Bsun Light Sakura vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Akko Penguin present two appealing yet distinct options. The Light Sakura is a linear switch renowned for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions in shared environments where discretion is key. Its design prioritizes comfort and minimizes fatigue, creating a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin, a tactile switch, offers a rounded tactile bump that delivers satisfying feedback with each key press while also being designed to minimize noise. With its medium weight, it strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use, tailored for those who enjoy a bit more tactile engagement in their typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you prefer a lightweight and silent experience or a tactile one that still keeps noise levels in check; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
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 of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Akko Penguin, a distinct divergence in sound profiles emerges due to the differing materials: polycarbonate and nylon. The Light Sakura features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. As a result, it generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. Specifically, the clear nature of the polycarbonate housing makes it an excellent choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, as it allows light to effectively pass through, creating an appealing visual effect alongside its auditory characteristics.
In contrast, the Akko Penguin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a notably different auditory experience. The inherent properties of nylon come into play here, as it is a softer material that tends to absorb sound rather than project it, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality produces a sound that is duller and rounder, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. Moreover, nylon's classic status as a switch housing material signifies its historical relevance and full-bodied typing feel, thus appealing to traditional keyboard enthusiasts looking for tactile comfort.
Despite their differences, if one were to interchange the top housing of the Light Sakura with the bottom housing of the Akko Penguin, or vice versa, the overall sound experience could offer a blend of characteristics from both materials. While the Light Sakura would maintain its clear and resonant nuances from its polycarbonate components, the inclusion of nylon would introduce some warmth and depth, especially in the bottom-out feel. This synthesis of materials could yield a versatile sound profile that taps into the advantages of both nylon's softness and polycarbonate's clarity, catering to a wider range of user preferences while still supporting the visual themes of RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Penguin's actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier for users who favor longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Light Sakura is 43 grams, while the Penguin has a significantly higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Penguin switch provides a firmer feel when bottoming out, which could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Light Sakura is ideal for users seeking a lighter touch, the Akko Penguin caters to those who appreciate a heavier key feel, making strategic choices for keyboard enthusiasts based on their typing habits and preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Light Sakura a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, potentially providing a more gratifying typing experience. In contrast, the Penguin's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times, enabling them to execute faster actions with less effort. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and responsiveness, the Light Sakura's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm will offer a more pronounced tactile experience compared to the Akko Penguin's 3.3 mm.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for discretion, providing a quiet typing experience that makes it well-suited for shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. While a specific descriptor for the sound quality isn't provided, it can be inferred that its silent nature aligns with the purpose of minimizing distraction. In comparison, the Akko Penguin switch also emphasizes a muted sound, contributing to a quiet atmosphere while typing. The Penguin features a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different typing contexts, further complementing its role in environments where users want to keep noise levels to a minimum.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura boasts an ultra-light actuation force, ensuring a comfortable and fatigue-reducing typing experience. This light feel makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions, allowing users to type with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, thanks to its medium weight and rounded tactile bump. The sensation of each keystroke is designed to provide a satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced, suitable for a wide range of users. The Penguin’s feathery characteristics allow for reduced finger fatigue during extended use, aligning its performance with the Light Sakura's focus on comfort.
Considering the available information, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Akko Penguin switches cater to users seeking a comfortable and quiet typing experience. While the Sakura excels in its ultra-light actuation and silent operation, the Penguin balances a muted sound with a pleasing tactile feedback. Both switches are excellent choices for extended typing sessions in shared spaces, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of mechanical switches without the associated noise and fatigue.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a feather-light touch and silent operation, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice for those long typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue while ensuring a noise-free experience—perfect for both personal use or in shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback without being too loud, the Akko Penguin is an ideal option. It features a satisfying, rounded tactile bump, combined with a medium actuation force, making it suitable for users who need a bit more resistance in their typing experience. The soft and muted sound profile also makes it appropriate for office environments, balancing tactile pleasure and quiet functionality. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you find most comfortable and enjoyable for your unique typing needs, whether that be the gentle lightness of the Sakura or the refined tactility of the Penguin.
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