Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during long typing sessions—particularly in office environments where minimizing noise is paramount. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea, as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and feedback, making it appealing for gamers and typists who enjoy a more dynamic feel. While both switches serve to enhance the typing experience, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer the smooth, quiet action of a linear switch like the Light Sakura or the satisfying tactile feedback offered by the Milk Tea. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Tea, it becomes evident that there are distinct differences in the choice of materials, which ultimately affect the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Light Sakura features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, known for its rigidity and clarity. This material is designed to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it ideal for users seeking a crisper auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea employs a unique combination of Ly material for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. While the Ly top housing is noted for delivering bright, resonant clacks, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, demonstrating a more muted and softer auditory quality.
The differences in sound characteristics are further accentuated by the specific materials used in the housing. The consistency of polycarbonate in the Light Sakura ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout, enhancing the clarity of the audio feedback both while typing and upon release. With its transparent nature, polycarbonate allows for vivid RGB lighting effects, contributing to both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the Milk Tea's combination of Ly and nylon housings creates a split in the auditory experience, where the top housing contributes to the high-pitched sounds associated with key releases, while the bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a dampened feedback during key presses. This blend creates a unique typing experience that may appeal to users preferring a mix of sharpness and warmth.
Ultimately, when analyzing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Milk Tea, we see how the implications of their materials significantly affect performance and user experience. Although both switches are designed to provide quality sound feedback, the uniformity of polycarbonate in the Light Sakura results in a predictable and clear sound profile, while the Milk Tea's dual-material approach introduces complexity, allowing users to experience contrasting sensations. Each switch caters to different preferences, and users can expect varied auditory and tactile results based on the composition of the housing materials. Whether one prefers the consistent crispness of polycarbonate or the nuanced character created by the combination of Ly and nylon, each switch will deliver an engaging typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch differ significantly in their actuation forces, with the Light Sakura requiring a lighter force of 37 grams to actuate compared to the heavier 45 grams for the Milk Tea. This distinction makes the Light Sakura a preferable choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, as its lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue. However, it’s important to note that while the Milk Tea's actuation force is heavier, it lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to compare their bottom out characteristics. The Light Sakura has a defined bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a measurable point of resistance when fully pressed down. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Light Sakura is clearly the lighter option, making it ideal for users who favor ease of use, whereas the Milk Tea could cater to those seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Light Sakura boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Milk Tea has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura may provide an advantage, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Milk Tea's longer travel distance, which could offer a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Tea 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 excels in providing a quiet typing experience. Specifically designed for discretion, its silent operation makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels must be kept low, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile, meaning it could range anywhere within the typical spectrum of mechanical keyboard sounds. However, it is important to note that sound characteristics can also vary widely depending on additional factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura linear switch is characterized by its ultra-light action, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. This gentle touch enables users to type with minimal resistance, ultimately reducing fatigue. The feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remains unspecified, which leaves its tactile response and overall typing experience a mystery. Generally, tactile switches tend to provide a noticeable bump, offering feedback upon actuation, but without specific details, one cannot directly compare it to the smoothness of the Light Sakura.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Milk Tea switches cater to various typing preferences but stand out in different ways. The Light Sakura offers a quiet, ultra-light touch that is ideal for those needing a subtle and comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea's characteristics remain unclear, leaving potential users to explore how it meets their tactile needs. For users who prioritize silence and comfort, the Bsun Light Sakura is a clear choice, while the Outemu Milk Tea may require further personal exploration to assess its suitability.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a light touch and silent operation, making it ideal for long hours of typing in quiet environments, then the Light Sakura is your best bet. Its comfort and discretion cater perfectly to those who value a fatigue-reducing experience without compromising on sound levels. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback that enhances your typing precision and provides a bit more resistance with a satisfying bump, even though detailed information on the Milk Tea isn't provided, you might still lean toward a tactile switch like the Milk Tea. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize a whisper-quiet, ultra-light experience versus a potentially more engaging and tactile feel in your typing. Understanding these nuances will help you make a more informed decision tailored to your typing style and environment.
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