Bsun Light Sakura vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Piano linear switches offers two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent option for those who type for prolonged periods, especially in quiet office settings or shared spaces. Its comfort-focused design helps reduce typing fatigue, ensuring that you can work efficiently without disturbing colleagues around you. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches promise a luxurious typing feel characterized by their unique proprietary material blend that creates a smooth glide while delivering a deep, creamy sound signature. This makes them particularly appealing for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory response during their typing sessions. Both switches cater to specific needs, whether you prioritize discretion and comfort or seek a more engaging tactile experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Piano switches, distinct characteristics emerge based on the materials utilized in their construction. The Light Sakura features a top and bottom housing made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. This leads to a clear and resonant tonality, which pairs harmoniously with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary blend of POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. Although the exact composition of the POM blend remains undisclosed, it is highlighted for providing a uniquely satisfying and deeper sound profile. This fundamental difference establishes a notable contrast in how each switch might feel and sound during keystrokes.
While the Light Sakura benefits from the properties of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and brightness, the Durock Piano's POM blend emphasizes depth and satisfaction in sound. The nature of polycarbonate, particularly in both the top and bottom housings of the Light Sakura, ensures that users will experience a consistent sharpness as they press down on the keys and as they release them. Conversely, the POM blend of the Durock Piano allows for a more nuanced sound experience, with its deeper sonic qualities that resonate more than the brighter tones of the Sakura. This divergence means that users can expect a more harmonic experience with the POM blend, while those who prefer a crisper auditory feedback may gravitate towards the polycarbonate construction of the Light Sakura.
Despite these differences, it’s important to note that both the Light Sakura and Durock Piano can produce a satisfying keystroke experience. If one were to compare similar aspects, both switches can create an engaging typing experience due to their unique housing materials, each producing its own distinctive sound profile. Users who prioritize RGB compatibility might find polycarbonate’s advantages appealing in the Light Sakura, while those seeking depth in acoustic response may prefer the Durock Piano’s POM blend. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will hinge on personal preference regarding sound and feel during usage, as the disparities in material will yield different yet equally compelling user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Durock Piano linear 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 a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has an unknown actuation force but a considerably higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy resistance as users press down. This heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option between the two, while the Durock Piano is clearly the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in keyboard feel and typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the contrasting preferences between gamers and traditional users; the shorter travel of the Light Sakura is advantageous for those seeking quicker response times, which is often favored in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Piano switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who appreciate deeper key presses. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice, while the Durock Piano caters to those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch is designed with discretion in mind, and as such, prioritizes a quiet operating sound. While specific details on its acoustic characteristics might go unmentioned, it is clear that it aims for a sound profile that minimizes auditory disruption, making it perfect for environments where noise can be an issue. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch offers a basy, deeper sound signature, enhancing the typing experience with a richer auditory feedback. This deeper resonance brings a pleasing tonal quality to key presses which can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura is noted for its ultra-light experience, aimed at providing comfort during extended typing sessions. This lightness can promote a fatigue-reducing tactile sensation; however, further specifics on the tactile nuances of the Light Sakura are not detailed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are characterized by their frictionless and silky smooth action. This exceptional smoothness in travel means that users experience minimal resistance when pressing the keys, contributing to a fluid typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different user preferences and environments. The Light Sakura thrives in quietness and lightweight comfort, ideal for those who type for long periods without causing disturbances. Meanwhile, the Durock Piano excels with its rich, bassy sound profile and a remarkably smooth feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it be silence or satisfying feedback—either switch offers distinct advantages that can enhance your typing experience significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you're deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Durock Piano linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light, quiet switch for long typing sessions, especially in shared spaces or office environments, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its 43-gram actuation force and silent operation make it comfortable for prolonged use without causing noise disruptions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel and a richer sound profile while typing, then the Durock Piano would be more suited to your needs. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a smooth, effortless typing experience accentuated by a deep, creamy sound signature. Thus, your final choice should reflect your specific typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard, ensuring that your switch enhances rather than hinders your overall experience.
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