Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for users who require a comfortable and discreet typing experience—perfect for long typing sessions in shared or office environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a tactile feel with a pronounced bump, allowing for a satisfying feedback with every keystroke while maintaining a quieter ambiance—an appealing option for users who appreciate tactile sensations without the accompanying noise. While both switches offer unique benefits depending on your preferences, 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 housing materials used in the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Grey serve as a key factor in determining the overall sound profile and performance of each switch. Both the Light Sakura and the Silent Grey utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This similarity ensures that both switches produce a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when a key is released. Polycarbonate is noted for its stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance, factors that make both switches especially compatible with RGB lighting setups. Users can expect visually appealing illumination effects from both switches, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows light to diffuse beautifully through the keycaps.
In contrast to their similar top housings, the two switches differ in the material of their bottom housings. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the clarity and resonant qualities already established by its top housing. This consistency means that users will experience a sound profile that complements the sharper notes of the top housing while still maintaining a cohesive tactile feel when typing. The Silent Grey, on the other hand, boasts a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer texture and sound-dampening properties. This means that the Silent Grey will deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile, particularly noticeable during bottom-out moments when the key is fully pressed.
Thus, while both switches share a common top housing material that enhances sound clarity, their bottom housings present a contrasting sound profile that significantly influences the typing experience. Users of the Light Sakura will likely appreciate the clear and sharp resonance that stems from its uniform construction, while owners of the Silent Grey can enjoy a deeper, rounder sound due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. Choosing between the two may ultimately depend on personal preference for sound characteristics; those seeking clarity may lean toward the Light Sakura, while those who favor a more subdued and full auditory experience might opt for the Silent Grey.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, while the Silent Grey is the heavier choice. If both switches had similar actuation and bottom out forces, users would experience comparable typing sensations, but the marked differences here cater to distinct preferences in typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Light Sakura is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking a quicker response time. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a more traditional depth at 4 mm, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for responsiveness versus depth in switch feel.
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 Silent Grey 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 switch is engineered for a quiet operation, making it particularly well-suited for environments where noise control is essential, such as open offices or shared spaces. Its sound profile is designed to be nearly silent, allowing for a discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch, while also quiet, features a pronounced tactile bump that provides auditory feedback without being disruptive. Both switches are designed for a subdued acoustic footprint, but the Silent Grey may produce a slightly more noticeable sound during key presses due to its tactile nature, resulting in an experience that balances silence with satisfaction.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch boasts an ultra-light actuation force, which reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions and encourages a gentle touch. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort and ease in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch combines tactile feedback with a smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying sensation when the bump is encountered. While the Light Sakura aims for a lighter, more effortless feel, the Silent Grey offers a tactile response that many users find engaging, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial sensory feedback while typing.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Silent Grey switches present unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Light Sakura emphasizes a soft, nearly silent typing experience that prioritizes comfort, making it ideal for long hours of work. Conversely, the Silent Grey merges quiet operation with a tactile experience for those who appreciate feedback and satisfaction in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to whether you prefer a lighter touch with minimal sound or a satisfying tactile response while maintaining a discreet profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, your decision ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and need a switch that allows for comfortable, extended use without causing fatigue or distracting others, the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light feel and silent operation make it ideal for shared workspaces or situations where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and don't mind a heavier bottom-out force, the Outemu Silent Grey would be better suited for you. The tactile bump offers a satisfying keystroke that enhances your typing experience, while its quietness still respects the need for discretion. Therefore, consider your personal typing style, the environments you'll be using your keyboard in, and whether you lean towards a lighter or more tactile feel when making your selection.
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