Bsun Light Sakura vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct options for users looking for a linear switch experience. The Bsun Light Sakura is renowned for its ultra-light feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and discretion are paramount; its nearly silent operation makes it a stellar choice for office environments or shared spaces, ideal for anyone keen on a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red is celebrated for its smooth and consistent action from top to bottom, providing a polished typing experience that's not only muted but also features a padded bottom-out feel that enhances comfort. Both switches cater to the needs of those seeking quiet operation; however, the key differences lie in the tactile experience and the overall comfort level over prolonged use. Ultimately, selecting between these two options will depend on your specific typing preferences and environment. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the TTC Silent Red switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to some similarities in sound profile and performance. Polycarbonate's superior rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making both switches particularly well-suited for users who favor clarity in their keystrokes. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the appeal of both switches for those who want to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating vivid and eye-catching illumination. Thus, from a sonic perspective, users can expect a similar quality in the sound output associated with pressing these switches, thanks to the shared polycarbonate material in the upper housing.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly, with the Light Sakura utilizing polycarbonate while the Silent Red opts for nylon. This difference in materials leads to a divergence in the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing retains the clearer sound characteristics typical of this material, providing a consistent auditory experience from top to bottom. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red specializes in producing a deeper, fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a rounder acoustic profile. Therefore, while the top housing of both switches may deliver similar clarity, the varying bottom housings create distinctive sound qualities when typing.
When typing on either switch, users will notice the distinct influences that the bottom housings impart. The Light Sakura's polycarbonate bottom will resonate with the same crispness experienced while pressing down on the key, creating a seamless audio experience. Alternatively, the Silent Red will emphasize a more subdued, plush sound profile owing to the nylon's acoustic properties, which tend to absorb sound instead of reinforcing it. Consequently, while both switches exhibit comparable qualities in their top housings, the feel and auditory experiences on bottom-out differ significantly due to the contrasting materials used, illustrating how the housing choices cumulatively shape the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, impacting the overall typing experience. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where less physical effort is beneficial. In contrast, the Silent Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, allowing for easier keystrokes, while the Silent Red is the heavier choice, offering a more pronounced tactile push. This difference suggests that users seeking longer typing comfort may lean towards the Light Sakura, while those desiring a sturdier feel may favor the Silent Red.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on these keys, the Light Sakura provides a shorter and potentially more responsive feel, which may cater to gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, might offer a more traditional typing experience for users who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas if you value depth in your keystrokes, the Silent Red may be more suitable.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Light Sakura and the TTC Silent Red linear switches, both are designed to minimize noise, making them particularly suitable for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces. The Light Sakura, while noted for its silent operation, doesn't specify its exact sound characteristics, but one can expect it to adhere to a similar muted sound profile. The Silent Red, on the other hand, is explicitly described as a muted switch, producing soft sounds that significantly reduce the usual clacking associated with mechanical keyboards. Therefore, both switches are effective in reducing acoustic distractions, making them ideal choices for the user mindful of their auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch that enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions, catering to those who prioritize a gentle keyboard experience. The TTC Silent Red, in contrast, combines a smooth, buttery keystroke with a mild and polished sensation, making each press fluid and refined. While the specifics of the Light Sakura's tactile feedback are not articulated, the overall impression is that it promotes a fatigue-reducing typing experience. The Silent Red's qualities suggest a more luxurious feel, characterized by a consistent, pleasant journey from the top to the bottom of each key stroke. However, given both switches are designed for comfort and ease of use, users may find similar ergonomics in both.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura and TTC Silent Red linear switches stand out as excellent choices for users seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience. The muted sound profiles of both switches cater well to shared environments, and although the tactile feedback of the Light Sakura is less clearly defined, its ultra-light feel aligns with the Silent Red's premium smoothness. Users can expect a satisfying and discreet typing sensation from either option, making both switches equally appealing for a mechanical keyboard enthusiast who values comfort and sound minimization.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and needs. If you value an ultra-light keystroke that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions, then the Light Sakura switch is an excellent option for you. Its subdued sound profile makes it particularly well-suited for quiet environments, allowing you to type away without disturbing colleagues or housemates. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel beneath your fingers, the Silent Red switch may better suit your style. With its medium-heavy resistance, the Silent Red offers a buttery and polished typing experience that provides a satisfying bottom-out while still remaining discreet. This switch is an ideal choice for users looking to balance smoothness and comfort with a little more tactile feedback. In essence, if your priority is lightness and silence, go with the Light Sakura; if you prefer that refined feel and a bit of weight for added control, choose the Silent Red.
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