Bsun Light Sakura vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Mint offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is renowned for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it the ideal choice for those who type for extended periods and need a switch that promotes comfort and discretion in shared environments. With its gentle touch, it effectively reduces fatigue while allowing for an uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint distinguishes itself with its satisfying smoothness and a distinct 'thock' sound profile thanks to its long pole stem. This switch is characterized by a light and fleeting typing feel, appealing to users who enjoy a slight feedback without being overly loud. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct attributes cater to different user needs—whether you prioritize noise reduction and comfort with the Light Sakura or a more tactile auditory experience with the Mint. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Mint share a similar approach in utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a distinct sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio feedback. This shared material choice contributes to a more resonant sound, benefiting keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate clear auditory cues while typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for accommodating RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Both models effectively leverage this property to create vivid lighting effects, showcasing that the same material can yield consistent auditory and visual results across different brands.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models, leading to contrasting sound experiences. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which means the sound profile will remain aligned with that of the top housing—creating an overall crisp and articulate typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mint incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which introduces deeper, fuller sound characteristics. Nylon’s softer nature absorbs more sound and dampens auditory feedback, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced sound profile. This fundamental difference in bottom housing materials will impact the feel and sound when bottoming out on the Mint compared to the consistent clarity experienced with the Light Sakura.
Consequently, while both the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Mint offer similarities in their top housing through the use of polycarbonate, their differing bottom housing materials set them apart. Users seeking a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback might prefer the Light Sakura, given its consistent use of polycarbonate. On the other hand, those who value a softer and deeper sound might find the KTT Mint’s nylon bottom housing more appealing. Thus, the overall sound and feel of each switch become a unique blend of the top and bottom housing materials, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their specific preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch present contrasting characteristics in both 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 an ideal choice for those who favor a lighter keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions. In comparison, the KTT Mint has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel and feedback when typing. This distinction in weight makes the Light Sakura the lighter option overall, while the KTT Mint provides a firmer resistance. Consequently, users looking for a seamless experience during prolonged computer use may gravitate towards the Light Sakura, whereas those who appreciate a heftier push should consider the KTT Mint.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times for gaming, while the Mint provides a more traditional feel with its 4 mm distance, catering to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Light Sakura would be the better choice, whereas if you favor a more substantial keypress, the KTT Mint would be more suitable.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Mint switches, the Light Sakura is designed for silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who require discretion in shared spaces. Its quiet nature ensures minimal disruption, even during extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prioritize a peaceful ambiance. In contrast, the KTT Mint produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This creates a satisfying auditory feedback that many may find enjoyable without becoming too intrusive. A key consideration for both switches is that sound can be influenced by the keyboard's build and the materials used, so users may experience variations regardless of the switches chosen.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light touch which enhances comfort during long-duration typing. This gentle action helps prevent fatigue, making it suitable for individuals who spend hours at their keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Mint features a mild feel combined with a polished finish, leading to a smoother and refined typing experience. Its design ensures reduced friction and a seamless key travel, which can be appealing for typists seeking a balance of light actuation and satisfaction. While both switches aim for comfort, the Light Sakura leans towards serenity, while the Mint focuses on a pleasant tactile smoothness.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Mint linear switches depends on personal preferences related to sound and feel. The Light Sakura excels in creating a quiet and ultra-light typing experience, making it perfect for discreet environments. Conversely, the KTT Mint offers a more engaging auditory feedback with a smooth and gentle touch ideal for those who enjoy a poppy thockiness in their keystrokes. Depending on individual needs, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, with the nuances in sound and feel guiding the selection process.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you prioritize a light touch and silent operation, particularly for long typing sessions or in shared office spaces, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its mere 43-gram bottom-out force ensures minimal fatigue and discretion, making it perfect for those long days of work or late-night gaming without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a touch of personality, the Mint's 53-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying balance of resistance and smoothness, especially due to its long pole stem that yields that distinctive thocky sound. The Mint would suit those looking for an engaging typing experience at home or in quieter settings where that subtle sound can be appreciated. By assessing your unique typing style and the environments you'll be in, you'll be well-equipped to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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