Bsun Light Sakura vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Cherry Nixie offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods and require a discreet keyboard that won't disrupt colleagues in shared spaces. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie combines classic design with modern innovations, providing a heavier and textured typing experience that delights enthusiasts looking for tactile feedback. While the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and quietude, the Nixie embraces a thocky, low-pitched resonance that adds a satisfying dimension to typing. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to different users depending on their environments and ergonomic needs; 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry Nixie exhibit contrasting characteristics through their choice of housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon respectively. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it particularly adept at showcasing RGB lighting, an aesthetic feature that appeals to many users. In stark contrast, the Cherry Nixie employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, providing a sound profile that is noticeably deeper and fuller. This softness of nylon absorbs sound waves more efficiently than harder plastics, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience favored by users looking for a different typing sensation.
While both switches feature different materials, the result of their differing housing compositions creates distinct experiential variances. For example, when typing on the Light Sakura, the characteristics of polycarbonate in the housings deliver a pronounced acoustic experience that emphasizes the top housing's clarity during key releases. This heightened auditory feedback is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a sharp sound in their typing interactions. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon housing material contributes to a typing feel that is more subdued and comforting; the soft absorption of the material offers a unique dampening effect, enhancing the overall typing experience by muffling sounds associated with key presses and releases. Thus, the Bsun Light Sakura is better suited for users who enjoy a bright, memorable sound, while the Cherry Nixie appeals to those who appreciate a softer acoustic profile.
In terms of potential outcomes, if a user were to prioritize a specific sound quality, the performance of both switches would ultimately depend on the user’s preference for the attributes of polycarbonate versus nylon. The polycarbonate of the Light Sakura would yield consistent clarity and resonance across both housing components, ensuring that sharp sounds are achieved throughout the typing process. Meanwhile, the nylon of the Nixie would continuously produce a softer sound that could appeal to users seeking a muted typing environment. If one were to try to achieve similar results to the Light Sakura's sound profile using the Nixie, they would need to consider additional factors such as keycap choice and overall keyboard design to minimize the inherent sound-dampening characteristics of the nylon material. Hence, while the base materials indeed contrast in sound characteristics, the user experience varies considerably with each switch type and specific material composition.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, a notable contrast emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users seeking a gentle typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie has a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer keystroke that can provide a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, promoting ease of use, while the Nixie is the heavier choice, appealing to users looking for more resistance in their typing experience. Since the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, they will not yield similar results in terms of feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Light Sakura, you'll experience a more responsive keystroke due to its shorter travel distance, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Nixie, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Thus, if you favor responsiveness and rapid actuation, the Light Sakura would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key depth might find the Cherry Nixie more satisfying. Overall, the Light Sakura offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the longer 4 mm of the Nixie.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 examining the sound characteristics of the Bsun Light Sakura switch, it is described as a silent switch, making it particularly well-suited for environments where noise is a concern. This quiet operation ensures that users can enjoy a focused typing experience without distracting others around them. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch produces a distinctive thocky sound, characterized by its deep, rich tone that evokes a satisfying auditory feedback upon each keystroke. The Nixie’s low-pitched quality enhances this experience, delivering a bass-heavy sound profile that many enthusiasts find pleasurable. While the Light Sakura allows for discreet typing, the Nixie provides an acoustic delight that can heighten the sense of engagement in the typing process.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light and gentle touch, making it ideal for long working sessions where comfort is paramount. This ease of actuation significantly reduces finger fatigue, allowing for extended use without discomfort. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch offers a textured feel, which introduces a subtle friction during keystrokes. This texture can be appealing to those who enjoy a tactile feedback arrangement, yet may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Thus, the Light Sakura caters more towards comfort and ease, while the Nixie gives a more pronounced, tactile interaction with each key press.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura and Cherry Nixie switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch spectrum. The Light Sakura excels in its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it ideal for quiet settings and prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie delights with its satisfying thocky sound and textured feedback, appealing to users who value auditory and tactile engagement during their typing experience. Depending on your priorities—whether they lie in discretion and comfort or in premium acoustic and tactile responses—both switches can deliver enjoyable results, albeit through different user experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a lighter feel, quieter operation, and longer typing sessions without fatigue, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice, especially in shared or office settings where discretion is valued. Its gentle keypress and focus on comfort make it appealing for users who type frequently or for extended periods. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial typing experience with a notable heft and prefer a thocky sound profile that evokes classic mechanical keyboards, the Cherry Nixie switch may be more to your liking. The Nixie’s textured feel provides a unique tactile feedback that many enthusiasts cherish, making it ideal for those who enjoy the art of typing and want to engage with their keyboard on a deeper level. In essence, your decision should be guided by whether you lean more toward comfort and silence or a nostalgic, tactile experience combined with satisfying acoustics.
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