Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light touch, providing a silent operation that makes it excellent for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. This switch excels in environments where discretion is key, such as shared office spaces, making it a perfect choice for professionals seeking comfort and quiet. On the other hand, while the Outemu Dustproof Red does not have a specific niche highlighted, it is designed to withstand dust and debris, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers and typists who might operate in less-than-ideal conditions. Each switch caters to distinct needs: the Sakura for those who prioritize silence and comfort, and the Dustproof Red for users looking for durability and longevity in a potentially messier workspace. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Dustproof Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a remarkably similar auditory experience. The use of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic—ensures that both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This property lends itself well to a more resonant auditory experience when engaged with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects produced by the lighting. Hence, whether in the Light Sakura or the Dustproof Red, the top housing contributes significantly to producing a clear and vibrant sound when key releases occur, making both switches ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback and visual aesthetics.
However, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing materials, presenting contrasting sonic characteristics. The Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, consistent with the top housing, maintains that higher-pitched and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer structure that absorbs sound more effectively. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, promoting a rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out the key. This difference highlights how the choice of material impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the Light Sakura leaning towards a brighter sound while the Dustproof Red evokes a warmer tone.
When utilizing either switch, the distinct qualities of the top and bottom housings will combine to create a uniquely tailored typing experience. Users of the Light Sakura will appreciate the cohesive crispness throughout the entire keystroke, whereas Dustproof Red users will enjoy the balance of the deeper, rounder sound at the bottom and the clearer sound upon release. Therefore, while both switches share an affinity for sharp sounds through their polycarbonate tops, the varied bottom materials manifest contrasting profiles that cater to different preferences for sound and feel during keyboard use. Ultimately, users should consider their auditory preferences when choosing between these two switches, as the integration of different housing materials will guide their overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Light Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its lower resistance allows for less fatigue. In contrast, the Dustproof Red switch features a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel during use. This heavier force is ideal for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Bsun Light Sakura is the lighter switch, beneficial for users seeking ease of use over long periods, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Red appeals to those who favor a more tactile and robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, the Light Sakura features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction highlights a key difference in design philosophy; the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Light Sakura caters to gamers looking for quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the 4 mm travel of the Dustproof Red may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, as it offers a deeper key press that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, those seeking speed and responsiveness will find the Light Sakura more appealing, whereas those valuing depth and a more traditional typing experience may gravitate towards the Dustproof Red.
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 Red 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
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is renowned for its silent operation, catering perfectly to environments where noise can be a distraction. This switch is designed with discretion in mind, making it an excellent choice for shared office spaces or late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch does not have any specific sound profile noted, suggesting that it may operate similarly to other typical linear switches, which are generally quieter than tactile or clicky switches. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on the keyboard board and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch that significantly reduces fatigue, making it an appealing option for those who type extensively. This gentle resistance allows for a smooth and satisfying experience, ideal for long hours of writing or gaming. The Outemu Dustproof Red's feel is not explicitly described, but it is categorized as a linear switch, indicating it should offer a similar smoothness in keypress without tactile bumps or click sounds. Therefore, users can expect a generally consistent experience between the two switches in terms of linearity, although the Light Sakura may provide a more ergonomic advantage due to its lightweight design.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switches are designed for those who prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, though the Light Sakura is specifically tailored for discretion and comfort during prolonged use. While the Dustproof Red lacks a detailed sound and feel description, it presumably shares typical linear characteristics, which could yield a comparable performance. Ultimately, for newcomers to mechanical keyboards, the Bsun Light Sakura is a clearer choice for those prioritizing silence and comfort, while the Outemu Dustproof Red may still serve well for users looking for a simple linear switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a silent and comfortable switch for extended use, especially in shared or office environments, the Light Sakura with its light bottom-out force of 43 grams is a great choice. It offers a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more resistance with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, you might find the Dustproof Red to your liking. While it lacks the specific accolades that the Light Sakura boasts, the Dustproof Red can be effective for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Overall, consider your typing habits, the importance of sound, and how much force you prefer when keying in your decision.
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