Bsun Light Sakura vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the SP-Star Polaris Purple present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions or in shared office environments. In contrast, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that delivers a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, offering an exhilarating typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. This can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for gamers and those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Each switch has its strengths and can greatly influence your overall typing 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
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature polycarbonate as their primary housing material, encompassing both the top and bottom sections. This choice of polycarbonate significantly influences the sound profile of each switch, resulting in a sharper and crisper auditory experience. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a resonant sound, ensuring that both switches can deliver a similar experience in terms of sound clarity and pitch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is utilized. Thus, both switches are designed with sound quality and visual presentation in mind, providing a heightened user experience.
Although both the Light Sakura and the Polaris Purple utilize the same polycarbonate material for their housings, the impact on sound can vary due to the design and construction of each switch. The qualities inherent to polycarbonate, such as its stiffness and resonance, will resonate through both models, creating a distinct sound profile when the keys are actuated and released. Each switch does not need to have disparate materials for the top and bottom in order to produce an ideal sound; instead, the consistency in material choice across both models ensures that users can expect an equally clean and sharp sound when engaging with either switch.
In conclusion, since the Bsun Light Sakura and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a consistent sound profile characterized by clarity and richness. The nearly identical material composition fosters a similarity in auditory output, allowing users to enjoy a comparable typing or gaming experience regardless of which switch they choose. The benefits of polycarbonate—its durability, aesthetic versatility, and sound quality—provide a common thread that ties these two products together, making them appealing options for enthusiasts looking for optimal performance and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has an unknown actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy category. This means that while the Polaris Purple will require a more robust push feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience, it does not provide a specified actuation force for direct comparison. Overall, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is lighter and more suited for users favoring reduced fatigue, whereas the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is heavier, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Bsun Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Light Sakura, you will experience a more responsive keystroke due to its shorter distance, which is often favored by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced depth, appealing to users who prefer a heartier feedback when pressing down on a key. In summary, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas for a more substantial feel, the Polaris Purple is ideal.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is notably silent, designed for those who prioritize discretion in settings like offices or shared spaces. This quiet operation makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a typing experience that won’t disrupt others around them. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch produces a snappier sound that corresponds with its pronounced tactile bump, providing an engaging auditory feedback during use. Overall, while the Light Sakura offers a serene typing experience, the Polaris Purple delivers a more dynamic sound profile that could be appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing.
Regarding feel, the Light Sakura linear switch features an ultra-light touch, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. This quality allows for reduced finger fatigue, especially beneficial for heavy typists or individuals who spend long hours at their keyboards. Conversely, the Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a distinctly different feel with a big tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by offering satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The Polaris switch is also characterized as mild and polished, indicating that it strikes a balance between approachability and smooth operation, likely resulting in a satisfied typing experience for users who prefer a bit more engagement.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches cater to different user preferences, they both excel in their respective areas. The Light Sakura is perfect for those who need a quiet, ultra-light switch that promotes comfort during extensive typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides an exciting tactile experience with a snappy sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual needs—whether you prioritize silent operation and comfort or a more engaging tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you find yourself typing for long periods or working in a shared environment where noise could be a concern, the Light Sakura is the perfect companion. Its lightweight design and silent operation will enhance your comfort, allowing for those marathon typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches can induce. Conversely, if you enjoy a more engaging and tactile typing experience, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. Its distinctive tactile bump and moderate sound profile provide a satisfying and exhilarating feel, perfect for both casual use and more focused typists who thrive on sensory feedback. Overall, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—comfort and silence versus feedback and excitement—as this will guide your decision in selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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