Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Luciola represent two distinct choices that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Light Sakura is designed for those who prioritize a discreet and comfortable typing experience, featuring an ultra-light feel that makes it perfect for long hours of use without causing fatigue. Its silent operation adds to its allure, making it an ideal option for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is a must. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its unique glow-in-the-dark feature, bringing a fun and vibrant visual element to your keyboard. This switch offers a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy feel, coupled with a distinct sound profile reminiscent of a hollow can of spray paint being shaken; a delightful auditory experience for those who enjoy a bit of character in their keystrokes. Both switches have their own merits, making them appealing to different types of users—whether one seeks tranquility or a playful typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Luciola, it is evident that both switches prioritize achieving a high-pitched sound profile, but they approach this objective with differing materials. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper and more resonant auditory experience. This choice not only enhances clarity in sound but also offers a translucent aesthetic that is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola opts for a proprietary INK blend for its housings, a novel material that creates a pointed yet pleasant sound profile reminiscent of a clacky noise. This divergence in material usage leads to distinct auditory qualities for each switch, despite both aiming for a high-frequency sound.
While the Light Sakura consistently employs polycarbonate across both housings, contributing to a cohesive sound profile that is crisp and clearer, the Luciola’s use of the INK blend introduces a different dynamic. The top housing of the Luciola, although distinct in material, still promotes a high-pitched sound, building upon the underlying characteristics of the INK blend. The bottom housing of the Luciola interacts well with the top, allowing the switch to maintain some aspects of the sharpness associated with higher-pitched sounds. Therefore, even though the materials differ, the outcome remains aligned with the shared goal of clarity in sound, showing that even distinct material properties can yield similar auditory results.
In terms of usage, the sound dynamics influenced by the housing materials suggest that users might perceive the Light Sakura as producing a more consistently bright and clear sound due to its uniform polycarbonate composition. On the other hand, Gateron’s Luciola could be appreciated for providing a balance between the clarity of its higher pitches and the subtle nuances introduced by its proprietary INK blend, leading to a satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, while the materials differ in composition, the sonic qualities achieved by both switches, emphasizing high-pitched clarity, demonstrate that effective sound profiles can arise from diverse manufacturing choices. This means that users who favor either option can still anticipate enjoyable auditory experiences based on their distinct but complementary features.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons where reducing fatigue is essential. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. This difference means that while the Sakura provides a more effortless experience, the Luciola offers a weightier tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, whereas the Luciola is the heavier alternative, appealing to different preferences based on the user's typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equivalence in travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch. With both switches requiring the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, users will find they deliver comparable performance in terms of key actuation. As a result, whether one chooses the Light Sakura or the Luciola, the experience should feel uniformly consistent regarding 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 linear switch is designed for a silent operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is paramount. This switch offers a gentle auditory experience, ensuring that each keystroke is as quiet as possible, reducing any disturbance to those around you. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch presents an entirely different auditory profile. It features a clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched sound signature that can add a lively character to your typing experience. The inherent "can of spray paint being shaken" sound is particularly engaging for users who appreciate a more dynamic acoustic interaction with their keyboard. In summary, if you prefer a hushed typing experience, the Light Sakura is ideal, while the Luciola caters to those who relish vibrant sound qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is noted for its ultra-light touch, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. This lightweight characteristic reduces finger fatigue, allowing for fluid movements across keys without much resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola offers a medium heft that provides a more substantial feel, along with a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The snappy responsiveness of the Luciola makes it feel more lively and engaging, while its buttery and polished nature enhances the overall tactile satisfaction during use. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter, more fatigue-free typing experience, the Light Sakura excels, whereas the Luciola delivers a more dynamic and textured feel.
Overall, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Luciola linear switches cater to different user preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Sakura is perfect for those prioritizing a silent environment and a lightweight typing experience, making it suitable for office settings or quiet shared spaces. Conversely, the Luciola offers a more vibrant auditory experience balanced with a medium yet responsive feel, ideal for those who enjoy engaging with the acoustic and tactile elements of their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value silent comfort or lively interaction more in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Luciola linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you are someone who values a quiet and light typing experience, particularly in shared environments or during long typing sessions, the Light Sakura would be the ideal choice for you. Its gentle bottom-out force of 43 grams ensures a comfortable and fatigue-reducing experience while keeping noise levels to a minimum. On the other hand, if you desire an engaging typing feel with a bit more weight, the Gateron Luciola would likely suit you better. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it delivers a smooth, bouncy sensation that is perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback during typing. Plus, its unique sound profile—sharp, clacky, and even a little chirpy—adds an exciting auditory element, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy character in their typing experience. In summary, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a silent, feather-light touch or a more tactile and sonorous engagement with your keyboard.
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