Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Blue Jade offer two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch renowned for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during long typing sessions. Its smooth keystrokes promote a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience, ideal for use in quiet office settings or shared environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, provides a tactile response with an audible click, appealing to typists who enjoy a more engaging and satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This switch is typically favored by those who appreciate a lively typing experience and value the sound of their keyboard as part of their interaction. Both switches cater to specific user needs—whether it's the comfort and silence of the Light Sakura or the tactile feedback of the Blue Jade—but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Blue Jade switches differ significantly, which leads to contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for resonant sound generation that is particularly enhanced by its translucency, making it an ideal choice for RGB backlighting. In contrast, the Blue Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is characterized by a softer, more insulating quality. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, diminishing the higher frequencies that polycarbonate emphasizes. Thus, users of the Light Sakura will enjoy a more vibrant sound, while Blue Jade users will experience a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback.
Additionally, the bottom housings of the switches mirror this difference in materials, impacting their overall sound profiles. Both the Light Sakura and Blue Jade incorporate polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, in their bottom housings as well. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Light Sakura continues the pattern of enhancing clarity and brightness in sound, leading to a consistent higher-pitched auditory experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing found in the Blue Jade reinforces its deep and padded sound, absorbing more noise and contributing to a more tactile, rounded typing experience. While the bottom housing significantly affects the sound profile felt when the switch is fully depressed, the overall auditory character for both switches remains consistent with their top housing materials.
When considering the overall impact of these materials, it becomes evident that the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon shape distinct yet complementary experiences for the user. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as in the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Blue Jade, the combination of the materials produces a uniquely nuanced sound that is a blend of both sound profiles. As a result, pressing down on the Light Sakura will provide a clearer, sharper sound profile, while the Blue Jade will yield a deep, resonant feel. So, although the materials are different, both switches can provide satisfying auditory experiences tailored to user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. This means the Light Sakura is the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer minimal resistance, while the Blue Jade provides a medium-heavy experience that some typists may find more satisfying. Thus, if you're looking for a lightweight switch for long hours, the Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas the Blue Jade is preferable for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Blue Jade's travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who appreciate quicker keypress reactions. In contrast, the Blue Jade, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may find preferable for typing or tasks that benefit from a deeper feedback. Therefore, for those who enjoy rapid response times, the Light Sakura is the ideal choice, while the Blue Jade may suit those who favor a more traditional and substantial feel when pressing keys.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 operates with a notably quiet profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Its silent mechanism ensures that keystrokes don’t create the distracting clicks common in other types of switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch, though its specific sound characteristics are not detailed, is typically associated with a pronounced clicky feedback that is more audible compared to linear switches. The notable difference in sound between these two switches caters to different preferences; the Light Sakura is perfect for those who value discretion, while the Blue Jade appeals to users who enjoy an audible confirmation of their keystrokes.
When considering feel, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light action, providing a very gentle and smooth typing experience. This makes it particularly suited for long typing sessions, allowing for fluid movement without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, while specific details regarding the tactile feel of the Blue Jade switch are not provided, clicky switches often come with a distinct actuation point that produces a noticeable tactile bump. This can create a more engaging typing experience, although it may not offer the same effortless motion as the Light Sakura.
In conclusion, both switches serve different purposes and user preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is designed for users seeking a soft, quiet typing experience ideal for shared spaces, making it comfortable for prolonged use. In contrast, while the specifics of the Outemu Blue Jade's tactile and auditory feedback remain unclear, it likely features a more tactile and audible experience typical of clicky switches. Users will find that selecting between the two largely hinges on their preference for sound and feel, allowing for a personalized typing experience that can greatly influence productivity and comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch largely depends on your preferences and typing environment. If you value a light and smooth typing experience, particularly for long typing sessions, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 43 grams makes it feel effortless, reducing finger fatigue, while its silence ensures that you can work comfortably in quieter settings, like offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying sound of a click with each keypress, the 65-gram bottom-out force of the Blue Jade may be more your style. This switch provides a more robust feel, which can make typing more engaging, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced response. In essence, choose the Light Sakura for discretion and comfort and the Blue Jade for a clicky, tactile typing experience. Your specific needs and environment will guide the best decision for your keyboard setup.
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