Bsun Light Sakura vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Bsun Olive 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 Bsun Olive can significantly impact your typing experience. The Light Sakura, a linear switch, is designed for those who prioritize comfort and discretion. Its ultra-light actuation force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, allowing you to navigate through documents effortlessly while maintaining a quiet atmosphere that's perfect for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch offers a tactile experience that's both pronounced and satisfying. With its medium-weight feel and resonant sound profile, it caters to users who enjoy audible feedback and a more engaging typing experience. The Olive's unique design, featuring a long pole stem, ensures a sharp bottom-out that many find invigorating. In contrast to the Light Sakura's silent operation, the Olives loud and tactile nature might not be suitable for quieter environments but offers a distinct pleasure for typists who appreciate feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Light Sakura and the Bsun Olive present an intriguing comparison between polycarbonate and POM plastics, reflecting notable variations in sound profiles. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a sharper and crisper sound experience. This choice contributes to a more resonant auditory profile, favorably enhancing the overall clarity of the keystrokes. The translucency of polycarbonate also serves to maximize the impact of RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. In contrast, the Bsun Olive utilizes POM for both housing types, producing a deeper, more muted sound. This distinctive acoustic characteristic yields a unique sound profile that emphasizes a more subdued experience, making it a notable alternative for users who prefer a softer auditory feedback when typing or gaming.
While both switches feature distinct materials for their housings, the division of sound attributes remains significant. The Bsun Light Sakura produces a high-pitched sound that resonates sharply from both top and bottom, resulting in a more pronounced auditory experience upon keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Olive's POM construction generates a more muted bottom-out sound thanks to its inherently softer material, which dampens the overall auditory feedback. This means that while the Light Sakura excels at creating a clear, vibrant sound, the Olive cultivates a rich soundscape more suited for those who seek a deeper, more pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of the Bsun Light Sakura and Bsun Olive illustrates how housing materials can dramatically influence the tactile and auditory sensations of keyboard switches. Despite their differing materials—polycarbonate for the Sakura and POM for the Olive—each switch carving its niche in the market highlights the varying preferences and needs of users. Those seeking a lively, bright sound will likely gravitate towards the Light Sakura, while users who value a more gentle and resonant typing experience may favor the Olive. Regardless of choice, each switch’s design ensures a distinct experience, demonstrating how similar mechanisms can yield varied outcomes through the simple yet impactful difference in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who favor a light, comfortable typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Olive switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly stronger bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. This disparity means that typists seeking a lighter touch for prolonged use would benefit from the Light Sakura, while those who enjoy a firmer key press might gravitate towards the Olive switch for its medium-heavy response.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Light Sakura offers a deeper pressing experience compared to the Olive. For users who favor a more traditional and hearty feel, the greater travel distance of the Light Sakura may be preferable, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Olive, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize quicker response times, as it allows for slightly faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for switch depth and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, a clear distinction arises. The Light Sakura is designed to be a silent switch, emitting almost no noise during operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is crucial, such as offices or shared workspaces. In contrast, the Olive switch produces a resonant, deep sound that adds to its overall tactile satisfaction. This sound profile not only contributes to the immersive typing experience but also serves as an auditory confirmation of each keypress. Notably, the sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura provides an ultra-light typing experience that is exceptionally comfortable and fatigue-reducing, ideal for those who spend long hours typing. Its linear design allows for smooth key presses without any tactile feedback, which may appeal to users who prefer a gentler touch. Conversely, the Olive switch is characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback, described as medium tactile. This switch offers an invigorating and snappy feel, marked by a sharp, distinct tactile bump that activates with moderate to firm actuation force. This tactile sensation makes typing with the Olive both engaging and responsive, creating an immersive experience that many enthusiasts adore.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura and Olive switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. If you seek a quiet, light touch for extended typing, the Light Sakura is your go-to option, whereas the Olive will deliver a more tactile and auditory experience that enhances the act of typing. Both switches have their unique charm and appeal, and choosing between them largely depends on whether you prioritize silence and ease or a more engaging, tactile sensation during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch will depend largely on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself doing a lot of extended typing sessions or working in shared spaces where noise can be an issue, the Light Sakura is an excellent option. Its lightweight design and silent operation create a comfortable and discreet typing experience, minimizing fatigue while also keeping distractions to a minimum for you and those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more tactile typing sensation and a satisfying auditory feedback, the Olive switch might suit you better. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and profound tactile response, the Olive provides a sharp and invigorating feel that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy that distinct feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, choose the Light Sakura for a quiet, comfortable experience, or the Olive for a more engaging, tactile input with satisfying sound.
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