Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent White 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 Silent White both cater to users seeking linear switches with a focus on quiet operation, but they offer distinct experiences. The Bsun Light Sakura excels in delivering a silent and ultra-light typing feel, making it ideal for extended sessions without causing finger fatigue, which is particularly beneficial in office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, while the Outemu Silent White also prioritizes quietness, it is known for its slightly firmer resistance, which can provide a more responsive typing experience. Users who prefer a cushioned yet discreet typing experience may lean towards the Light Sakura, while those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback without excessive noise might gravitate towards the Silent White. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent White switches present an intriguing comparison of sound profiles and tactile sensations. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This hardness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making both switches suitable for users who appreciate the benefits of brightness and clarity in auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the appeal of RGB lighting, ensuring a vibrant display regardless of the switch's design.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials reflect a significant divergence between the two models. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which helps maintain the same bright and clear sonic characteristics throughout the switch. This uniformity in housing material allows for a cohesive sound experience as the qualities of the stiff polycarbonate are felt both during keystrokes and when releasing the keys. Meanwhile, the Silent White opts for a nylon bottom housing, a material that introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less crisp auditory feedback compared to the Light Sakura. This difference means that while the Silent White may excel in producing a muted type feel, it significantly alters the overall sound signature compared to its rival.
When considering the impact of these materials on the user experience, it's important to recognize how the combination of materials affects performance. In the Silent White switches, the nylon bottom housing dampens sound, resulting in a quieter typing experience which may appeal to users seeking a more subdued environment. Conversely, the pure polycarbonate construction of the Light Sakura contributes to a more consistent sound profile, where both the top and bottom housings complement each other. This division of characteristics between the two switches demonstrates how the choice of materials influences not only the auditory nuances but also the tactile sensations during use, leading to distinct experiences based on the unique properties of each switch model.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer feel that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent White has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, while the Silent White is the heavier switch. This distinction suggests that if you're looking for comfort during long typing or gaming sessions, the Light Sakura may be the better choice, whereas the Silent White will appeal to those who appreciate a firmer feedback in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Silent White the more agile option, potentially offering faster response times ideal for gamers who prioritize quick keystrokes. Conversely, the Light Sakura’s longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who appreciate a fuller keystroke sensation when typing or gaming. As such, if one leans towards responsiveness, the Silent White is the preferable choice; however, if a more robust experience is desired, the Light Sakura stands out. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Light Sakura can be seen as a better fit for those seeking a deeper tactile experience.
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 White 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 switch offers a notably quiet experience, tailored for environments where stealth is essential. Its operation minimizes auditory distractions, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. In contrast, while the Outemu Silent White is also designed to be quieter than tactile or clicky switches, the specific sound profile isn't extensively detailed, suggesting that it might still produce some audible feedback in comparison to the Light Sakura. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking to minimize noise, though the Light Sakura experience is specifically highlighted as being particularly discreet.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation, allowing for smooth, effortless key presses that reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. This light touch not only enhances comfort but also encourages a relaxed typing style, promoting stamina. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remains less defined, leaving its tactile characteristics and overall responsiveness somewhat ambiguous. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying linear typing experience, the Light Sakura's emphasis on lightness sets it apart distinctly in user comfort.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent White switches are geared toward users prioritizing quieter key presses, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments. The Light Sakura stands out for its specifically light touch, offering a refined experience that promotes prolonged use with minimal discomfort. While the Silent White shares some similar characteristics, its exact feel remains unclear. Overall, for those looking for a blend of silence and comfort, the Light Sakura appears to be the superior choice, but users may find satisfaction in either option depending on their priorities.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value an ultra-light feel along with a silent typing experience, particularly in shared office environments or during extended gaming or typing sessions, the Light Sakura is the clear choice. Its low actuation force of 43 grams offers a gentle touch that minimizes fatigue, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and discretion. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with the reassurance of a medium force of 60 grams while maintaining a solid typing experience, the Silent White might be more up your alley. While it does not carry a specific reputation like the Light Sakura, its greater actuation force can provide a satisfying, firm feel that some users find appealing. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the importance of noise level, and the tactile sensations you enjoy most to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.