Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinctly different experiences tailored to varying user preferences. The Light Sakura is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions and work in shared or quiet environments. Its discreet nature ensures that you can type away without disrupting colleagues, providing a fatigue-reducing experience that appeals to professionals and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that delivers an audible and tactile feedback, making it suitable for typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feeling of each keystroke. This switch is particularly favored by those who appreciate a more interactive typing experience and seek to boost their typing speed with pronounced actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Milk Blue switches both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiff nature that promotes clarity and resonance. This is particularly beneficial for users who utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. Thus, when it comes to the auditory experience provided by these switches, their top housings will yield similar results due to the common material used.
However, the distinction arises when we consider the bottom housing of each switch. The Light Sakura employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the same sound characteristics as the top housing, resulting in a coherent sound profile across the switch. On the other hand, the Milk Blue opts for a nylon bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top. As a result, while both switches share the same high-end sound qualities in their tops, their bottom haptic feedback and sound profiles will differ markedly, with the Milk Blue offering a warmer, less resonant experience.
In essence, the combined effects of these differing materials lead to varied tactile and auditory experiences. The Light Sakura's entirely polycarbonate housing delivers a cohesive sound profile characterized by clarity from top to bottom, enhancing its crispness with each keystroke. On the contrary, the Milk Blue's hybrid design—featuring a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom—results in a sound that blends the sharpness of the upper section with the duller, fuller tone of the lower section. This divergence in housing materials creates a unique interplay between the two switches that highlights a nuanced approach to acoustic performance and user experience. Thus, users seeking a sharper auditory clarity may prefer the Light Sakura, while those looking for a more rounded sound may lean towards the Milk Blue.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, perfect for long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue switch is unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option with a lower actuation force, while the Milk Blue is heavier, catering to different user preferences regarding typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means the Milk Blue, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel with each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer deeper key presses. In contrast, the Light Sakura's shorter travel distance could result in quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers who favor speed and efficiency in their key presses. Ultimately, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke should lean towards the Milk Blue, while those who prioritize rapidity might opt for the Light Sakura. Thus, the Bsun Light Sakura is the shorter switch, measuring 3.6 mm, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue is the longer option at 4 mm.
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 Milk Blue 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 is characterized by its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who work in shared environments or prefer a more discreet typing experience. This lack of audible feedback allows for a peaceful atmosphere, which is ideal for extended typing sessions without the distraction of clicking noises. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is likely to produce a louder, more pronounced click sound, offering satisfying acoustic feedback with each keystroke. While the Milk Blue caters to typists who enjoy an auditory signal of their input, it may not be suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Light Sakura features an ultra-light actuation force, ensuring that the keys are easy to press and allowing for prolonged usage without fatigue. This gentle tactile response is particularly beneficial for those who spend a lot of time typing, as it provides a smooth and comfortable experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch is designed with a noticeable tactile bump that delivers a satisfying sensation when the key is activated. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy, but the heavier actuation force may lead to fatigue over extended periods compared to the Sakura switch.
In summary, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Blue largely comes down to personal preference related to sound and feel. The Light Sakura offers a silent and comfortable typing experience, making it appropriate for professional settings where discretion is key. Conversely, the Milk Blue switch caters to enthusiasts who favor the auditory and tactile feedback of a clicky switch but may not suit those in need of a quieter option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you’ll find a suitable switch that meets your preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch largely depends on your typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light, comfortable, and silent typing experience, especially in an office or shared environment, the Light Sakura could be your ideal pick. Its low actuation force of 43 grams allows for extended typing without physical strain, making it perfect for full days of work or intensive study sessions. Furthermore, its quiet operation ensures you won’t disrupt those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy an audible click and tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience, the Milk Blue would be a suitable choice. While we’ve noted an absence of specific bottom-out force data for the Milk Blue, its characteristic sound and feel are popular among enthusiasts who appreciate the satisfying feedback that clicky switches provide, particularly when typing quickly or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you desire a smoother, quieter switch or a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience.
Mentioned in this article
