Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and intended usage play critical roles, and two compelling options to consider are the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Purple. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing in shared or office environments. Its smooth keypress provides a gentle and fatigue-reducing experience, catering to users who prioritize comfort and discretion. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a tactile switch, designed to offer a distinct bump at the actuation point, perfect for typists who enjoy a more engaging and responsive feedback with each keystroke. While the tactile feedback of the Dustproof Purple can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment, its slightly louder operation may not be ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches have their unique advantages: if you favor a quiet, soft typing experience, the Light Sakura could be your best bet; however, if you require tactile feedback to enhance your typing precision, the Dustproof Purple may be worth considering. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Outemu Dustproof Purple share a commonality in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, offering users a clear and resonant experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes significantly to the effective projection of sound, ensuring that both switch types produce a prominent acoustic characteristic that many users appreciate. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboards equipped with these switches.
In contrast, there is a notable difference in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which aligns it further with the tonal qualities that the top portion provides. Consequently, this dual-material consistency ensures that the distinct sound characteristics of the Light Sakura are uniform throughout the entire switch, giving it an overall sharper sound profile when bottoming out. Alternatively, the Dustproof Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a softer, deeper, and fuller sound profile. This disparity arises because nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a duller and rounder sound in the Outemu Dustproof Purple, particularly when the key is bottomed out.
The differences in sound profile between the two switches become especially evident when pressed. With the Light Sakura, users can expect a more consistent acoustic response where both the top and bottom housings reinforce a higher pitch. Conversely, the Dustproof Purple's nylon bottom housing will bring a contrasting depth to the experience, creating an interesting interplay between the higher-pitched top housing and the fuller sound from the bottom. Overall, while both switches utilize polycarbonate in their tops to achieve a bright sound profile, the differing bottom housing materials lead to varied auditory experiences, making each switch uniquely suited to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial typing feel that some users may prefer for added feedback during each keystroke. Consequently, users choosing the Light Sakura switch will enjoy a lighter feel while typing, while those opting for the Dustproof Purple will experience a medium-heavy resistance that caters to a different set of preferences. Overall, the choice between these switches will largely depend on whether one favors a lighter or heavier typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Dustproof Purple measures 4 mm, which is the longer distance. This discrepancy may appeal to different user preferences; those seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the more responsive Light Sakura, whereas individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience may prefer the Dustproof Purple. The traditional travel distance is often around 4.0 mm, which aligns with the Dustproof Purple, yet the shorter distance of the Light Sakura may suit modern gaming needs. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches comes down to a choice between swift action and a more pronounced keystroke feel.
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 Purple 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 comparing the sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, the Light Sakura is designed to operate quietly, making it suitable for use in shared spaces where noise can be a concern. This silent characteristic aligns well with its purpose of providing a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Dustproof Purple remains unspecified, which leaves its auditory feedback unknown. However, since the Light Sakura is categorized as a silent switch, it’s reasonable to conclude that users of the Outemu Dustproof Purple may experience a different sound dynamic, especially if it has more pronounced auditory features typical of tactile switches.
In terms of tactile feel, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light sensation, enhancing comfort during prolonged typing sessions. This gentleness results in a smooth and fatigue-reducing experience, perfect for those who prioritize ease of use over feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a tactile switch, which typically signifies that it provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, giving users clear feedback when a key has been registered. While the precise feel of the Dustproof Purple is not detailed, it can be expected to provide a more pronounced tactile response compared to the featherlight smoothness of the Light Sakura.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is defined by its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments and extended typing without discomfort. The Outemu Dustproof Purple, with its indeterminate sound characteristics and tactile feedback, may cater to those who enjoy the sensation of a physical actuation. Ultimately, if you seek discretion and comfort, the Light Sakura will likely serve you well, while the Dustproof Purple may appeal to those who prefer a tactile experience, highlighting the fundamental differences in typing preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're seeking a quieter experience for an office or shared space, the Light Sakura is the way to go, as its ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams provides a comfortable and fatigue-reducing typing experience, perfect for prolonged use. This switch allows for fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes that minimize noise, making it ideal for those who want to type discreetly without causing distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel to your typing with noticeable feedback, the Dustproof Purple might be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, this medium-heavy tactile switch can deliver an engaging typing experience that some users find satisfying, especially if you enjoy the tactile bump that comes with each keystroke. In essence, for quiet typing and comfort during long sessions, go for the Light Sakura, while for a more tactile and weighted feedback experience, the Dustproof Purple will serve you well.
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