Bsun Light Sakura vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct yet appealing options for users seeking linear switches. The Light Sakura shines with its emphasis on silence and comfort, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions in environments where discretion is paramount. Its ultra-light feel minimizes fatigue, allowing for extended use without bothersome noise, which is particularly beneficial in office settings or shared spaces. Conversely, the Milk Tea switch provides a contrasting experience; while still linear, it delivers a unique auditory profile characterized by a high-pitched, yet muted sound. This gives it a distinct presence, providing users with a delightful typing experience that feels effortless thanks to its Ly stem material. Each switch caters to different emotional and practical needs—one prioritizing a peaceful typing experience, the other offering a blend of subtlety and character. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the PH Studio Milk Tea, notable differences in sound profiles and aesthetics emerge due to their choice of materials. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This material is recognized for its rigidity, allowing for a clear and resonant acoustic response. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its visual appeal, particularly in RGB lighting settings, providing both functionality and style. Conversely, the Milk Tea features POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which yields a deeper, more muted sound profile. With a focus on creating a unique auditory experience, the POM material lends itself to a more subdued sound, distinguishing it from the brighter acoustics of the Light Sakura.
The separation of the housing materials into top and bottom components further highlights the unique auditory experience each switch offers. For the Light Sakura, the polycarbonate's properties lead to a consistent sound profile across both the top and bottom housings, reinforcing the crispness however you interact with the switch. In contrast, the interplay between the POM top and bottom housings in the Milk Tea results in a distinct acoustic signature, as the muted characteristics of the POM bottom housing dampen the overall sound while the top housing still plays a crucial role in sound release. This means that the user experience with the Milk Tea switch is characterized by a rich blend of muted resonance that is intentionally crafted through the materials employed.
Ultimately, while the Light Sakura and Milk Tea switches utilize different materials, achieving desirable sound characteristics is fundamentally linked to the respective qualities of polycarbonate and POM. While the Light Sakura will generate a more pronounced, high-frequency sound, the Milk Tea's deeper tones invite a unique auditory experience that could equally appeal to users seeking a different feel. For those interested in similar results, leveraging the harmonizing effects of each material can create a sound profile that complements personal preferences; however, the pathways to those results will differ based on the inherent qualities of the materials used. Thus, users choose based on whether they prefer the brightness of polycarbonate or the unique depth offered by POM, as well as how they want those characteristics to manifest in their overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we find that both switches exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, but with slight variations in weight. The Light Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Milk Tea's actuation force is slightly heavier at 37.5 grams and its bottom out force is 43.5 grams. This means that while both switches are on the lighter end of the spectrum, offering advantages for extended typing sessions and gaming, the Milk Tea switch provides a marginally firmer feel compared to the Light Sakura. Ultimately, users seeking a very light push feel might lean towards the Light Sakura, whereas those looking for a touch more resistance could prefer the Milk Tea. Overall, both switches present a close typing experience, with their weights being the primary differentiator.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of the distance traveled. As a result, both switches will provide similar feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming, making them equally suitable for users who prioritize travel distance in their keyboard preferences.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura switch is characterized by its silent operation, specifically designed for discretion in typing. This makes it an ideal choice for environments like offices or shared spaces, where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a more vibrant auditory experience. Its fairly high-pitched sound is accompanied by a muted essence, contributing a unique auditory blend that balances presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea's clacky, resonant qualities add a crisp and bright percussive element to each keystroke, providing a more immersive acoustic environment.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura stands out with its ultra-light characteristic, promoting a comfortable typing experience that reduces fatigue over long periods. This switch aims to provide a gentle touch, enhancing comfort during extended sessions. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is distinguished by its polished and silky textures, offering a notably smooth and refined typing experience. This results from either the materials used or factory lubing, ensuring minimal resistance and a beautifully fluid keystroke pathway.
In summary, while the Bsun Light Sakura excels in quiet operation and comfort, making it perfect for a discreet typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch presents a more engaging auditory profile with polished and silky sensations. Users looking for a switch that minimizes noise and provides ultra-light action will favor the Light Sakura, while those who appreciate a subtle yet pronounced sound along with a smooth typing experience may prefer the Milk Tea. Ultimately, your choice may come down to the environment in which you type and the sensory experiences you prioritize.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you're looking for an incredibly light and quiet switch that allows for long typing sessions without fatigue or distraction, the Light Sakura is the way to go. Its gentle keystroke is ideal for shared spaces like offices where noise can be an issue, making it perfect for those who prioritize discretion and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is not only smooth but also has a delightful auditory element, the Milk Tea switches may be better suited for you. Their polished and silky feel, combined with a unique high-pitched sound, enhances the tactile feedback while still keeping things relatively subtle. Choose the Light Sakura for an ultra-comfortable, silent experience, and opt for the Milk Tea if you want a touch of character in your keystrokes with a refined sound. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on whether you lean more towards a landscape of silence and comfort or a blend of smoothness and engaging auditory feedback.
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