Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Tom offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it a top choice for users seeking comfort and discretion during long typing sessions. Its quiet nature is particularly advantageous in office environments or shared spaces, allowing for a gentle and fatigue-reducing experience without causing disturbances. In contrast, the Outemu Tom, classified as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, delivering a satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and is often preferred by users who enjoy a more engaged experience while typing. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value a smooth, quiet typing experience or the tactile feedback that enhances your keystrokes. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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
When examining the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Tom, both switches exhibit notable similarities in their top housing material. Each utilizes polycarbonate for its construction, which contributes significantly to the sound profile produced by the switches. The polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is both clear and resonant, enhancing the auditory experience of users. The translucence of the polycarbonate also facilitates effective RGB lighting, making both switches aesthetically appealing while ensuring that they perform optimally under varying illumination conditions. Consequently, users can expect a distinctly crisp sound and a visually striking effect from both options.
Contrasting the bottom housings of these switches reveals a divergence in material choice that leads to varied sound characteristics. While the Light Sakura also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Outemu Tom opts for nylon. This difference in materials results in a notable variation in acoustic profiles; the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a crisper, more pronounced sound, while the nylon bottom housing yields a deeper, fuller audio experience that is softer and more subdued. As nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, users of the Outemu Tom will experience a more rounded sound that contrasts with the sharper notes produced by the Light Sakura.
Ultimately, the duality of housing materials in these mechanical switches emphasizes the unique influences each component has on typists. While the Light Sakura maintains a consistent sound signature across both top and bottom housings with polycarbonate, the Outemu Tom's mixed materials result in a combination of sound characteristics: the soft output of nylon below and the sharp clarity of polycarbonate above. Thus, when users engage with either switch, they will experience the effects of housing materials differently, leading to a distinct typing experience for the Light Sakura compared to the Outemu Tom, where nylon’s absorption qualities create a contrast to the clearer sounds produced by the polycarbonate top.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find a clear distinction in their actuation forces. The Light Sakura has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where minimal effort is preferred. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Light Sakura also exhibits a bottom out force of 43 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unavailable. Although both switches have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force, the Light Sakura is lighter and offers a more delicate touch, while the Tom switch appeals to users seeking a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a more substantial depth during key presses, the Light Sakura would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and users who prioritize faster response times at the expense of a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper, more tactile experience or a quicker, more responsive action.
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 Tom 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 renowned for its ultra-quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. This silent characteristic allows users to type without drawing attention, which is especially important in office settings or shared workspaces. The lack of auditory feedback creates a serene typing atmosphere, allowing for focus and concentration without the distraction of clicky sounds. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound profile is currently unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard's case and the material of the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light sensation that enhances comfort, making it particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions. Its gentle touch minimizes finger fatigue, which users may appreciate during long work hours or gaming marathons. The Tom switch's tactile qualities remain unknown, so it's unclear how its feel would compare to the Light Sakura. However, tactile switches generally offer a more pronounced bump during actuation, potentially making them satisfactory for those who prefer a more noticeable feedback while typing, as opposed to the smooth, continuous press of a linear switch.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch excels in providing a silent and ultra-light typing experience that caters to users who value discretion and comfort. The Outemu Tom tactile switch's qualities are less defined, leaving some uncertainty in its comparison. However, individuals seeking a gentle and quiet typing experience will find solace in the Sakura switch's design, while those who might lean towards tactile feedback will find that tactile switches, like the Tom, typically offer a distinctly different typing characteristic. Ultimately, your choice will align with your preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you often find yourself typing for long periods or working in shared environments where noise can be a distraction, the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice. With its ultra-light feel and silent operation, it offers a comfortable and discreet typing experience that minimizes fatigue while ensuring you don’t disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile response that provides a satisfying feedback with each key press, you might want to consider the Outemu Tom switch. Tactile switches are often favored by gamers and typists who enjoy the feeling of tactile bumps to enhance their typing rhythm. Thus, if you value a more pronounced typing feel and enjoy the actuation feedback, the Tom could be your go-to option. Ultimately, assess your typing habits, sound preferences, and the environments you usually type in to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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