Bsun Light Sakura vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the SP-Star RedBlue 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 SP-Star RedBlue can significantly affect your typing experience. The Light Sakura is designed for those who prioritize a gentle, silent operation, making it perfect for extended typing sessions in office environments or shared spaces. Its ultra-light feel ensures comfort and reduces fatigue, allowing users to enjoy a discreet typing experience without the distraction of noise. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile that balances a refined tactile response with an understated auditory feedback. These switches can appeal to users who appreciate a polished, "thocky" vibe while still maintaining a degree of quietness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the contexts in which the keyboard will be used; 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
57g
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 housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the SP-Star RedBlue are strikingly similar, as both employ polycarbonate for both the top and bottom sections. The use of polycarbonate in these switches significantly contributes to their sound profiles, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The inherent qualities of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, help create a clear and resonant sound, which is highly valued by users seeking an enhanced tactile experience. With both switches utilizing this material throughout, they are likely to produce comparable acoustic results during operation.
Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency in both the top housing of the Light Sakura and the RedBlue enhances aesthetic performance, particularly when integrated with RGB lighting. Both switches achieve a similar visual appeal, making them attractive choices for users who favor illuminated keyboards. Because polycarbonate is favored for its transparency and strength, both switch models will effectively highlight RGB features, creating an engaging setup that combines visual and auditory stimulation. This shared material contributes to a cohesive overall experience, allowing users to appreciate both the sound and look of their keyboard.
While the bottom housing has a stronger influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys, the impact of polycarbonate in both the Light Sakura and RedBlue ensures a uniform tactile feedback across both models. This means that even though users may experience slightly different nuances in keypress feedback, the foundational qualities derived from polycarbonate remain consistent. Therefore, the overall performance of both switches will likely yield a satisfying experience for users, as they harness the benefits of polycarbonate to create distinct yet comparable auditory and tactile engagements.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the RedBlue switch features an unknown actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, suggesting a firmer typing experience that appeals to those who favor a stronger push feel. This means that while the Light Sakura is lighter and more suitable for long-term comfort, the RedBlue would provide a more substantial feedback during use. Therefore, users seeking a softer, more comfortable typing experience should lean towards the Light Sakura, while those who prefer a heavier feel might find the RedBlue more appropriate, despite the uncertainty surrounding its actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch differ in their travel distance, measuring 3.6 mm and 4 mm, respectively. This means the RedBlue switch has a longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, making it suitable for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura is favored by gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation when pressing down on a key. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Light Sakura would be the better choice, while the RedBlue caters to those who prefer a deeper and more deliberate key press.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 excels in providing a silent typing experience, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces where noise can be disruptive. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switch offers a more defined auditory profile with low-pitched tones that are both bass-heavy and mellow, providing a satisfying "thock" sound that many typists appreciate. While both switches create a pleasant typing atmosphere, the Light Sakura leans into silence, whereas the RedBlue allows for a more pronounced audio feedback that is still relatively neutral in its overall sound characteristics.
Regarding feel, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light touch, which makes it particularly comfortable for long periods of use. This lightweight action helps reduce fatigue, making it an optimal choice for users who spend extended hours typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience that is gentle and approachable. They are described as mild and polished, indicating a smooth and refined feel that can be appealing to both new and experienced users alike. While the Sakura focuses on being feather-light, the RedBlue provides a balanced touch that is versatile enough for various types of typing routines.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Light Sakura is ideal for those seeking a silent, comfortable typing experience, while the RedBlue provides a more audible and slightly more tactile experience with its low-pitched sound and medium-light feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize discretion or a satisfying acoustic response during your typing sessions. While the qualities of these switches differ, both can serve to enhance your keyboard experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a light touch and require a quiet operation for long typing sessions—especially in shared or professional environments—the Light Sakura is an excellent pick. Its ultra-light feel minimizes finger fatigue, allowing you to type comfortably without the worry of disturbing those around you. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience that still offers a satisfying feedback—combined with a low-pitched sound profile—the RedBlue switch may be more suitable for you. While it provides a tad more resistance, its mild and polished feel makes it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. In summary, choose the Light Sakura for comfort and discretion, and opt for the RedBlue if you favor a balanced typing experience with a richer sound.
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