Bsun Light Sakura vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Lupine offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it a fantastic option for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions. Its design minimizes noise, making it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces, catering to users looking for a fatigue-reducing typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Lupine boasts a unique two-stage long spring mechanism that creates a consistent weight distribution with a satisfying, powerful rebound on each keypress. These switches are not only fun to type on but also deliver a classic clacky sound that can invigorate the typing experience. Both switches fall under the linear category but cater to different user needs—whether it’s silent comfort or engaging feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Lupine exhibit some similarities and notable contrasts that influence their sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a choice that is key to producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. This commonality results in a similar auditory experience during key releases, as polycarbonate’s properties lead to a clear and resonant note when pressing and releasing a key. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing aesthetics for users looking to customize their keyboard's visual appeal.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models. The Light Sakura opts for polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to maintaining the higher-pitched sound profile while reinforcing the clarity and sharpness of each keystroke. This cohesive use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a sound that harmonizes across the entire keypress. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon's softer and more absorbent characteristics lend the switch a deeper and fuller sound profile, diverging from the sharpness produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, the sound will be noticeably rounder and more muted, particularly felt during bottom-out action.
These distinctions in materials illustrate how each switch caters to different auditory preferences. The Light Sakura, with its all-polycarbonate housing, emphasizes a consistent sound profile that resonates with users who prefer a clear and sharp keystroke feedback. Meanwhile, the Durock Lupine’s combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom delivers a versatile acoustic experience—sharper on key release but deeper on bottoming out. As such, users can choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, whether they favor a resonant sound or a fuller, more enveloping auditory response.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying user preferences. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Lupine lacks a specified actuation force but has a considerably heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully depressed. This setup may appeal to users who seek a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Light Sakura can be classified as the lighter switch, while the Lupine is categorized as the heavier option. Overall, these differences highlight how users can choose based on their needs for weight and feel in their typing or gaming endeavors.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the Light Sakura measures at 3.6 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Light Sakura switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. The Lupine, on the other hand, offers a deeper travel distance that some users may prefer for its more substantial tactile feedback. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, if you favor a more responsive feel with less depth, the Light Sakura would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional switch depth may gravitate towards the Durock Lupine.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 specifically designed to operate quietly, making it an excellent choice for individuals in shared spaces or office environments. Its silent nature ensures that typing remains discreet, contributing to a more serene atmosphere conducive to focus and productivity. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch provides a distinct auditory experience characterized by a classic clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more engaging type of feedback. The Lupine's sound is described as neutral with a high-pitched quality, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may be more noticeable in quieter environments but still serves a broader audience, from beginners to advanced users.
Regarding feel, the Light Sakura offers an ultra-light experience, designed to reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its focus on comfort makes it ideal for users who prioritize a gentle touch without compromising performance. Conversely, the Durock Lupine employs two-stage long springs that deliver a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a more powerful upward rebound. The overall typing experience with the Lupine is described as mild, ensuring an approachable interaction that caters to a wide range of preferences. Additionally, its polished nature enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, resulting in minimal friction and a refined typing experience.
Taking all this information into account, both switches serve different needs and preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Bsun Light Sakura is perfect for users seeking a silent switch that allows for prolonged typing without disturbance, while the Durock Lupine caters to those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory experience in their typing. Depending on your priorities—discretion versus engagement—you can choose a switch that best aligns with your intended use case. If you seek a gentle typing experience, both switches can offer that quality, but the feel will differ, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a light touch and quiet operation, particularly for long typing sessions or shared settings, the Light Sakura switch is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 43 grams ensures that fatigue is minimized, while its silent design allows you to type comfortably without disturbing others around you. However, if you enjoy a slightly heavier and more tactile feel, the Durock Lupine switches might suit you better with their 62 grams bottom-out force. These switches provide a more pronounced feedback, complemented by a clacky sound profile that can be satisfying for those who appreciate audible keystrokes. They are perfect for users who spend less time in quiet environments or those who prefer a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits, the noise level you can tolerate, and the general use case of your keyboard, whether for focused work or casual gaming.
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