Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth and silent typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods, especially in office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Its ultra-light feel promotes comfort, allowing users to enjoy fatigue-free typing without distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that delivers a satisfying "thocky" sound while remaining quiet, thanks to its meticulous engineering. As the third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, it features a prominent tactile bump and a factory-lubed design that enhances its responsiveness. Therefore, while one may prefer the stealthy elegance of a linear switch for uninterrupted typing, others might lean towards the tactile feedback and auditory pleasure offered by the Silent Yellow Jade. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 used in the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it becomes evident that they utilize different plastics for both their top and bottom housings—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for both stages of the switch, which results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This material's stiffer nature contributes to producing a crisper sound when the key is pressed, allowing for an audible and distinct feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. The polycarbonate's translucency also plays an important role for users who favor RGB lighting, as it allows lights to shine through effectively, creating a visually appealing experience.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which results in a different auditory experience. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This makes for a type of feedback that is often described as warmer and less piercing than that of the Light Sakura. The differences in sound profile can be quite stark; while the Light Sakura is well-suited for those who enjoy a bright and resonant keypress, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter and more muted experience, making it an attractive option for users seeking a less intrusive typing environment.
Ultimately, the contrast between the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Light Sakura and the softness of nylon in the Silent Yellow Jade influences their auditory feedback and user experience. While they provide unique qualities—clarity versus depth—the overall sound and feel experience can still harmonize well depending on individual preferences. For typists who utilize both switch types, it could be insightful to consider how the combined characteristics of each housing may produce distinct yet complementary outcomes during use. Each type boasts its aesthetic appeal and sound signature, and understanding these nuances allows users to select a housing material that aligns best with their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Light Sakura features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This increased resistance can provide a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push and tactile feedback. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches may opt for the Light Sakura, while those seeking a heftier feel might prefer the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, those seeking longer typing comfort should gravitate towards the lighter Light Sakura, whereas those desiring a firmer keystroke experience will find the heavier Silent Yellow Jade appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we find that the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures 3.3 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the longer option by 0.3 mm, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing a key. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter travel distance, may be better suited for gamers who prefer faster response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference: if you favor depth and a tactile feel, the longer travel distance of the Light Sakura may be preferable, while the shorter distance of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more responsive 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 Yellow Jade 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 linear switch is designed for quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where discretion is key. Its silent design ensures minimal sound when typing, which is particularly advantageous in shared spaces or open offices. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a more pronounced auditory experience with its satisfying “thocky” sound. Although it’s quieter than many traditional tactile switches, it still offers a subtle audio feedback due to its tactile bump, likely enhancing the typing experience without causing too much disturbance.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light touch, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing experience that is very comfortable for prolonged use. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch incorporates a punchy tactile bump, delivering a distinct feedback when the actuation point is reached. This tactile response caters well to typists who appreciate a more engaging typing sensation, making it easier to feel when a key has been activated. The difference in feel between these two switches could lead users to choose one over the other based on their typing preferences and needs.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Light Sakura excels in providing an ultra-light and whisper-quiet typing experience perfect for extensive use, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a satisfying tactile feedback paired with a subdued but distinct auditory quality. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize a super-soft touch or a tactile bump with slight sound. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on your personal typing style and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch will ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a soft, ultra-light feel for prolonged use and work in a shared or office space where discretion is key, the Light Sakura is an outstanding option for you. Its 43-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue while maintaining a quiet operation, making it ideal for those long days at the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel without compromising on noise, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, this switch offers a satisfying tactile bump and a muted "thocky" sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience while still being considerate of others in quieter environments. Thus, whether you lean towards the gentle comfort of the Light Sakura or the satisfying feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade, your decision should reflect your personal comfort and the context in which you’ll be typing.
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