Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and remarkable silence, making it an excellent option for those who favor a gentle, fatigue-reducing typing experience—particularly in quiet office environments or shared spaces. Its smooth actuation provides an uninterrupted flow for users who type extensively and seek comfort without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch designed for those who crave a distinct feedback and responsive feel with every keystroke, enhancing the typing experience through its pronounced bump at the actuation point. This tactile response can be satisfying and reassuring, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists who appreciate knowing exactly when a key has been engaged. Ultimately, while both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Maple Leaf, one can observe a significant difference in their construction, which impacts their acoustic profiles. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the audio produced, making it particularly well-suited for users who appreciate crisp typing sounds. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for an effective visual display of RGB lighting, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.

In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer texture of nylon absorbs more sound and provides a rounded auditory experience, making it a more classic choice for traditionalists who favor warmth in their typing acoustics. This material's sound attenuation properties contribute significantly to the damping of higher frequencies, thus yielding a more muted yet pleasant sound while typing. Unlike the Light Sakura, the Maple Leaf’s construction doesn't enhance lighting effects due to the opaque nature of nylon, which may affect users interested in combining aesthetics with functionality.

Though the two switch types exhibit contrasting materials and sound profiles, their acoustic performances can still provide satisfying results depending on user preference. For instance, while the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate evokes a sharper sound upon release, the nylon of the Maple Leaf ensures a more subdued experience during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to the desired typing experience: one offers clarity and brightness, while the other leans towards depth and warmth. Regardless of these differences, both switches showcase the diversity of mechanical keyboard design, catering to varying user tastes and styles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there are notable differences in their weights. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a robust typing experience. This means that the Light Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Maple Leaf is the heavier option. Consequently, users seeking a softer touch will lean towards the Light Sakura, while those who appreciate a firmer push will favor the Maple Leaf for their tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the longer travel option, providing a deeper key press, which can be more satisfying for those who prefer a fuller feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and quicker actuations. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on whether you value depth and a more pronounced key press or prefer the snappiness of shorter travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Light Sakura stands out for its whisper-quiet performance, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. It’s designed to operate silently, allowing for a smooth typing experience without disturbing others nearby. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Maple Leaf switch isn't well-documented, so its acoustic qualities are unknown. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard build, keycaps, and the surface it's placed on, which can lead to variability in user experiences.

In terms of tactile feel, the Light Sakura is characterized by an ultra-light touch that promotes comfort, making it an ideal choice for prolonged typing tasks. This gentle linear action reduces finger fatigue, enabling users to type quickly and effortlessly. Conversely, the feel of the Maple Leaf switch has not been detailed, leaving its tactile response and user experience unclear. This disparity suggests that while users of the Light Sakura may enjoy a consistent, smooth typing flow, the tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf remains a mystery until further information is provided.

In conclusion, those who prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience may find the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch particularly appealing, thanks to its discreet operation and feather-light touch. While the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch presents an unknown experience in terms of both sound and feel, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. If one values silence and comfort for extended sessions, the Light Sakura is the clear choice, whereas the Maple Leaf may still hold untapped potential for tactile enthusiasts once more details emerge.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're someone who spends long hours typing and values a quiet, smooth experience, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of 43 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for prolonged use without causing fatigue, especially in quiet environments like offices or shared spaces where noise levels are a consideration. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced feedback and a tactile response due to the heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, the Maple Leaf would suit you better. While it doesn't have the reputation for being exceptionally well-known, the tactile bump can provide a satisfying typing experience that helps you feel when your key is actuated, which may enhance your accuracy while typing. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards a softer, quieter switch for comfort or a firmer, tactile switch for a more engaged typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more