Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Magnetic Jade presents a fascinating contrast in performance and user experience. The Light Sakura, a linear switch, is cherished for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it the perfect option for those who require long typing sessions in shared or office environments without disturbing others. Its design prioritizes comfort and discretion, appealing to users who seek a gentle, fatigue-reducing typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, offers a bright and clacky sound that caters to enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. This switch is celebrated for its superior typing feel and improved acoustics, which significantly enhance the overall typing experience. While the Light Sakura focuses on maintaining a peaceful work environment, the Magnetic Jade creates a lively, tactile feedback that can invigorate typing sessions. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of the polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, which enhances the overall typing experience. This similarity not only influences the sound produced when key releases occur but also underscores the aesthetic appeal of both switches when used in setups featuring RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows for effective light diffusion. Consequently, users can expect comparable acoustic characteristics from both switches when pressing down on keys, reflecting the shared material choice.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Light Sakura and Magnetic Jade diverge significantly in material composition. The Light Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top counterpart and contributing to a consistent sound profile across the switch. The result is a seamless transition in sound quality from the keypress to the bottom-out experience, with both segments reinforcing the clarity of sound. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer and more absorbent characteristics. This material choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving the Magnetic Jade a distinct auditory identity. As a result, typists using the Jade will notice a more rounded sound upon bottoming out, which contrasts sharply with the crisper feedback found in the Light Sakura.
The differing materials in the bottom housings illustrate how the overall sound experience can be influenced by the combination of housing materials used in a switch. While both the Light Sakura and Magnetic Jade deliver similar sounds during key releases due to their polycarbonate top housings, users may feel a tangible difference when interacting with the switches, particularly in the bottom-out experience. The Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottoms maintain a consistent sound clarity, while the Magnetic Jade's nylon bottoms emphasize a fuller audio signature. Thus, each switch embodies a unique sound profile, showcasing how the interplay between the top and bottom housings defines the tactile and auditory touchpoints of the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch with the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we can observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions due to its lightweight feel. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger, but its bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 55 grams. This creates a substantial difference in typing experience; while the lighter actuation force of the Magnetic Jade might appeal to users looking for minimal effort to register keystrokes, the heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Light Sakura is the lighter overall option, appealing to those who value a softer typing experience, whereas the Magnetic Jade may favor users seeking a balance between light actuation and a heavier bottom out feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, it is evident that the Light Sakura takes the lead with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This minor difference indicates that both switches fall within a similarly low range, appealing to users who prioritize responsive feedback, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade may provide a more immediate key press response, while the Light Sakura's longer distance could yield a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a pronounced bottom-out. Overall, those favoring quick action may opt for the Magnetic Jade, whereas those wanting a fuller typing experience might prefer the Bsun Light Sakura.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for a silent typing experience, making it ideal for environments where discretion is key. Its quiet operation allows for minimal noise, which is perfect for office settings or shared workspaces where you want to avoid disturbing others. In stark contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch produces a bright and clacky sound, adding an engaging auditory element to typing. This acoustic quality not only enhances the overall experience but also makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing.
Regarding the feel, the Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light touch, making it remarkably comfortable for prolonged use. This gentle resistance can be refreshing for typists, reducing fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade provides a different tactile experience, emphasizing a more pronounced actuation with satisfying feedback. This results in a responsive feel that many typists find rewarding as each keystroke is accompanied by both tactile and auditory stimulation.
In summary, while the Bsun Light Sakura is preferred for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, suitable for discreet environments, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is favored for its bright and clacky sound along with a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: choose the Light Sakura for a gentle, quiet typing experience or the Magnetic Jade for an engaging, audible interaction with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a silent typing experience and plan to spend long hours typing, the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice, thanks to its ultra-light feel and discreet operation, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments. Its gentle 43-gram actuation force helps reduce fatigue over extended sessions, allowing for comfortable typing without generating noise that could disrupt colleagues. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile and acoustically rich experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch might be the better option. With a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and a bright clacky sound, these switches elevate your typing with satisfying feedback and improved acoustics, particularly suited for personal use or studios where sound quality matters. Therefore, you should consider not just how the switches feel under your fingers, but also the environment in which you'll be using them, as this will guide you toward the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
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