Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Lotus stand out as exceptional linear options, each catering to different user preferences and environments. The Bsun Light Sakura is designed for comfort and discretion, featuring an ultra-light feel that makes it perfect for long typing sessions while maintaining a remarkably quiet operation—ideal for office settings and shared spaces. Its focus on gentle, fatigue-reducing performance makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and soundless typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium actuation weight of 50g at bottom out, combined with a bright, resonant sound that imbues each keystroke with a delightful feedback, promoting a sprightly and engaging typing experience. Both switches cater to unique needs, whether you prioritize silence and comfort or an invigorating tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Lotus keyboard switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials that contribute significantly to their overall sound profiles. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a rigid plastic that provides a crisp and resonant output, yielding a higher-pitched sound when keys are pressed. This choice is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate clarity and brightness in their typing experience, especially if they plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of light. In contrast, the HMX Lotus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which significantly dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This inherent depth gives the Lotus a warmer tonal quality, making it preferable for those who favor a muted sound profile.
When examining the effects of each material on the overall user experience, the Bsun Light Sakura provides a distinctly sharper and more resonant typing experience compared to the HMX Lotus. The polycarbonate housings of the Light Sakura ensure that both the sound on bottoming out and the sound when releasing the keys maintain a clear and vibrant character. This quality makes the switch particularly appealing for users who enjoy typing feedback with audible sharpness. Conversely, the Lotus with its nylon housings fosters a typing experience characterized by a subdued sound, which absorbs vibrations more effectively and yields a softer exit sound. This rounded tonality appeals to users who might prefer a less intrusive typing experience.
Despite the contrasting materials, both switches can provide a rich typing experience, albeit in different ways. Each housing material impacts the performance of the switch, making it important for users to consider their preferences. For example, while the Light Sakura boasts clear, crisp sound profiles due to its polycarbonate construction, the deeper tone provided by the nylon in the Lotus caters to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. For users torn between styles, it is possible to achieve a balance by leveraging the unique qualities of each switch, for instance, by utilizing the Light Sakura's resonant capabilities for clarity combined with the Lotus's plush sound for a more rounded auditory experience. Overall, the varied housing materials underscore the diverse preferences in keyboard switches, catering to multiple typing styles and personal tastes.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Lotus linear switches both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the HMX Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches offer a relatively light typing feel, the Lotus offers a more substantial push, catering to those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Consequently, users who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Light Sakura, while those seeking a heavier, more tactile feel may find the Lotus more appealing. Overall, if you want lighter actuation, the Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas the Lotus provides a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Lotus linear switches, the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Light Sakura offers a slightly deeper keystroke, which may appeal to users who prefer more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive experience, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for faster actuation. Both switches, although close in travel distance, cater to different preferences: those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel might gravitate toward the Light Sakura, while those who favor quick response times may find the Lotus more appealing.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is a silent switch, designed to provide a discreet typing experience that is gentle on the ears and suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Its quiet operation allows for seamless typing without disturbing colleagues or family members, making it an excellent choice for shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch produces a bright, resonant sound with each keystroke, delivering an auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This lively sound profile adds a layer of enjoyment to typing, making it more engaging for users who appreciate acoustic feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch features an ultra-light resistance, allowing for effortless key presses. This soft touch is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and promotes comfort over extended periods of use. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, paired with a super bouncy sensation that accentuates each keystroke. This more substantial feel can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a tactile response, as it gives a sense of assurance and engagement with each press.
In summary, if you are looking for a typing experience that prioritizes quiet operation and comfort over long durations, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is an excellent choice. It excels in producing a silent experience while ensuring ease of use with its ultra-light resistance. Conversely, the HMX Lotus switch caters to those who thrive on auditory feedback and a more pronounced tactile sensation, offering a lively and bouncy feel that many users find delightful. Depending on your priorities—either silent comfort or an engaging, resonant typing experience—you can select the switch that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, your choices should be guided by your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a soft, ultra-light feel and require a silent operation for a comfortable typing experience, especially over long periods or in quiet settings like offices or shared spaces, the Light Sakura is your best bet. Its effortless actuation and discretion make it an ideal choice for those who want to minimize noise and fatigue while typing. Conversely, if you seek a slightly more tactile experience, enjoy a satisfying sound with each keystroke, and appreciate a bit of resistance with a medium weight of 50 grams, the HMX Lotus will likely meet your needs better. Its bouncy feel and resonant sound cater to those who enjoy the auditory feedback and a bit more substance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual typing style and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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