Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Melodic 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 Melodic can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions. Its design is perfect for office environments and shared spaces where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic introduces a vibrant twist to the clicky switch category, combining the classic tactile feedback and sound that clicky enthusiasts love with modern features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This approach ensures a gratifying typing experience that is both buttery and resonant. While the Light Sakura appeals to those seeking a gentle, fatigue-reducing touch, the Melodic entices users who enjoy an invigorating auditory and tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
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
4.00 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 housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Melodic switches present interesting similarities and contrasts that significantly affect their performance and acoustic profile. Both the Light Sakura and Melodic utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a decision that underlines a shared commitment to providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making these switches particularly effective in setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the material's translucency enhances the visual effect. Consequently, users can expect similar acoustic performance regarding the sound produced when pressing down on the switches, as they will share the tonal characteristics of their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the variance in the bottom housing materials introduces a crucial difference between the two switches. The Light Sakura uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the same sharper sound profile as its top counterpart. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This discrepancy influences the overall auditory impression one experiences when using the switches; the Light Sakura will yield a consistent high-pitched sound throughout, while the Melodic’s nylon bottom will introduce a rounder, richer tone when the switch is bottomed out. This means that while the top sounds may be similar, the bottom-out sound and feel will differ between the two.
When evaluating the overall performance, it becomes evident that the top and bottom housings create a specific blend of acoustic properties in each switch. For the Light Sakura, both housings work cohesively to produce a uniform high-end sound profile, which aligns with preferences for sharper auditory feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic will deliver a more complex sound experience to the user, starting with the clear, crisp notes from the polycarbonate top and transitioning into the deeper, resonant tones provided by the nylon bottom. This combination allows for a rich textural contrast while typing, showcasing how distinct housing materials can influence the tactile and auditory experiences vastly within a single keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, while the actuation force for the Melodic switch is unknown, it has a notably heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial feel that appeals to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option between the two, while the Gateron Melodic, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction highlights a key difference between the two switches, as the Light Sakura offers a shorter travel distance, which can enhance responsiveness and quick key presses, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the Melodic's longer travel distance of 4 mm caters to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, providing a deeper feel that some may find more satisfying. Thus, if you gravitate toward quick responses, the Light Sakura would be the better option, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might favor the Melodic.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is characterized by its inherently silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who need to type in environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. This switch allows for a discreet typing experience, ensuring that your keystrokes won't disrupt the peace in shared spaces or office settings. In stark contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a rich auditory experience marked by resonant and crunchy sounds, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Its high-pitched sound profile is sharp and clean, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, especially those who appreciate the classic clicky switch feel.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura excels at providing an ultra-light touch, designed specifically for comfort and prolonged typing sessions. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize a fatigue-reducing experience without sacrificing ease of use. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a more pronounced tactile feel with its buttery smoothness and invigorating actuation. The snappy feedback and moderate to firm actuation force create an immersive typing sensation that many typists crave, especially for tasks requiring precision and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Light Sakura is tailored for those seeking a quiet, comfortable typing experience, the Gateron Melodic switch caters to individuals who enjoy engaging auditory and tactile sensations in their typing. Both switches have distinct characteristics that fulfill different needs; choosing between them largely depends on your prioritization of sound versus feel. If you prefer a serene and unobtrusive setup, the Light Sakura will suit you best, while the Melodic will be your go-to for that classic, exhilarating experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light touch and quiet operation, the Light Sakura is ideal for long typing sessions, especially in office settings where noise levels matter. Its gentle actuation helps reduce fatigue, allowing you to type comfortably for extended periods without disturbing those around you. Conversely, if you enjoy tactile feedback and the classic auditory experience of a clicky switch, the Gateron Melodic is designed to satisfy your craving for sound and sensation. With its invigorating feel and resonant click, it not only enhances your typing experience but also provides the joyful sound of typing that many enthusiasts cherish. Therefore, assess your needs: embrace the discretion and comfort of the Light Sakura for peace and focus, or opt for the engaging and satisfying response of the Melodic to elevate your typing joy.
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