Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Lotus are two noteworthy options within the linear category, each offering distinct advantages for different users. The Bsun Light Sakura is renowned for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions, particularly in office environments or shared spaces. This switch caters to typists seeking a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience that doesn't disturb others. On the other hand, while the Outemu Lotus lacks defined characteristics in this comparison, it often provides a reliable performance and is known for its affordability and consistent feel, making it a practical choice for gamers or casual users looking for good value. With these considerations in mind, it's important to evaluate your preferences and usage scenarios. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
pom
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
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Lotus utilize different materials for their switch housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences when typing. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for higher resonance and clarity, making it particularly effective for users who favor RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus is constructed with a nylon top housing, historically favored in switch design for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience that contrasts sharply with that of the Light Sakura.
When examining the bottom housings of these two switches, they reveal a similar trend in material usage. The Light Sakura's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, reinforcing the switch's overall sound signature with its crisp and resonant qualities. Conversely, the Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which follows suit with its typically softer sound profile. This division of materials means that while both switches might share their individual material characteristics throughout the keys, the overall sound quality will be influenced differently based on which material is at play during pressing and releasing the keys. The Light Sakura's stiffer polycarbonate enhances the tactile experience when bottoming out, while the Lotus's nylon design ensures a more subtle sound and feel.
The interaction of both housing materials affects how users perceive key presses in terms of both sound and tactility. For the Bsun Light Sakura, the combined use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing results in a more consistent auditory experience characterized by brightness and clarity, making it ideal for performance and responsiveness. Conversely, the Outemu Lotus offers a unique typing experience that blends the soft, muted sound of nylon with its own tactile feedback, producing a more subdued and cozy feel. Both switches capitalize on their unique housing materials, yet they cater to different preferences: those who appreciate a lively and vivid typing experience may gravitate toward the Light Sakura, while users seeking a soft and enveloping sound will likely favor the Outemu Lotus. In essence, while the switches diverge in composition, each offers a distinctive yet enjoyable typing experience grounded in their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that although the Light Sakura requires a bit more force to initially trigger a keystroke, it offers a softer bottom out feel compared to the Lotus. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus requires less force to actuate but requires more force to bottom out, making it feel heftier during full key presses. Overall, the Light Sakura is the heavier option in terms of actuation, while the Lotus is lighter for keystroke activation but heavier when bottoming out, which may influence user preference based on desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lotus measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference highlights that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Lotus may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses favored by gamers. Conversely, the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm travel provides a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you enjoy a switch with a hearty depth, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Lotus might suit those seeking a snappier response.
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 Lotus 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 notably quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize subtlety in their typing experience. Its design caters to those who might find themselves in shared or office environments, allowing them to type comfortably without drawing attention. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks a specific sound profile, but it's important to remember that the overall sound of any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard construction and keycap materials used. Therefore, while the Light Sakura offers a clear advantage in sound discretion, the Lotus may still perform adequately depending on the configuration.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light design, contributing to a gentle typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This lightness is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation. However, if the Lotus switch were characterized similarly, users could expect a linear smoothness typical of linear switches, but ultimately, the concrete experience remains unknown.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a gentle touch. While the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have well-defined qualities, the nature of linear switches suggests it may offer a smooth keystroke as well. Ultimately, if you’re looking for sound discretion and reduced strain, the Light Sakura is clearly advantageous, while the performance of the Lotus switch remains uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing needs and environment. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Light Sakura is your best choice. Its ultra-light feel and silent operation make it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions in office settings or shared workspaces, where discretion is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a slightly firmer feel with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Lotus may be more to your liking, especially if you are transitioning from heavier switches and want a balance of comfort and feel. Although it lacks the specific features that the Sakura offers, it still provides a satisfying typing experience. In summary, choose the Light Sakura for a gentle and quiet typing experience, especially in collaborative environments, or opt for the Outemu Lotus for a more traditional linear feel that caters to those seeking a touch more feedback without sacrificing smoothness.
Mentioned in this article
