Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura stands out as a silent, lightweight linear switch engineered for comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who spend long hours typing without the weight of tactile feedback or excessive noise. Its ultra-light feel is perfect for creating a fatigue-reducing experience, especially in shared or office environments where discretion is paramount. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight linear switch that is crafted from POM, boasting a thocky sound profile that balances audible feedback with a satisfying smoothness. This switch provides an engaging typing experience while breaking the conventional price barrier, making it accessible for those who may prioritize quality without compromising their budget. Each switch caters to different needs—comfort and silence versus sound and smoothness—offering unique benefits to the user. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, primarily stemming from the choice between polycarbonate and POM for both their top and bottom housings. The Light Sakura, with its polycarbonate top housing, offers a sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material's transparency not only enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups that utilize RGB lighting, but also plays a critical role in generating a clear and resonant sound when the keys are released. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its POM housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, resulting in a unique auditory experience that appeals to users seeking a more subdued keystroke feedback.
When we look at the bottom housings, the differences between the Light Sakura and the Sea Salt Smoothie continue to be marked by their material choices. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Light Sakura, similar to its top counterpart, contributes to an elevated sound profile with a clear accentuation on the bottom-out sound. This consistency in using polycarbonate enhances the overall sharpness and resonance during actuation. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie reinforces its softer audio signature, delivering a sound that is both pleasing and distinctively muted. This interplay of materials ensures that each switch achieves a unique auditory experience, where the characteristics of the bottom housing become particularly pronounced during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie highlights how diverse plastic properties can yield varying tactile and auditory experiences in mechanical keyboards. While the polycarbonate materials of the Light Sakura are likely to result in a more resonant sound profile both on actuation and release, the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper and more muted sound that can be particularly satisfying for certain users. If one were to combine them or select switches with similar characteristics, understanding how these materials influence sound and feel on keypress would mean that, despite the differences, it's possible to achieve a satisfying auditory result through deliberate pairing or switching strategies.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation forces. The Light Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Light Sakura is 43 grams, indicating that it still maintains a degree of lightness even at full depression. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force remains unknown. Given these specifications, while the Light Sakura is clearly the lighter option overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a heavier resistance that some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the former has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the latter measures 3.7 mm. This slight difference indicates that the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Light Sakura's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, potentially benefiting gamers seeking rapid response times. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences for response and depth; the Light Sakura is better for those who favor a more immediate feel, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper travel 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is crafted to provide a remarkably quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. Its design emphasizes discretion, allowing users to type without generating noticeable sound, which is ideal for shared workspaces or quiet offices. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch emits a thocky sound profile during keystrokes, offering a more pronounced acoustic experience that many might find satisfying. While the Sea Salt Smoothie provides an enjoyable auditory feedback, the Light Sakura’s silent nature emphasizes comfort over sound.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is ultra-light, catering to those who prefer a feather-light touch for prolonged typing without fatigue. This makes it especially suited for users in need of comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium-weight feel, striking a balance between resistance and ease of activation. It allows for a satisfying tactile engagement that many typists appreciate, as the weight can provide a more grounded typing experience while still being smooth and fluid.
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Light Sakura caters to those needing a quiet and feather-light switch for comfort in a variety of settings, while the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes pronounced sound and a medium weight for a more tactile experience. Depending on your typing style and environment, you can select the switch that best aligns with your needs, knowing that both bring unique qualities to the table.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a quiet, discreet typing experience, the Light Sakura is an ideal choice, especially for long typing sessions or environments like offices where noise reduction is paramount. Its gentle actuation helps reduce fatigue, making it perfect for those who type extensively. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be your best option. This switch provides smoothness and a medium-weight feel, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, assess the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard and your personal typing style; that will guide you toward the switch that enhances your overall experience.
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