Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Cold Plum offer two distinct experiences tailored for different preferences. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions—ideal for office environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches enchant enthusiasts with their unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke coupled with a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists crave. While the Light Sakura prioritizes a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience, the Cold Plum focuses on a distinctive and enjoyable typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, we find a pronounced contrast in the types of plastics used. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a sound profile characterized by high-pitched clarity and crisper acoustics. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting as it allows light to pass through effectively. In essence, the use of polycarbonate across both housings ensures a consistent auditory experience, one that is sharp and clear throughout the keypress action.
In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum features nylon for its top and bottom housings. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer material that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that appeals to those seeking a more muted typing experience. This distinction affects how the switches feel and sound during use: the nylon casing results in a rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate of the Light Sakura. Furthermore, the difference in material also influences the overall aesthetic; nylon is less transparent than polycarbonate, which can have implications for how RGB lighting effects are perceived.
While the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Cold Plum differ distinctly in their housing materials, these variations impact the auditory characteristics during keypress actions. The Light Sakura offers a brighter, more resonant sound due to the polycarbonate, while the Cold Plum's nylon provides a softer, more acoustic response. Therefore, should one prefer a balance of these elements, they might combine the two. For example, mixing and matching or otherwise integrating features of both switches can yield a customized typing experience where brightness and depth are harmoniously blended, allowing typists to enjoy qualities from both materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming since it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for tactile feedback. This discrepancy indicates that the Cold Plum is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer push feel, while the Light Sakura caters to users looking for a lighter touch. Overall, the Bsun Light Sakura offers a lighter option, while the Outemu Cold Plum stands as the heavier choice, leading to differing user experiences based on individual preferences for weight and force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Light Sakura offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Light Sakura provides a more pronounced key press, which can be favorable for users who prefer a deeper actuation for a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cold Plum, being the shorter of the two, may appeal to gamers seeking a quicker response time, as a shorter travel distance can facilitate faster key presses. For those who find shorter travel distances too abrupt, the Light Sakura’s longer actuation could be the preferred choice for a more comfortable typing 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 Outemu Cold Plum 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 is designed for a silent operation, making it an excellent choice for office environments and shared workspaces where discretion is important. This quiet characteristic means that typing on these switches will not disturb colleagues or others around you. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch boasts a thocky sound profile, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback. This distinct sound can add an enjoyable layer to the typing experience, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate a satisfying thock with each keystroke. It's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can also depend on the keyboard's build, mounting style, and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is notably ultra-light, providing a gentle and comfortable typing experience. This lightweight nature is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, as it reduces hand fatigue and encourages a more relaxed approach to keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke that many users might find inherently satisfying, particularly those who appreciate a more tactile response in their typing. While the Cold Plum offers a different style of engagement compared to the ultra-light feel of the Light Sakura, both can provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Cold Plum switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on silent comfort and the other on tactile sound delight—they each serve distinctive purposes. If you're looking for a quiet switch that promotes long typing sessions with minimal noise, the Light Sakura excels in that regard. Alternatively, if you're inclined towards a more tactile and audible experience, the Cold Plum switch would be a fitting choice. Ultimately, your choice between these two will revolve around the aspects of sound and feel that you find most appealing in a mechanical keyboard switch, ensuring a typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you value a light and silent switch that allows for lengthy typing sessions without causing fatigue or bothering those around you, the Light Sakura is your best bet. Its low actuation force of 43 grams provides a comfortable and gentle typing experience, making it ideal for office settings or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience that delivers a satisfying sound profile—perfect for enhancing your gaming or typing pleasure—then the Outemu Cold Plum switch with its 70-gram bottom-out force may be more suited to your needs. Its robust construction and thocky sound offer a delightful feedback that keyboard enthusiasts often seek. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your personal comfort level and the specific context in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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