound profile also makes it a versatile option for a variety of settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super light feel and a quiet, almost silent typing experience, especially in shared or office environments, the Bsun Light Sakura is the ideal choice. It’s designed for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, allowing you to work discreetly without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you want a more engaging and tactile experience with the Laurel or a feather-light and silent approach with the Light Sakura.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more