Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Mars offer distinct features that cater to different user preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing, particularly in office environments or shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. Its design prioritizes comfort and discretion, providing a gentle typing experience that reduces fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch stands out with its innovative combination of a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which potentially enhances durability and typing responsiveness. This switch could be ideal for users seeking a more unique tactile experience and a solid build quality. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you prioritize a quiet, comfortable typing experience or a robust construction with a distinctive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Mars switches differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, which impacts both their sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity and translucency. This results in a sharper, crisper sound profile that resonates clearly when typing. The clarity and brightness of the sound produced by polycarbonate make it particularly advantageous for users who favor RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts distinctly with the Light Sakura's crispness, thus catering to users who prefer a softer auditory feedback while typing.
Examining their respective bottom housings reveals further distinctions between the two switches. The Light Sakura again employs polycarbonate, mirroring its top housing's properties and resulting in a similar sharp sound profile when bottoming out. This consistency in material allows the Light Sakura to maintain a coherent auditory experience from keypress to release. On the other hand, the Mars utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which generates a unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the Light Sakura. Consequently, this leads to a different tactile sensation when bottoming out, providing a contrast in experience between the two switches that is reflective of their differing materials.
While the Light Sakura excels in creating a bright and clear sound profile due to its uniform use of polycarbonate, the Gateron Mars offers a nuanced auditory experience that combines the softness of nylon on top with the muted depth of POM below. Users will experience the intricacies of each switch's sound profile based on the material composition of both the top and bottom housings, leading to distinct typing experiences. In summary, those looking for a sharper sound may gravitate towards the Light Sakura for its uniformity and optimal performance with RGB lighting, while others who prefer a more subdued and rounded audio experience may find the Gateron Mars to be the better fit.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel while typing. However, the bottom out force of the Mars switch is not available, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly with the Light Sakura, which has a bottom out force of 43 grams. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter feel and ease during extended use, the Bsun Light Sakura would be the better choice, while those seeking a heavier resistance may gravitate towards the Gateron Mars.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch is identical, with both measuring 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch, as they both require the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. Consequently, both switches will deliver comparable performance in terms of key actuation and overall feel, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a linear switch with a consistent 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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is recognized for its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. While specific sound characteristics aren't described, the notion that it provides a quiet typing experience suggests that it produces minimal auditory feedback. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches also feature a focus on innovative design, but the sound profile is unknown. Ultimately, both switches cater to those who are looking for discreet use, although the exact auditory qualities of the Mars remain unspecified, meaning that depending on the keyboard and keycap setup, their acoustic profiles could differ significantly.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch that promotes comfort, particularly beneficial during long typing sessions, reducing fatigue and allowing for a seamless typing experience. The particular softness of the switch aids in making each keystroke feel effortless. The Mars switch, while lacking detailed descriptions of its feel, is known for its unique POK stem and housing combination of Nylon and POM, which may contribute to a distinctive tactile sensation. The degree of resistance, actuation point, and overall compliance of Mars could be different from the Light Sakura’s ultra-light action, but without specific details available, it remains a mystery.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is crafted for those who prioritize quietness and an ultra-light typing experience, making it ideal for silent environments. The Gateron Mars switch, while innovative, lacks specific details regarding sound and feel. For those considering either option, it’s clear that both switches can deliver a pleasant experience for the intended uses, but the exact qualities, particularly for the Mars switch, would require further exploration to fully appreciate its offerings.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Mars linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences in typing experience. If you prioritize a light and quiet switch that allows for comfortable, extended use without disrupting those around you, the Light Sakura is the ideal choice. Its silent operation and ultra-light bottom out force of 43 grams provide a fatigue-reducing experience, making it a great option for those in office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you’re intrigued by innovative designs and you value unique build quality, the Gateron Mars switches might pique your interest. Although the bottom out force is unspecified, the Mars features a POK stem and a distinctive housing composition of Nylon and POM, which can offer a distinct tactile experience. Ultimately, consider your environment and how much you value silence and comfort versus innovative design when making your decision.
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