Bsun Light Sakura vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stand out as two excellent linear options, each offering unique advantages to cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is renowned for its silent operation, making it the perfect choice for those in office environments or shared spaces, where discretion is paramount. Its ultra-light feel allows for extended typing sessions with minimal fatigue, providing a comfortable experience for users who prioritize subtlety and ease. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon showcases a stellar example of linear switch performance with its progressive spring design and KTT's innovative dry-lube application, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. While the Light Sakura emphasizes quiet comfort, the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on a satisfying and fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches present an intriguing comparison, particularly in the context of their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which brings a pronounced sharpness and clarity to the sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more crystalline and resonant sound when keys are pressed and released. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making both the Light Sakura and Sea Salt Lemon compatible with aesthetically striking setups. Given these shared characteristics in top housing materials, users can expect a similar auditory experience regarding high-pitched and crisp sound profiles when interacting with either switch.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the Light Sakura and Sea Salt Lemon diverge significantly in material choice. The Light Sakura features polycarbonate in its bottom housing, which is consistent with the top housing’s properties, thereby maintaining the clear and resonant sound profile throughout the switch. The rigid nature of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom effectively reinforces the high-pitched auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon’s bottom housing is composed of nylon, a softer material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This variance in material means that the Sea Salt Lemon offers a rounder and more muted sound when bottoming out, contrasting with the sharper tones produced by the Light Sakura's all-polycarbonate structure.
When considering the overall performance and experience of typing on these switches, it is essential to recognize the implications of the differing bottom housing materials. The Light Sakura will provide a cohesive sound and feel due to the uniformity of polycarbonate throughout its assembly. In contrast, users of the Sea Salt Lemon will experience a blend of sound characteristics where the softer nylon bottoms introduce a fullness that offsets the crispness of the polycarbonate top. This contrast creates a unique typing experience for each switch, allowing users to select a switch that aligns best with their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, and its bottom out force is 53 grams. This makes the Light Sakura the lighter option overall, which is ideal for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its medium-light actuation and heavier bottom out force, appeals to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Consequently, users looking for a switch that strikes a balance between ease of key presses and a definitive tactile response might gravitate toward the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, while those who prioritize a lighter touch would be better off with the Bsun Light Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find notable differences. The Bsun Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference highlights the Sea Salt Lemon as the switch offering a deeper keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Conversely, the Light Sakura's shorter travel distance aligns with the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker response times in their keyboard switches. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and a lighter touch, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon caters to users looking for a more tactile experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 linear switch is designed for silence, making it an ideal choice for environments where discretion is essential. Its quiet operation allows for a typing experience that won't disrupt those around you, providing a serene environment for both work and play. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch features a low-pitched sound profile, described as mellow and bass-heavy, along with a neutral character that balances moderate actuation force with sound output. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon suitable for users across the spectrum, whether they’re at home or in an office setting. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences tailored to different needs; however, the preference for silence in the Sakura versus the low-pitched neutrality of the Sea Salt Lemon highlights their distinct sound qualities.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation, which promotes comfort during extended typing sessions. This gentle touch is especially beneficial for users who prioritize ease and fatigue reduction in their typing experience. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, offers a mild sensation in its operation, which provides a smooth typing experience without overwhelming the user. Its design aims for approachability, making it accessible to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Sakura excels in creating a fatigue-free experience, the Sea Salt Lemon maintains a balanced feel that is unlikely to intimidate even novice typists. This divergence in tactile feedback reflects different ergonomic priorities, with the Light Sakura leaning towards comfort and the Sea Salt Lemon towards smoothness.
Overall, both the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have their unique strengths, catering to different typists' preferences regarding sound and feel. If you are looking for a silent typing experience suitable for quiet environments, the Light Sakura is the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a mild but smooth typing experience with a more mellow sound, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a better fit. While both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, your choice will largely depend on whether you prioritize silence or specific tactile feedback elements in your keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you frequently type for long periods and value a quiet and gentle experience, the Light Sakura would be your best choice. Its ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams makes it exceptionally comfortable, reducing fatigue while ensuring minimal noise—ideal for both office environments and shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel with a smooth and progressive typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon might be the right fit. With a bottom out force of 53 grams and its mild feedback, it strikes a nice balance for users who want a more traditional mechanical typing experience without overwhelming sound or feel. Both switches have their strengths; your decision should reflect whether comfort in silence or a bit more tactile presence suits your style best.
Mentioned in this article
