Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Bsun Light Sakura and a tactile switch such as the Gateron Quinn can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura stands out for its ultra-light actuation and silent operation, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during long typing sessions, especially in shared or office environments. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn offers a tactile bump that not only provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke but also boasts a deep, resonant sound profile, adding character to the typing experience. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and the auditory pleasure that comes with it. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you seek a gentle, quiet typing experience or a crisp, tactile feel paired with rich acoustics—both can enhance your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Quinn are two distinct mechanical switches that utilize different materials for their housings, which in turn influences their acoustic profiles significantly. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that lends itself to a clear and resonant tone during typing. On the contrary, the Gateron Quinn opts for a nylon top housing, known as a classic in the switch material realm. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Due to these differences in material composition, the perceived sound and feel of these switches can vary greatly, influencing the overall user experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Light Sakura again showcases polycarbonate, mirroring its top housing's characteristics, which enhances the clarity and crispness of the bottom-out sound. This is in stark contrast to the Gateron Quinn, which features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to an even more rounded and muffled auditory response. The contrasting materials mean that the Light Sakura will maintain a consistent higher-pitched sound throughout the typing experience, while the Gateron Quinn's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and more subdued sound. Thus, each switch's bottom housing solidifies the overall sound signature, with the Light Sakura producing a more defined auditory feedback compared to the more blended response of the Quinn.
Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their respective housing materials. If users desire a consistent sound experience with clear and crisp feedback, the Bsun Light Sakura with its fully polycarbonate construction would be preferable. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper, fuller sound with a more muted typing experience would find the Gateron Quinn's nylon housing more appealing. While both switches may be suited for different preferences in sound, they highlight the importance of housing material in the tactile and auditory experience of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces illustrate the distinct typing experiences each switch offers. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a gentler touch, potentially allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn has a notably heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. This difference indicates that while the Light Sakura is lighter and may benefit typists looking for comfort and speed, the Quinn provides a firmer resistance that some may find satisfying. Overall, users of the Light Sakura might find themselves typing more quickly with less effort, while those who choose the Quinn may enjoy a more deliberate and controlled keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Gateron Quinn tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the longer of the two switches by 0.2 mm, offering a more pronounced depth of travel. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the Quinn’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a more substantial key press might prefer the satisfying feel of the Light Sakura, which delivers a deeper travel experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and responsiveness, users will find the Quinn slightly more responsive due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 linear switch is notably silent, making it ideal for environments where discretion is crucial. This quiet operation allows users to engage in focused typing without the distractions of auditory feedback, creating a serene workspace. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch presents a rich and resonant audio experience, characterized by deep, bassy tones and an overall immersive sound profile. With its blend of crisp and clacky notes, the Quinn delivers a sharper auditory response, making each keystroke feel vibrant. The distinct sound characteristics of these switches cater to very different preferences, with the Light Sakura promoting silence and the Quinn embracing a more expressive auditory footprint.
When it comes to the feel, the Light Sakura is designed with an ultra-light touch, facilitating a comfortable typing experience that's perfect for extended use. This gentle pressure requirement helps reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is packed with tactile enhancements that include a snappy feedback and a polished finish for a smooth keypress. The Quinn provides a more dynamic typing experience, as its bouncy and buttery feel combines with a precise tactile bump, ensuring that each keystroke feels responsive and alive. While they serve different typing experiences, both switches aim to enhance the user's overall engagement with the keyboard, albeit through different approaches.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch excels in offering a silent and ultra-light typing experience, making it suitable for concentrated work in shared spaces. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch features a captivating auditory presence and a responsive, tactile feel that might appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize silence and comfort or sound and responsiveness in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences, environment, and usage. If you find yourself in need of a silent switch that excels in comfort and discretion for extended typing sessions, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force and whisper-quiet operation, it allows you to type efficiently without causing disturbances, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience that combines a pronounced tactile bump with a rich sound profile, the Gateron Quinn switches will likely suit you better. Their medium-heavy actuation force provides a satisfying feedback that can enhance both productivity and enjoyment during typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize silence and comfort or tactile responsiveness and character in your keystrokes.
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