Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an ideal choice for long typing sessions, particularly in office settings or shared spaces where discretion is key. Its design aims to reduce fatigue while providing a gentle touch, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and quietness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is characterized by its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and bright, resonant sound, delivering a bouncy sensation with each keystroke that can be particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy feedback and a more pronounced auditory element. While the Light Sakura appeals to those seeking a serene typing environment, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to users who thrive on a more robust tactile experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 housing materials employed in the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) are distinctly different, with the Light Sakura utilizing polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Lotus (Heavy) incorporates nylon in both components. The polycarbonate top housing of the Light Sakura is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate’s properties as a stiffer plastic, which allows for greater sound resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for users prioritizing visual effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound and produces a duller, rounder tone. This fundamental difference in material significantly influences the auditory experience when typing on each switch.
The bottom housings of both switches mirror the distinctions found in their top counterparts. The Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the same sharper and crisper sound profile characteristic of its top material. This uniformity in materiality means that the overall sound when bottoming out will reflect the clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Lotus (Heavy) contributes to a deeper sound experience, softening the auditory output by absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic characteristics. As a result, while both switches produce auditory results consistent with their respective materials, the Light Sakura will deliver a more consistent sound profile throughout its operation—a sharpness that blends well when both top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two housing materials within each switch influences the tactile and auditory feedback experienced during use. With the Light Sakura’s dual polycarbonate construction, users can experience a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes clarity both on key press and release. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon construction, provides a rounded auditory experience, where the sound dampening qualities of nylon play a crucial role in producing a fuller feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, while both switches achieve unique auditory outcomes by leveraging their respective materials, any user seeking a balance between high-pitched clarity and deep sound may find value in understanding how each switch's construction may cater to personal preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences in typing experience. The Light Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who favor extended typing sessions with less strain. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel and feedback in their typing experience. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, while the Lotus is the heavier choice, providing a clear distinction for users based on their preferred force sensitivity. With this variance, users can expect notably different tactile experiences, with the heavier switch offering a firmer push and the lighter switch allowing for quicker, less fatiguing keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this comparison, the Light Sakura offers a marginally deeper feel, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, could provide quicker response times, aligning with the preferences of gamers who favor a more responsive experience. While both switches present relatively short travel distances in the contemporary landscape of mechanical switches, the distinction of just 0.1 mm makes the Light Sakura the longer option, allowing for a more pronounced feedback, whereas the Lotus remains the shorter and potentially quicker choice for those desiring prompt actuation.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch operates in near silence, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize discretion in their typing experience. Its design aims to minimize sound, which is particularly beneficial in shared environments where noise can be a distraction. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that captures attention with each keystroke. The auditory presence of the Lotus switch can provide an engaging tactile feedback element but may not suit environments where noise is a concern.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light actuation, promoting comfort during extended typing sessions. This gentle touch reduces fatigue and allows for a smooth and effortless experience. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) switch features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which provides a bouncy and dynamic feel that many users find delightful. The heavier actuation of the Lotus offers a more substantial feedback, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying compared to the almost ethereal lightness of the Sakura.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches cater to very different preferences in sound and feel. The Light Sakura excels in its silent operation and ultra-light touch, appealing to those who need a discreet and fatigue-reducing typing experience. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a vibrant auditory feedback combined with a bouncy actuation that may attract users who enjoy a more pronounced feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific typing needs and preferences, as these two switches deliver distinctly different experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light touch and a quiet typing experience, especially in environments where noise could be disruptive, the Light Sakura is the better choice for you. Its bottom-out force of 43 grams makes it incredibly easy to press, allowing for hours of comfortable typing without fatigue. This switch is perfect for writers, students, or anyone who spends long hours on their keyboard and needs to minimize distractions for themselves and those around them. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile experience and prefer the satisfying feedback of medium-heavy switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) will cater to your needs beautifully. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, this switch provides a bouncy and resonant feel with each keystroke, offering a more deliberate typing experience that can be particularly rewarding in gaming or programming scenarios. In summary, your choice should be guided by whether you lean towards a lightweight, quiet operation for long, focused tasks (Light Sakura) or a more robust and responsive feel for dynamic interaction (HMX Lotus Heavy).
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