Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a significant difference. The Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Dustproof Black are both linear switches that cater to different user preferences and environments. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it a fantastic option for users who seek comfort during long typing sessions without the distraction of noise—ideal for office settings or shared workspaces. In contrast, while the Outemu Dustproof Black does not have specific standout features listed, it is designed to be resilient against dust and debris, which can be advantageous for users in environments where cleanliness is a concern. Both switches offer unique benefits: the Light Sakura focuses on a gentle, fatigue-reducing typing experience, while the Dustproof Black emphasizes durability. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Black, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material leads to similar auditory characteristics, as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, making it ideal for users who appreciate clear and articulate keystrokes. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from their translucent housings, which enhances the RGB lighting experience. Therefore, regardless of their differing bottom housing materials, both switches leverage polycarbonate's strengths to achieve a similar sound profile from their top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches reveals a significant divergence in materials. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate, mirroring the sound characteristics of the top housing. This choice allows for a continuity in sound, maintaining the crispness throughout the actuation. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Black opts for a nylon bottom housing, which inherently alters the auditory experience. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback. As a result, while the top housings of both switches deliver clarity, the bottom housings shape the overall sound experience differently, thus creating contrasting typing sensations.
Ultimately, the different bottom housing materials have a profound impact on the overall sound and feel of each switch. For the Bsun Light Sakura, the polycarbonate’s consistent properties in both the top and bottom contribute to a uniform sharpness in sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing inherently dampens some frequencies, leading to a richer and more cushioned typing sound. The integration of these distinct materials amplifies the switches' overall uniqueness, offering gamers and typists tailored experiences based on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch with the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Light Sakura is characterized by its relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and extended gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Dustproof Black features a much heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to the increased resistance. Consequently, while the Light Sakura switch is ideal for users seeking a lighter touch, the Dustproof Black is more suited for those who favor a stronger push feel. Given these specifications, users will find that the Light Sakura offers a gentler typing experience, whereas the Dustproof Black provides a firmer, more tactile sensation when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm places the Light Sakura into a category that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as its shorter travel distance allows for more immediate actuation. Conversely, the Dustproof Black, with its lengthier travel distance, caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, which can provide a satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper feel. Thus, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Light Sakura is the shorter option, whereas the Dustproof Black offers a longer and potentially more robust 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 Dustproof Black 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 excels with its near-silent operation, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments, perfect for offices or shared spaces where distractions need to be minimized. This discreet nature ensures that each keypress goes largely unnoticed, allowing for a calm typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch lacks specific sound characteristics provided. However, it's worth noting that sound can vary based on elements like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which may influence the overall acoustic profile of both switches.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura stands out with its ultra-light actuation, designed to reduce finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. This gentle feedback offers a smooth and comfortable experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort in their typing. The Dustproof Black, on the other hand, doesn't have specific descriptions available regarding its feel. However, linear switches generally aim for a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, which means users might find it offers a somewhat consistent typing experience, even if it'll be different from the Light Sakura's ultra-light nature.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is tailored for those who value quietness and comfort, particularly in shared environments, while the Outemu Dustproof Black switch remains an option without defined characteristics that could cater to a range of preferences. If users are seeking a discreet and fatigue-reducing experience, the Light Sakura will be the more suitable choice, while the performance of the Dustproof Black remains open to interpretation. Ultimately, both switches can provide users with satisfying results, but the Light Sakura is clearly geared towards a specific user base valuing sound and comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, your decision ultimately hinges on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions and value discretion, the Light Sakura is the ideal choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force makes it incredibly easy to press, reducing fatigue and allowing for a more comfortable experience, especially in shared spaces where noise might be an issue. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a more tactile feel with a firmer response and you don’t mind the heavier resistance of 80 grams, the Dustproof Black could be the better option. Although it’s not widely known for specific attributes, its sturdiness may appeal to users who appreciate a more deliberate actuation and potentially wish to avoid accidental presses. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the settings in which you work, and whether you prioritize softness or firmness in your switch to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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