Bsun Light Sakura vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry MX Orange 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 Cherry MX Orange presents a fascinating comparison of comfort and performance, both designed as linear switches. The Bsun Light Sakura standouts with its ultra-light sensation and silent operation, making it a top pick for users who value discretion and prolonged typing comfort, particularly in office settings where noise levels matter. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, known for its revival of a classic switch, integrates modern enhancements to deliver a smooth typing experience that honors its legacy while meeting the demands of today's typists. While both switches excel in offering a linear feel devoid of tactile bumps, the Sakura leans towards the quiet and gentle side, perfect for those long hours of typing in shared environments, whereas the MX Orange caters to enthusiasts looking for the quintessential Cherry experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will suit your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry MX Orange switches, it is evident that they utilize distinct materials with different acoustic properties. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This combination allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows the illumination to shine through, creating an attractive visual effect. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange adopts a nylon top and bottom housing that provides a markedly different auditory experience. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This leads to a keystroke experience that is characterized by a more rounded and muted auditory feedback, offering a contrasting typing experience compared to the Light Sakura's sharper tones.
Additionally, the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing feel is significant. In the case of the Light Sakura, the stiffer polycarbonate contributes to an engaging tactile response that is especially noticeable during key releases. This is further complemented by the dual benefits of having both top and bottom housings made of the same material, which reinforces the switch's acoustic consistency. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange exhibits a more subdued sound profile due to its nylon housing, which may positively influence the typing experience for users seeking a quieter and less abrasive keystroke. The dual use of nylon in both the top and bottom of the MX Orange provides a cohesive sound characteristic, yielding a unified auditory experience throughout the typing action, particularly during key presses and releases.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry MX Orange switches are constructed from different housing materials, they each offer unique properties that cater to varying user preferences. The polycarbonate housing of the Light Sakura results in a brighter, more resonant sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy the tactile feedback and auditory clarity typical of high-pitched switches. In stark contrast, the nylon housing of the MX Orange provides a fuller, softer sound, appealing to those who prefer a more muted keystroke experience. Despite these differences, both switch designs showcase the significant influence that housing materials wield over sound profiles and user experience. Thus, the choice between them will ultimately reflect individual typing preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, notable differences emerge in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, along with a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, although its bottom out force remains unspecified. This indicates that the Light Sakura is lighter overall, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a gentler touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the MX Orange’s heavier actuation force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel while typing. Due to the unknown bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect; however, users can expect a firmer experience with the heavier actuation force compared to the lighter Sakura switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Light Sakura switch offers a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who may prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback which some users might find to be more satisfying and less abrupt. For those who appreciate a depthier keystroke, the MX Orange would be the better choice, while the Light Sakura caters to users seeking speed and agility in their typing experience. Overall, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is the shorter option, making it preferable for speed, whereas the Cherry MX Orange switch is the longer, offering a more traditional tactile experience.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura is characterized as a silent switch, designed to produce minimal noise during operation. This makes it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces, where discretion is paramount. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch is generally muted as well, but the specifics about its sound profile are less detailed. Both switches lean towards a quieter operation, aligning them closely for users who prioritize maintaining a low-noise environment while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is noted for its ultra-light design, providing an effortless typing experience that alleviates fatigue even during extended sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for users who spend long hours at their keyboards. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switches also cater to comfort but with some enhancements from their original design, suggesting a potentially different tactile feedback but not specified. Overall, while both switches aim to be user-friendly, the specific differences in feel might make one more appealing than the other depending on personal preference.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry MX Orange switches offer a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern. The Light Sakura emphasizes an ultra-light feel that encourages prolonged use without discomfort, while the Cherry MX Orange provides a reissued option with enhancements that may appeal to users seeking familiarity with a legacy switch. Ultimately, both options will deliver similar performance in terms of sound, but personal preference regarding feel will likely guide a newcomer’s choice between them.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, you should consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you often work in office spaces or shared environments where noise is a concern, the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice due to its quiet operation and lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue or disturbing others. Its smooth and gentle feel enhances comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, if you prefer a more tactile experience and seek the nostalgic feedback of the original MX Orange, which combines enhanced performance with a slightly firmer touch, you might want to opt for the Cherry MX Orange switch. It caters well to users who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, although its specifications need clarification due to the unavailable bottom-out force. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether comfort and silence or a classic typing sensation and tactile feel align with your needs and preferences.
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