Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the distinction between linear and tactile options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions in quiet environments like offices or shared spaces. Its design prioritizes comfort, allowing users to enjoy a fatigue-reducing experience without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch offers a unique blend of lightweight feel and tactile feedback. While it maintains a relatively soft touch, it provides approachable tactility that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a responsive typing experience without the louder click typical of other tactile switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences for feedback and sound; while the Light Sakura caters to those who favor silence and comfort, the Lime attracts those who appreciate a gentle tactile sensation. 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
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Lime switches utilize distinctly different materials for their switch housings, which significantly influences their acoustic qualities and tactile experiences. The Light Sakura features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. The polycarbonate’s stiffness enhances the switch's overall responsiveness, making it ideal for scenarios where precision and auditory feedback are paramount. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate offers aesthetic advantages, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through vividly.
In contrast, the Outemu Lime switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, yielding a notably different acoustic profile. The nylon construction absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound that is generally perceived as softer and rounder than that of polycarbonate. This inherent quality of nylon creates a contrasting typing experience that may be favored by users looking for a quieter and more cushioned sound. The tactile feedback provided by nylon is also characterized by a less sharp response, which could appeal to those who prefer a less aggressive feel during typing sessions.
When considering the combination of materials used in these two switches, it is essential to note how the qualities of each housing material affect the overall typing experience. In the Light Sakura, both housing components contribute to a consistently high-pitched and responsive feel, particularly on bottom-out sounds due to both being made of the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime will create a split experience influenced by nylon's absorption in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a unified but subdued sound profile. While users of either switch can achieve satisfactory typing experiences, the distinct acoustic characteristics of their materials will cater to specific preferences regarding sound and feel, ultimately guiding users in their choice based on individual taste and desired auditory feedback.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Light Sakura requires an actuation force of 37 grams and has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Outemu Lime has a slightly lower actuation force of 35 grams and a higher bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that, although both switches are on the lighter side, the Light Sakura is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force, while the Lime is heavier at bottom out. For users seeking a more tactile feedback experience, the Lime's minor additional resistance may be preferred. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter touch for comfort over long durations, both switches provide similar results, but the Light Sakura offers a slightly firmer actuation feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Light Sakura switch provides a deeper keystroke, which may cater to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Lime switch's shorter travel distance aligns more closely with the growing trend towards increased responsiveness, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize quick key activations. Thus, while both switches have travel distances below the traditional 4.0 mm, the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm offers a more substantial depth compared to the Lime's 3.3 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for either that extra depth or the swifter response time associated with the shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, both are designed with silence in mind, making them suitable for shared environments. The Light Sakura switch offers a soft auditory signature, perfectly aligning with its goal of providing a quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch is described as having a neutral to muted sound profile. It produces less noise while retaining a tactile bump, which offers a more pronounced feedback without being obtrusive. Both switches, while distinct in design philosophy, will yield a similar lack of disruption, making them both appropriate for office use or anywhere noise might be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura is designed to deliver an ultra-light and fatigue-reducing typing experience. This aligns well with the Lime switch's characteristics, which include a mild and feathery touch that requires minimal effort to engage. The Lime’s subtle resistance can make it approachable for all users, while still maintaining a comforting engagement. Furthermore, the polished nature of the Lime switch enhances its smoothness, reducing friction during key presses. Although the Light Sakura’s exact feel is not explicitly defined, the emphasis on comfort suggests it shares similar lightness and ease of use, making both switches ideal for extended typing sessions without causing significant finger fatigue.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Lime switches are tailored for comfort and quiet operation, but they cater to different preferences: the former being a linear switch with a focus on smoothness and discretion, while the latter offers an approachable tactile experience. They are well-suited for environments where noise reduction is critical, and their light actuation forces help mitigate finger fatigue. Whether you are looking for a seamless experience or a subtle tactile feedback, both switches promise to provide similar results in terms of comfort and quietness, making them excellent choices for anyone seeking a gentle typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you're someone who values a nearly silent and ultra-light switch for long typing sessions, particularly in shared or office spaces, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force makes it comfortable and fatigue-reducing, allowing you to type for extended periods without feeling strain. On the other hand, if you appreciate a gentle tactile feedback while maintaining a lightweight typing experience, the Outemu Lime can provide that subtle push you might enjoy without being overly intrusive. With a bottom-out force of 45 grams and a muted sound profile, the Lime strikes a balance that caters to tactile fans looking for something versatile enough for various environments. In essence, choose the Light Sakura for quiet and effortless typing or the Outemu Lime if you desire a bit of tactility without sacrificing comfort.
Mentioned in this article
