Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Crystal Brown present two distinct yet popular options, each catering to different preferences. The Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for users who intend to engage in long typing sessions without causing distractions in shared workspaces. Its smooth keypress promotes comfort and reduces fatigue, appealing particularly to those who prioritize a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown serves as a tactile switch, offering users a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback. This could be particularly beneficial for gamers and typists who crave a more engaged and responsive typing experience. Both switches have their merits, catering to diverse needs—whether it’s the quiet comfort of the Light Sakura or the tactile satisfaction of the Crystal Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches both incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, leading to similarities in sound characteristics. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This higher sonic clarity is particularly noticeable during quick key presses, where the feedback is immediate and pronounced. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate offers an aesthetic advantage, especially for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the light can pass through the clear housing effectively. Therefore, users of either switch can expect an enhanced auditory experience when it comes to high-frequency sounds, making both switches suitable for those who favor vibrant RGB themes and clear sound feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the crisp auditory profile established by its top housing. This cohesiveness in material is likely to amplify the sharpness of the sound when bottoming out, creating an overall consistent auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, characterized by a softer, more absorptive nature. While this nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, it tends to muffle the high-pitched responses that the polycarbonate top provides. As a result, the unique qualities of each bottom housing will affect how the switches feel and sound when pressed, demonstrating the significance of material choice in the overall switch experience.
Thus, while the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Crystal Brown share similarities in their top housing materials that enhance high-pitched sounds, their bottom housings create contrasting impacts on the overall sound profile. Users can expect a more cohesive and sharper sound from the Light Sakura due to its uniform polycarbonate construction, while the Crystal Brown will deliver a richer, warmer auditory experience thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, emphasizing the importance of understanding how each housing material influences the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by users who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, the Light Sakura is better suited for those seeking a lighter switch, while the Crystal Brown is for those who appreciate a heavier effort in their keystrokes. Overall, users can expect different tactile experiences based on these force characteristics, making the choice between these switches largely a matter of personal preference regarding typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown measures a longer 4 mm. This means that the Light Sakura offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Crystal Brown, with its more traditional 4 mm travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feedback during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—whether one prioritizes the speed of a shorter distance or the depth provided by a longer one.
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 Crystal Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience. Its design focuses on sound dampening, making it an excellent choice for users in environments where noise can be disruptive, such as offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown, while its specific sound profile isn't detailed, typically offers a tactile feedback that can result in a more audible click, especially when bottoming out. However, it’s essential to note that the overall sound of any switch can greatly vary based on the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and other factors.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura boasts an ultra-light actuation force, which promotes a gentle touch and encourages long periods of comfortable typing without strain. This softness makes it ideal for those who find heavy switches tiring or fatiguing. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switches is not well-defined, but typically, brown switches are known for their tactile bump, providing feedback at the actuation point, which can be satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.
Overall, if you're after a switch that prioritizes quietness and lightness, the Bsun Light Sakura may be the perfect fit for your needs, especially in office or shared environments. On the other hand, while the Outemu Crystal Brown's tactile feel might not be specifically described, it often attracts those who enjoy feedback during their typing sessions. Both types of switches cater to different preferences, and your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value a silent, airy touch or a more tactile and potentially noisier experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing habits and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in environments where noise might be a distraction, the Light Sakura is an excellent option. Its ultra-light force of 43 grams makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, helping to reduce finger fatigue while allowing for swift key presses. This switch is ideal for professionals or students who need to focus in shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a bit more resistance, the Crystal Brown might be the better fit. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, this switch provides a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance your typing precision and responsiveness, making it a solid choice for gaming or typing scenarios where you prefer a more pronounced feel. Both switches have their unique strengths, allowing you to choose based on whether comfort and silence or tactile feedback and Medium-light resistance are more important to your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
