Bsun Light Sakura vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Purple Star present two appealing yet distinct options for typists seeking a linear experience. The Bsun Light Sakura stands out for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it particularly suited for individuals who prioritize comfort and discretion, especially in environments like offices or shared spaces. Its design aims to provide a gentle typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star shines with its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy a tactile yet unobtrusive keystroke. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star is the ideal choice for those who prefer a switch that’s easy to press and comfortable for extended use. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience—comfort and silence versus smoothness and ease. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Purple Star feature distinctly different materials for their housing, which ultimately leads to differing sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness in the polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of each keystroke but also contributes to a more resonant acoustic experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, emphasizing not just the functionality of the switches but also their visual appeal, particularly for users who enjoy a vibrant keyboard setup.
In contrast, the KTT Purple Star employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) as its housing material, both for the top and bottom. The POM material is recognized for offering a deeper, uniquely muted sound profile, distinguishing its acoustic characteristics from the sharper qualities of polycarbonate. While some may prefer the pronounced clarity of the Light Sakura, others might favor the more subdued and warm tones produced by the Purple Star. The different sound signatures will cater to varying preferences—where the Light Sakura may resonate more with users seeking a bright and lively auditory feedback, the Purple Star could attract those who enjoy a more robust, bass-heavy sound experience.
When examining the impact of these materials on the overall performance and sound during use, it becomes clear that the characteristics of each housing material interplay in creating a unique typing experience. With the Light Sakura's polycarbonate materials dominating both the top and bottom housing, the clarity and resonance will be consistent throughout the keystroke experience, making it ideal for players who prefer a more articulate response. On the other hand, the mixed qualities of the top and bottom housings in the Purple Star result in a different tactile signature, where the positive qualities of the POM may soften the overall sound during bottoming out, while still allowing for a distinct return sound curve. This contrast illustrates how the choice of materials can shape not only the auditory characteristics of a switch, but also its tactile feedback and the overall experience it provides to the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons due to less resistance. In contrast, the Purple Star requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Despite both being classified as light switches, the KTT Purple Star's heavier forces provide a firmer feedback upon keystrokes, while the Bsun Light Sakura offers a softer touch. Overall, if users prefer lighter switches that reduce finger fatigue, the Light Sakura would be the ideal choice, whereas those who value a stronger push feel might lean towards the Purple Star.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressed, the Light Sakura switch travels farther than the Purple Star switch by just 0.1 mm. For those who lean towards a more responsive feel in their switches, the Purple Star, being the shorter of the two, may provide a quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Light Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, providing a deeper tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference: if you prioritize rapid response time, the KTT Purple Star is the better option; but if you favor a fuller typing experience, the Bsun Light Sakura would be the preferred switch.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for a silent operation, making it a perfect choice for those who need to work in shared spaces or office environments where noise might be distracting. It focuses on providing a discreet typing experience that won't interfere with others. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched sound signature, characterized by its mellow and bass-heavy tone. While both switches are relatively muted, those using the Purple Star may still notice a subtle auditory presence when typing, which can add a satisfying depth to the experience, albeit not as pronounced as higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is described as ultra-light, providing an incredibly gentle typing experience that's particularly beneficial for long sessions, minimizing hand fatigue. This switch is tailored to comfort and ease of use, ideal for typists seeking to reduce the strain on their fingers. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star switches also cater to a light typist with their 45g bottom-out force, which is easy to press and offers a mild feel that encourages a relaxed typing experience. The combination of a gentle resistance and a stable response enhances comfort during prolonged use, making it approachable for all users, regardless of typing style.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Purple Star switches provide a comfortable, low-impact typing experience, making them suitable for extensive use. While the Light Sakura emphasizes silent operation and ultra-light feel, the Purple Star presents a slightly richer sound profile with a smooth touch. Each switch caters to those seeking ease and comfort, whether in a quiet setting or a more dynamic environment. Regardless of your preference, both switches ensure you'll experience minimal fatigue and an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Purple Star linear switches, consider your specific needs and typing environment. If you prioritize a silent switch for a distraction-free experience, especially in shared or office settings, the Light Sakura's ultra-light feel and discreet operation make it an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for those who engage in long typing sessions, as its gentle actuation helps reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a slightly more pronounced sound character, the KTT Purple Star may be the better option. With its low-pitched tone and mild response, it offers a comfortable, buttery smooth feel ideal for light typists who appreciate a bit of feedback while typing. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value silence and comfort over a more tactile, yet still easy-to-press experience. Both switches shine in their own right, so choose based on the atmosphere and typing style that best suits you.
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