Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct benefits that cater to different user preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an exceptional choice for those engaged in long typing sessions or working in shared environments where noise reduction is crucial. Its design prioritizes comfort and discretion, providing a fatigue-reducing experience that supports productivity without disrupting others. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that delivers a light-to-medium amount of tactility, paired with a unique auditory profile characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination appeals to typists who appreciate a more pronounced feedback when key presses are registered, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, while the Light Sakura favors quiet efficiency, the Red Panda aligns with those who enjoy both tactile response and auditory satisfaction. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Red Panda, one notable similarity is their top housing material, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced but also complements RGB lighting due to its translucency. As a result, users can expect similar acoustic characteristics when pressing either switch, particularly when activating the key, since the top housing is pivotal in defining the auditory feedback during the key release.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly, as the Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate while the Red Panda opts for nylon. The choice of nylon in the Red Panda's bottom housing brings a different tonal quality, as this softer material tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. Consequently, the nylon bottom produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the sharper tones expected from a polycarbonate component. While the Light Sakura maintains a consistent sound output across both the top and bottom housings, the Red Panda's combination of nylon and polycarbonate results in a more varied acoustic experience tied to the nature of each housing material.
Ultimately, the differing housing materials mean that users of the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Red Panda will experience unique sound profiles, particularly when bottoming out the keys. The Light Sakura will deliver a consistently bright and crisp sound across the switch, thanks to the homogeneity of its polycarbonate construction, while the Red Panda will provide a more complex auditory experience, characterized by the interplay between the sharpness of the polycarbonate top and the fullness of the nylon bottom. Therefore, while both switches may share similarities in terms of their top housing sound characteristics, the contrasting bottom housings significantly influence the overall feel and auditory feedback during usage.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer contrasting experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch and may spend long periods typing or gaming. In contrast, the Red Panda features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. As a result, users looking for a more responsive and fatigue-free typing experience might opt for the Bsun Light Sakura, while those who enjoy a firmer key response might gravitate towards the Outemu Red Panda. Overall, if lighter switches like the Light Sakura are preferred, they will deliver a quicker and less strenuous typing experience compared to the relatively heavier feel of the Red Panda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there is a clear difference. The Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Light Sakura provides a slightly deeper feel, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda, with its shorter travel distance, can offer quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Light Sakura being the longer option for those seeking a more pronounced keypress, and the Red Panda being better for those who prefer a snappier feel.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch stands out as an exceptionally quiet option. It operates silently, making it ideal for environments where discretion is essential, such as offices and shared spaces. The absence of audible feedback allows for an unobtrusive typing experience, ensuring that you won't disrupt those around you. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a more pronounced audio signature. It produces a bassier, raindrop-like sound upon bottoming out, coupled with a clackier, higher-pitched sound when the key is released. This characteristic gives the Red Panda a distinctive "thock" that many users find satisfying, particularly in settings where audible clickity is appreciated.
In terms of tactile feel, the Light Sakura is designed for ultimate comfort, offering an ultra-light touch that reduces fatigue during longer typing sessions. This gentler typing experience is perfect for users who prioritize soft engagement over tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium level of tactility, giving a more pronounced feel that some typists may prefer. Its mild characteristics provide an approachable and satisfying typing experience that balances between being engaging and comfortably familiar without being overly aggressive.
In summary, both switches cater to different user preferences. The Light Sakura excels in quietness and light-feel comfort, making it suitable for those who want a gentle typing experience without disturbing their environment. Meanwhile, the Red Panda offers a more dynamic audio and tactile experience that appeals to users who enjoy feedback in their typing. Depending on your priorities—whether sound or feel—both switches can provide enjoyable results, albeit in markedly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a quiet and ultra-light feel while typing, particularly in environments where noise control is paramount, the Light Sakura is your go-to option. Its 43-gram bottom-out force provides a gentle touch that is perfect for long typing sessions, minimizing fatigue without the distraction of sound. However, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a satisfying sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda is worth considering. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, you’ll enjoy a pronounced tactility and the deeper, thocky sound that adds character to each keystroke. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a more pronounced feel in their typing experience. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you seek a silent and comfortable typing experience or a tactile, engaging one with satisfying acoustics.
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