Bsun Light Sakura vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry MX Red both offer linear experiences, yet they cater to different preferences and environments. The Bsun Light Sakura stands out with its silent operation and ultra-light feel, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switches are cherished for their slightly heftier feel and rich, low-pitched sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory depth to each keystroke. This makes them an appealing option for gamers or typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while maintaining low resistance. 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
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 Red, significant differences are evident in their construction, impacting both sound profile and tactile feedback. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which promotes a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This quality allows for a clear and resonant typing experience, particularly suitable for users who appreciate a bright auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, as the light can pass through effectively, making the key switch not only acoustically pleasing but also visually striking.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound and contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Consequently, users typing on Cherry MX Red switches experience a more muted auditory feedback that often leads to a rounder overall sound. This difference in housing materials results in a notable variance in the typing experience; while the Light Sakura's polycarbonate construction exudes brightness and clarity, the MX Red embodies warmth and softness, attracting users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
Despite these differences, both switches share a commonality in that they aim to create distinct auditory experiences based on their materials. For example, the impact on sound when bottoming out a key is more pronounced in the MX Red due to its nylon composition, while the higher-pitched release sound of the Light Sakura comes from its polycarbonate construction. Users can achieve specific sound profiles and tactile sensations by understanding how the characteristics of each housing materially interact during key presses and releases, allowing them to choose their preferred switch type based on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch present different force characteristics that cater to varying preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red's 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Sakura registers at 43 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is unknown. This suggests that if the MX Red does not have a specific bottom out force available, it may indicate that it does not bottom out in the same traditional sense or that the information is simply not provided. Overall, users seeking assurance and a stronger tactile feedback should consider the heavier Cherry MX Red, while those who prioritize a lighter touch and ease of use may find the Bsun Light Sakura more appealing.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when comparing the two, the Light Sakura switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red, with its 4 mm travel distance, is more aligned with traditional switch designs, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience that some users might prefer for its depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you value faster actuation, the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura may be your best option; however, if you enjoy a more robust feel while typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Red would be the better choice.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red 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 Bsun Light Sakura switch is characterized by its remarkably quiet operation, which makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, such as offices or shared spaces. Unlike the Cherry MX Red, which has a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Light Sakura will offer a more discreet auditory presence that allows for silent typing, minimizing disturbances to those nearby. The MX Red’s deeper sound profile attracts users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, adding a layer of satisfaction to their typing experience but also potentially creating distractions in quieter settings due to its more robust sound.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is noted for its ultra-light actuation force, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. This gentle tactile experience reduces fatigue, appealing to typists who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel, which may provide a different sensation under the fingers. Additionally, the textured quality of the MX Red introduces a subtle friction when pressed, which can either enhance or detract from the typing experience depending on personal preference. While both switches provide a good typing experience, the feel of the Light Sakura leans toward a smoother and lighter performance, contrasting the more substantial nature of the MX Red.
Overall, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry MX Red switches cater to different types of users based on their sound and tactile preferences. If you're looking for an ultra-silent switch that prioritizes comfort during extensive use, the Light Sakura is the way to go. However, if you prefer a pronounced sound and a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Red might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your specific needs, whether it's the desire for a peaceful workspace or a more traditional, responsive typing experience. Regardless of your choice, each switch offers distinct characteristics that contribute to an enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces or offices, the Light Sakura's ultra-light feel and silent operation will be favorable for extended typing sessions, reducing fatigue while keeping disruption to a minimum. This switch is ideal for those who want comfort and discretion without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory depth, the Cherry MX Red is your go-to option. With a slightly heavier feel and its characteristic thocky and low-pitched sound profile, it offers a robust typing experience that may appeal to gamers and typists looking for a more pronounced input response. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs—whether you value comfort and silence or a more tactile and audible experience.
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