Bsun Light Sakura vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Semi Mute both offer unique features tailored to enhance the typing experience, while catering to different preferences in sound and feedback. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing, particularly in office settings or shared spaces where discretion is paramount. Its focus on comfort allows for a fatigue-reducing experience without creating noise disturbances. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches, aptly named for their completely silent operation, prioritize a noise-free environment, which is especially beneficial for late-night typists who require undisturbed focus. Featuring advanced dampening technology alongside a linear actuation, the Semi Mute offers a buttery, mildly muted feel that many users find gratifying. While both switches aim to provide a quiet, linear typing experience, they serve slightly different needs: one prioritizing comfort over extended periods and the other emphasizing a peaceful environment for nocturnal productivity. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Semi Mute employ polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in remarkably similar acoustic properties. The use of polycarbonate is a defining characteristic of both switches, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the inherent stiffness of the polycarbonate material, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound generated when the switch is engaged. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate allows it to efficiently showcase RGB lighting, making both switches particularly appealing for users looking to enhance their keyboards visually while ensuring superior sound quality.
In terms of performance, the identical material composition facilitates consistent sound characteristics regardless of the switch model. Since both the Light Sakura and Semi Mute are constructed with polycarbonate at both the top and bottom of their housings, users can expect that bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the release sound upon letting go of the keys, will maintain a similar auditory profile. This ensures a harmonious performance across both models, making them appealing options for enthusiasts who appreciate a unified auditory experience in keyboard switches.
However, while the similarities in housing materials yield parallel sound profiles, the overall experience might still diverge based on other design elements, such as spring tension or switch actuation force. These variations can slightly alter the feel and acoustic response during use, leading to nuanced differences even within switches that share the same material properties. Therefore, while users can anticipate a similar auditory outcome from the Light Sakura and KTT Semi Mute due to their polycarbonate makeup, they may discover that individual preferences for tactile feedback or actuation can influence their ultimate choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer sessions of typing or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which offers a more substantial feel that some typists may prefer for a satisfying keystroke experience. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, while the Semi Mute provides a heavier, more forceful typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push during use.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch differ, with the Light Sakura having a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 4 mm of the Semi Mute. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Light Sakura may be the better choice due to its shorter travel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, catering to those who may prefer a deeper, more tactile experience while typing or gaming. Therefore, for users seeking swift actions, the Light Sakura provides an advantage, while the Semi Mute is likely to appeal to those who favor a more pronounced keypress.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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, both the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Semi Mute switches excel in creating a quiet typing environment. The Light Sakura is designed primarily for discretion, making it an excellent choice for office settings and shared spaces, ensuring that each keystroke remains unobtrusive. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute is engineered with complete silence in mind, providing a noise-free typing experience, particularly beneficial during late-night sessions. While the Light Sakura features a gentle and reserved sound profile, the Semi Mute’s advanced dampening technology offers a muted auditory experience that further minimizes keyboard noise. Given these attributes, both switches cater exceptionally well to users prioritizing a low-noise typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Light Sakura delivers an ultra-light, fatigue-reducing typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of use without discomfort. It emphasizes comfort with a gentle actuation, promoting a fair balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. The KTT Semi Mute, conversely, offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Its mild nature delivers a gentle touch while ensuring that the tactile feedback is neither overstated nor underwhelming, allowing for a comfortable experience as well. Users seeking a soft touch will find both of these switches appealing, but they may appreciate the unique buttery quality of the Semi Mute even more.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Semi Mute switches offer distinct advantages for users looking for silent, linear options. The sound profiles prioritize quiet environments, making them ideal for shared spaces or late-night use. Similarly, the feel of both switches promotes comfort, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, by choosing either switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience characterized by silence and a gentle touch, tailored to meet the needs of various users while ensuring an enjoyable and productive experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch will ultimately depend on your typing habits and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you often type for extended periods and prioritize comfort and discretion, the Light Sakura is the better option for you. Its ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams allows for a more relaxed typing experience, making it easier on your fingers during long sessions. Additionally, its quiet operation is perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you value a slightly heavier feel with a solid feedback experience while still maintaining a noise-free environment, the KTT Semi Mute would suit your needs well. With a 58-gram actuation force, these switches offer a more substantial feel, and their advanced dampening technology ensures silent operation, which is especially beneficial during late-night typing. Ultimately, your preference for lightness or firmness in keypress feedback, along with the importance you place on noise levels, will guide you toward the most suitable switch for your mechanical keyboard.