Bsun Light Sakura vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the HC Studio Roselle, both linear switches, offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Light Sakura is designed for those who prioritize quiet operation and comfort; its ultra-light feel allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces where discretion is key. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its remarkably smooth and ethereal typing experience, crafted from a blend of materials that produces a low-pitched sound signature, adding a subtle acoustic texture to each keystroke. While the Light Sakura excels in providing a gentle and silent experience, the Roselle offers a slightly more engaging typing feel with its unique sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the HC Studio Roselle, it becomes clear that they utilize different plastics in their constructions, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Light Sakura features polystyrene for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, particularly favorable for users who enjoy RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle incorporates POM (Polyoxymethylene) in both its top and bottom housings, leading to a more muted and deeper sound profile. The nature of POM creates a unique auditory experience that is characterized by its pleasing richness, favoring a different aesthetic that may appeal more to users who prefer a subdued sound.
In terms of acoustic characteristics, the differences in materials also result in different experiences when interacting with the switches. The Bsun Light Sakura, with its polycarbonate housing, offers a more pronounced and articulate sound when the key is released, enhancing an engaging and responsive feel during use. The impact of the polycarbonate material is especially noticeable during the upward motion of the keystroke, underlining the clarity that comes with sharper sound profiles. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle, with its POM housing, provides a sound that is characterized by warmth and depth, creating a softer auditory feedback when the key is both pressed and released. Users of the Roselle can expect a more subdued tactile experience that aligns with its deeper sound profile, providing a unique allure distinct from the Light Sakura.
Even though the Light Sakura and Roselle use different materials, those who desire heightened clarity of sound and visual appeal will appreciate the Light Sakura's polycarbonate housing, whereas those looking for a muted, deeper sound profile will gravitate toward the Roselle's POM construction. Despite these contrasts, a commonality exists: as both switches serve their purpose through different interactions of sound and tactile feedback, users can still enjoy satisfying keystrokes. Furthermore, if one wishes to achieve a similar auditory effect to the Bsun Light Sakura while using the HC Studio Roselle, it might involve adjusting key switch peripherals, such as keycaps, or using different keyboard elements to modify how sound interacts with the POM material, potentially achieving an appealing blend of characteristics from both switches.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, contrasted with the Roselle's 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Light Sakura is 43 grams, which is again lower than the Roselle's 52 grams. This difference means that users who enjoy a firmer feel while typing may gravitate toward the Roselle linear switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura is the lighter switch, making it ideal for extended use, while the HC Studio Roselle offers a heavier feel that may appeal to users looking for a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in similar tactile feedback and keypress behavior. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable feel and response when engaging with either of them, making their performance in typing or gaming scenarios alike.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 switch is characterized by its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where discretion is key. It offers a muted sound that ensures minimal disruption, perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be a consideration. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch presents a more distinct auditory experience, described as low-pitched and bassy. This deeper sound adds a richness to key presses, giving a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. While the Roselle's sound is more pronounced, it still maintains a certain neutrality, making it versatile for various settings. Depending on additional factors like board and keycap choice, either switch can provide a desirable auditory experience.
When considering the feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch excels with its ultra-light actuation force, promoting a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience. This makes it especially comfortable for extended typing sessions, as key presses require minimal effort. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch delivers an impressively smooth typing experience, described as frictionless. It minimizes any resistance or friction, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and effortless. Additionally, the Roselle's mild characteristics offer a softer, accessible touch that can appeal to a wide range of users. While both switches cater to comfort, they achieve it through different methods—one through lightness and the other through smoothness.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and HC Studio Roselle linear switches have unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Light Sakura shines in environments where silence is paramount, offering a gentle feel for long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Roselle combines a low-pitched sound with a frictionless sensation, appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback without a jarring noise. While they may target slightly different user experiences, both switches promise satisfaction in their respective qualities, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and HC Studio Roselle linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing style and environment. If you prioritize a light feel with minimal effort for extended sessions, then the Light Sakura, with its 43-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. It's designed for silent operation, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where discretion is key. This switch will provide a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel and a smooth, rich auditory experience, the Roselle's 52-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable. Its frictionless action coupled with a low-pitched, bassy sound signature delivers a more engaging typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a gentle yet enriching tactile feedback. In essence, select the Light Sakura for a lighter, quieter option focused on comfort, and opt for the Roselle when you seek smoothness and a deeper sound profile in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
