Bsun Light Sakura vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and Haimu Orange Sea both present excellent options, albeit with different strengths that cater to varying preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize discretion in shared or office environments. Its ultra-light feel promotes comfort during extended typing sessions, offering a gentle and fatigue-reducing experience for those who type frequently. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches promise an impeccably smooth typing feel combined with a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile yet quiet experience without sacrificing performance. While the Light Sakura is perfect for users seeking a discreet and comfortable switch, the Orange Sea is tailored for those who desire a superior smoothness in their typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, a consistent aspect is the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both models. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a crisper auditory experience. The rigidity of polycarbonate ensures that both switches resonate clearly, allowing users to appreciate the nuanced sounds each keypress provides. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting effects, making it a fitting choice for those who prioritize aesthetic appeal alongside acoustic performance. Therefore, both the Light Sakura and the Orange Sea will produce a clear and bright sound profile concerning their top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches showcase a significant difference that affects their overall auditory experience. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which complements the qualities of the top housing by delivering a uniform crispness throughout the keypress. The Orange Sea, however, utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This choice introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile to the switch due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. Consequently, while both switches maintain clarity in their top end, the bottom-out sound of the Orange Sea is rounder and more subdued, highlighting the distinct characteristics brought forth by the nylon material.
Ultimately, the combination of housings will affect the user's experience when pressing the switches. The Bsun Light Sakura achieves a harmonious sound profile, as the same material is used in both the top and bottom housings, ensuring consistent clarity throughout each keypress. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a contrast in sound between the top and bottom, with the polycarbonate top providing sharpness and the nylon bottom delivering a richer, more profound tone upon bottoming out. This difference can lead to a unique tactile experience, where the Orange Sea's switches present a nuanced sound that some typists may prefer for a varied auditory feedback while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both exhibit a similar actuation force of 37 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Light Sakura at 43 grams and the Orange Sea at 45 grams. This means that while both switches feel light for actuation, the Haimu Orange Sea requires a slightly heavier force to bottom out, providing a more robust feel at the end of the keystroke. Consequently, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean toward the Orange Sea due to its higher bottom out force, while users looking for a lighter switch may find both options satisfactory, with the Light Sakura being slightly lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect the same level of responsiveness and actuation depth from both switches. As a result, whether using the Light Sakura or the Orange Sea, the key feel and performance will be consistent, allowing for a comparable typing or gaming 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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 linear switch stands out with its design aimed at silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who require a more discreet typing experience in shared or quiet environments. This switch’s quiet performance helps in minimizing distractions for both the user and those nearby. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature, which suggests it produces a balanced auditory profile that isn’t overly pronounced but still provides a satisfying auditory experience. Overall, while both switches maintain a low noise level, the Light Sakura is specifically tailored for silence, which may be more appealing for those prioritizing a quiet workspace.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura excels with an ultra-light touch that reduces fatigue during prolonged use, allowing for a gentler typing experience. This lightweight characteristic is particularly satisfying for users who enjoy long typing sessions without the strain associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is recognized for its impeccably smooth typing feel, which suggests a fluid experience that emphasizes ease of movement across the keypress. Though the two switches cater to different preferences, they both promise a pleasurable experience—one through a light touch and the other through smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Light Sakura switch is perfect for those needing a quiet and gentle typing experience, while the Orange Sea switch provides a smooth and neutral sound experience. If you are looking for comfort during extended typing, the Sakura may be your best bet, while the Orange Sea will appeal to those who value smoothness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether silence or a smooth feel takes precedence in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch largely depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you are someone who engages in extensive typing sessions and values a soft, fatigue-reducing experience, the Light Sakura's ultra-light feel with a bottom-out force of 43 grams will provide you with the comfort you need, particularly in quiet environments where discretion is key. Its silent operation makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces, ensuring that your typing does not disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a balance of smooth actuation and a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea with its slightly firmer 45 grams bottom-out force may be more fitting for you. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a robust typing feel without compromising on auditory or tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two will come down to whether you prioritize quiet and comfort or a slightly more textured typing experience.