Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique advantages catering to different user preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light feel, making it a top choice for users who require a quiet and comfortable typing experience, particularly in office settings or shared environments where discretion is key. Its silent operation allows for prolonged use without causing disturbances, making it perfect for those marathon typing sessions. On the other hand, while specific notable qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow aren't highlighted, its designation as a silent linear switch suggests that it also prioritizes a quiet user experience. This can be especially appealing for gamers or typists who prefer a smooth actuation without the noise typically associated with mechanical switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to those who value silence and smoothness in their typing experience, but they may resonate differently based on individual typing habits and preferences. 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
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 the Outemu Silent Yellow both feature polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, allows for a more resonant sound that enhances the tactile feedback during typing. This material's translucency also makes it particularly effective for highlighting RGB lighting, ensuring that aesthetic demands are met alongside functionality. Therefore, both switches will provide a vibrant and dynamic lighting experience, making them appealing choices for users who value both sound and visual aspects in their mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Silent Yellow differ significantly; the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate while the Silent Yellow utilizes nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a quieter typing experience, generating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing, which retains the sharper sound characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, while the top of both switches enhances clarity, the bottom housing preference will heavily influence the overall auditory experience, distinguishing the two models further.
When considering the full auditory experience while typing, the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Silent Yellow will provide distinct sensations due to their differing bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate bottom of the Light Sakura will promote a brighter and more resonant acoustic feedback upon bottoming out. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom of the Silent Yellow will soften the impact, producing a more subdued auditory response. Users may prefer one over the other based on their desired typing feel—whether they lean toward a sharp and vibrant experience or a more cushioned and muted one. Nonetheless, both switches excel in their respective areas, delivering a unique combination of sound and feel that will appeal to different types of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting the typing experience. The Light Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push. Consequently, the Bsun Light Sakura is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow is the heavier switch. These differences can influence user preference depending on individual typing styles, with the Light Sakura favoring comfort and prolonged use, and the Silent Yellow catering to users who desire a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow offers a more traditional depth that some users may find satisfying, especially those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura can enhance responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor quicker response times. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more abrupt feel in your keystrokes, the Light Sakura may be the better option, whereas those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile experience might prefer the Silent Yellow. Thus, the Light Sakura is the shorter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow is the longer one.
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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is engineered to be exceptionally quiet, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is crucial, such as offices or shared spaces. Its design focuses on minimizing auditory distractions while typing, allowing users to work comfortably without disturbing those nearby. The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch also emphasizes a quiet operation, though the specific acoustic properties are not as well-defined. Both switches will provide a similar low-noise experience, but the precise volume and characteristics may vary slightly based on the keyboard build, keycap material, and other acoustic factors.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out with its ultra-light actuation, which contributes to a smooth typing experience that reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. This gentle touch makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize comfort in their interactions with the keyboard. The specifics of the Outemu Silent Yellow's tactile feedback are not explicitly detailed, leaving its nuanced typing experience relatively unknown. However, both switches share a linear design, suggesting that users may experience a similarly smooth keystroke without the tactile bumps found in other switch types.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches prioritize quiet operation, the Sakura is designed for an ultra-light feel that enhances comfort during extended use. The Silent Yellow aligns with this focus on noise reduction, though its specific characteristics may not be as thoroughly documented. For those seeking a silent linear switch experience, both options will deliver on noise reduction, and while the Light Sakura provides additional comfort features, the overall smoothness of the key actuation in both switches offers a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light touch and discretion during your typing sessions, the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force offers a feather-light feel, allowing you to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue, making it especially suited for shared office environments where noise can be an issue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced feel with a slightly firmer actuation, the Outemu Silent Yellow, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, may cater better to your typing style, providing a more tactile experience. While the Silent Yellow may not have specific accolades, its medium weight can offer a balance between comfort and feedback for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, assess your typing habits, the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and your personal preferences to guide your choice between these two switches.