Bsun Light Sakura vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry MX Brown present compelling options, each catering to different user preferences and environments. The Light Sakura, a linear switch, is revered for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an exceptional choice for those who type for extended periods without wanting to disturb others. Its design prioritizes comfort and discretion, making it particularly well-suited for office settings and shared workspaces. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown, known for its tactile feedback, strikes a balance between subtlety and usability. With a relatively light typing experience that offers a gentle tactile bump, it provides satisfying tactile cues without overwhelming audio feedback. This makes the MX Brown a great option for typists who appreciate a bit of engagement without the loud click sounds of some other switches. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits—quiet comfort with the Light Sakura and responsive tactility with the MX Brown—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry MX Brown, notable differences emerge that affect their sound profiles and overall performance. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown features nylon as its housing material, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental disparity in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences with the Light Sakura producing a more resonant and clear tone, while the MX Brown delivers a rounded and more muffled sound.

The aesthetic properties of the housing materials further differentiate the two switches. The polycarbonate used in the Light Sakura's construction is translucently attractive, making it ideal for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for brighter illumination and vibrant color displays. This is particularly appealing for gamers and users who value visual aesthetics alongside performance. Conversely, the nylon housing of the MX Brown does not possess the same translucency; thus, it may not enhance RGB lighting in the same manner. However, its classic design appeals to users who prefer a more subdued look which complements traditional or office environments effectively.

Although the housing materials differ significantly, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches results in unique sound characteristics during usage. For the Light Sakura, both housings contribute to a clear auditory feedback when typing and bottoming out, amplifying its crispness. In contrast, the MX Brown's softer nylon bottom housing may create a muted tactile response, affecting the sound emitted during key releases more than when pressing down. Users can expect distinct shifts in the typing experience based on the material makeup, yet both switches can deliver satisfying performance tailored to different preferences. A comparison reveals that while the sound profiles will differ due to their contrasting materials, both switches will still provide a pleasurable typing experience when considering tactile feedback and sound at a macro level.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch with the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to different preferences among users. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during extended use. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback with each keystroke. This makes the MX Brown switch favored by those who prefer a heavier feel, which can enhance typing satisfaction for some users. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, while the MX Brown is heavier, appealing to varying user preferences regarding typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Light Sakura measures at 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for those who prefer a quicker actuation, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more pronounced tactile feel, which some users appreciate for its depth and feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Light Sakura would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper key press, the Cherry MX Brown would suit you better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed to be silent, making it an excellent choice for those in quieter environments where noise can be disruptive. This feature allows for typing sessions that do not disturb coworkers or family members. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a more subdued audio experience, characterized as "bassy" and "low-pitched." While these switches emit a muted sound that is generally softer than mechanical switches with a pronounced click, they still offer a richer sound profile than the Light Sakura. The combination of the lower frequencies of the MX Browns adds a depth to the typing experience without being overly loud, making them suitable for shared spaces as well.

In terms of feel, the Light Sakura is noted for its ultra-light action, promoting a gentle typing experience that reduces fatigue during long sessions. This smoothness is ideal for those who seek a cushioned touch, minimizing the strain on fingers. The Cherry MX Brown switches, however, feature a noticeable tactile bump that provides feedback when the actuation point is reached. Although they are also relatively light, the presence of this tactile resistance adds a unique textured sensation that some users may find beneficial for typing accuracy, while others might perceive it as a mild scratchiness. This tactile feature contrasts with the more seamless experience of the Light Sakura, catering to preferences for either an unobtrusive touch or a more tactile engagement with keystrokes.

In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry MX Brown switches hinges on individual preferences regarding sound and feel. The Light Sakura offers a silent, lightweight typing experience suitable for quiet environments, while the MX Brown provides a subtle auditory presence alongside tactile feedback for those who appreciate a bit more sensation with each key press. Ultimately, if you're seeking a gentle, noise-free typing experience or prefer a more tactile, low-feedback sensation, both switches present distinct advantages depending on your work or gaming environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a light, smooth typing experience and often find yourself in shared spaces or environments where noise can be disruptive, the Light Sakura's ultra-light actuation force and silent operation make it an excellent choice for extended sessions. Its design prioritizes comfort and discretion, ensuring you can type for hours without fatigue while maintaining a quieter atmosphere. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback that subtly enhances your typing experience without being overly noisy, the Cherry MX Brown would be the smarter pick. With a medium-light force and its unique textured feel, it offers just enough resistance to alert you that a key has been actuated, making it a great option for both typing and gaming while still providing an acceptable sound profile. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prefer the soft, quiet efficiency of the Light Sakura or the balanced feedback and sound of the Cherry MX Brown.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more