Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to individual preferences and typing habits. The Bsun Light Sakura offers a silent and ultra-light typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours at the keyboard in shared or office environments where discretion is key. Its gentle touch not only aids in reducing fatigue but also provides a comfortable and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, present a unique option for users seeking a more condensed and satisfying interaction. With a shorter travel distance, these switches deliver a typing experience that balances comfort with efficiency, appealing to those who appreciate a quick and responsive feel. While both the Light Sakura and HMX Perky are linear switches designed for smooth keystrokes, the differences in their tactile feedback and sound profile cater to distinct user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your style and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Perky switches showcase distinct acoustical properties due to their differing housing materials, which greatly affect the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound that is crisp, clear, and higher-pitched. This is because polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, amplifies the higher frequencies and enhances the clarity of the sound emitted when a key is depressed or released. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes the Light Sakura particularly appealing for setups with RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant and visually engaging illumination effect.
In contrast, the HMX Perky employs nylon as the material for both top and bottom housings. Nylon's softer, more absorbent properties yield a deeper and fuller sound profile that is notably rounder and more muted compared to the Light Sakura. The nuances of the typing experience are delivered in a softer soundscape that offers a tactile comfort often favored by typists who prioritize a warmer acoustic environment. The nylon housing also absorbs more sound upon key actuation and release, which contributes to a quieter keystroke, making it an attractive option for those who value noise level in shared or quiet environments.
While the materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Perky switches differ, they ultimately deliver contrasting yet complementary experiences through their unique acoustic signatures. The Light Sakura’s polycarbonate provides a bright, resonant sound perfect for dynamic RGB setups, while the Perky's nylon housing fosters a pleasant and subdued auditory experience. For users seeking similar results in sound and typing feel, they may consider mixing the two: using the nylon bottom housing of the Perky with the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Sakura. This would blend the crispness and clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth and absorption of nylon, creating a hybrid switch experience that capitalizes on the strengths of both materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable distinctions. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Perky may provide a more substantial feel during use, appealing to typists who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, while the HMX Perky is the heavier switch, catering to different preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky has a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This gives the Light Sakura a distinct advantage for users who prefer a deeper keystroke feel, typical of a more traditional switch design. On the other hand, the Perky's shorter travel distance aligns with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker response times, making it a better choice for those seeking speed and agility in their key presses. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances indicates that the Light Sakura is suited for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Perky caters to users who prioritize rapid actuation.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 designed to operate quietly, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. Its silent nature contributes to a pleasant typing experience without the distraction of audible clicks or thocks. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch's subtlety in sound is also appealing, emphasizing a more subdued acoustic profile, which is likely enhanced by its nylon housing. While both switches prioritize muted operation, the exact tonal qualities can vary depending on the keyboard you choose and the keycaps you use, but users can generally expect a relatively quiet experience with both options.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch, making it particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. This light actuation allows the user to type with minimal effort, reducing fatigue over our lengthy work hours. In contrast, the HMX Perky provides a more condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance. The softer and more satisfying tactile response gives it a character of its own, appealing to those who enjoy a responsive yet gentle typing feel. While both may cater to comfort-focused users, the Light Sakura leans towards a lighter touch, whereas the Perky brings a different satisfaction with its condensed travel.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Perky linear switches present their own strengths and appeal to distinct user preferences. The Light Sakura excels in providing a whisper-quiet and ultra-light typing experience, ideal for individuals needing to maintain focus in quiet environments. Meanwhile, the Perky switch delights with its softer, satisfying feel and shorter travel distance, making it attractive for those seeking a unique tactile feedback while keeping noise to a minimum. While they excel in different areas, users can expect similar discretion in acoustic performance, along with personal adjustments based on keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a quieter typing experience, especially in shared or office environments, then the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force and ultra-light feel make it suitable for extended typing sessions, allowing you to work comfortably without drawing attention to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer response and a more condensed typing experience, the HMX Perky with its 50-gram bottom-out force would be more appealing. Its softer, glittery nylon housing provides a satisfying feel, and the shorter travel distance can enhance your overall efficiency. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and what aspects of the switch feel most important to you—whether it’s the need for silence and comfort brought by the Light Sakura or the uniqueness and responsiveness of the Perky.
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