Bsun Light Sakura vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value discretion and comfort during extended typing sessions. This switch excels in environments where noise is a concern, offering a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience ideal for long hours of work. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White, with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, provides a distinctive typing experience characterized by smooth actuation thanks to its rare Ly stem. This switch appeals to users seeking a more engaging and satisfying keystroke, ideal for both typing and gaming. Both switches have their merits, but they cater to different needs—one prioritizing silence and comfort, while the other focuses on a smooth, responsive feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Neo White both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristic that appeals to many keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches benefit aesthetically from their translucent top housings, enhancing the visibility of RGB lighting. Since this material is effective in delivering a clear and resonant sound profile, users can expect similar auditory experiences when pressing the keys of these switches, showcasing the qualities of polycarbonate irrespective of the specific model.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Light Sakura and the Neo White diverge significantly, which is essential for determining the overall feel and sound of each switch. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the sharper sound profile throughout the entire switch. This consistency in material across the housing allows for a more cohesive auditory experience, as both the top and bottom contribute similarly to a clear resonance. On the other hand, the Neo White features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer properties that lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference means that while the top of the Neo White may produce higher-pitched sounds, the bottom housing contrasts with a rounder and more subdued auditory experience.
The combination of materials in these two switches underscores the interplay between the top and bottom housings in shaping sound and feel. With the Light Sakura maintaining the same material for both components, users can expect a consistent and bright sound profile throughout the actuation and release of each key. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White's mix of nylon for the bottom housing and polycarbonate for the top creates a unique sensory experience where the sharper sounds of the top are balanced by the softer, deeper echoes from the bottom. In conclusion, while both models share a similar top housing material that enhances brightness, their differing bottom housings lead to distinctly contrasting auditory and tactile outputs, appealing to those with varying preferences in keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are clear distinctions in their characteristics. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Neo White has an unknown actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which suggests that while the initial keystroke may be easier to register, the overall typing experience will provide a more substantial and responsive feedback. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, suited for those who lean towards softer switches, while the Neo White, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to users who appreciate a firmer touch when typing. Overall, these differences will influence user preference based on their typing style and comfort during long usage periods.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you'll experience the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience in terms of key travel will feel similar between the two switches, offering a consistent tactile feedback during use.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for a notably quiet operation. Its silent nature ensures that typing is discreet, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise may be a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. This suits individuals who prefer a low-noise keyboard without compromising on the typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force that produces a sound level suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. Users can expect a balanced acoustic performance that neither stands out as overly loud nor falls flat, providing versatility in different settings.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch that excels in comfort and fatigue reduction during extended typing sessions. Its design prioritizes a gentle typing experience, making it perfect for those who type for long periods without the aggressive feedback associated with other types of switches. On the other hand, the Neo White presents a medium weight feel with slightly reduced total travel, promoting a distinctively smooth and satisfying keystroke. This milder tactile feedback ensures that the overall typing experience remains approachable while allowing for more control, which can be particularly appealing to users transitioning from more traditional mechanical switches.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Haimu Neo White switches cater to specific preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Light Sakura’s silent operation coupled with its ultra-light touch makes it perfect for quiet and prolonged typing, while the Neo White’s neutral sound and mild feel offer a balanced performance suited for various typing needs. While they cater to different experiences, each switch has its strengths that can provide users with a pleasant and efficient typing environment, making them valuable choices in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, you should carefully consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light, silent switch for extended typing sessions without causing disturbances, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 43 grams allows for a fatigue-reducing experience, making it particularly well-suited for long work hours or shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel and don't mind a slightly higher actuation force, the Neo White might be more to your liking. With its medium weight of 58 grams and distinctive smooth actuation, it offers a balanced typing experience that caters to both beginners and advanced users alike. The Neo White also delivers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for home or office use. Ultimately, your selection should align with your specific typing habits and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, ensuring that you achieve the best possible typing experience.