Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options that cater to different preferences are the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura is renowned for its ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort during extended typing sessions. Its quiet operation is perfect for office environments or shared spaces, allowing you to focus on your work without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g strikes a balance with a slightly higher actuation force, providing a satisfying keystroke that many typists appreciate, all while maintaining a whisper-quiet experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. Both switches are designed for discretion and comfort, catering to users who prioritize a serene typing 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
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate a vivid sound output, especially when RGB lighting is in play due to its translucency. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound characteristics due to their top housing materials, they cater to different user preferences.
The bottom housings of the two switches, however, exhibit a similarity that can influence their overall performance in a more uniform manner. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, akin to the Silent Sakura's bottom housing, which also utilizes polycarbonate. This results in a similar crisper sound profile during the bottom-out phase when pressed. The resonance and clarity achieved through polycarbonate in both models maintain consistency in the auditory feedback felt at the keyboard's downstroke. Therefore, regardless of the contrasting characteristics of the top housings, the polycarbonate bottom components ensure that both switches will produce a comparable bottom-out sound and feel as typists strike the keys.
In summary, the differences between the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g lie primarily in their top housing materials, which significantly affect the initial sound profile while typing. The Light Sakura shines with its bright and clear auditory output due to its polycarbonate top, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura appeals to users seeking a softer, more muted response thanks to its nylon top housing. However, the synergy of polycarbonate in the bottom housings of both switches ensures that users will enjoy similar results when it comes to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, bridging the gap between their distinctive top-end characteristics and confirming that, at least in part, both models can yield satisfying results in practical use.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, leading to a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it preferable for those who enjoy longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. While the Silent Sakura is heavier overall, both switches offer a smoother keystroke experience, though the Light Sakura is tailored for those seeking a lighter touch. Consequently, choosing between them will depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience, with the Light Sakura being the lighter option and the Silent Sakura - 53g leaning towards a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers looking for quicker key actuation. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's longer distance of 4 mm offers a more traditional, hearty depth, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. While both switches serve distinct preferences based on travel distance, those looking for faster response times would benefit from the Light Sakura, whereas users valuing a deeper keystroke might lean towards the Silent Sakura. Overall, users will notice this difference in depth when pressing down on the keys, with the Light Sakura providing a snappier experience compared to the more pronounced actuation of the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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 evaluating the sound of the Bsun Light Sakura switch, it is characterized by a notably silent operation, making it well-suited for quiet environments and ideal for those who need to maintain discretion while typing. Its design focuses on minimizing noise, helping to create a calm workspace. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g also aims for a whisper-quiet experience, described as reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This switch’s sound is engineered to ensure that typists can enjoy a barely audible keystroke, further supporting its suitability for environments where silence is cherished. Overall, both switches excel in providing a quiet typing experience, allowing users to enjoy their mechanical keyboards without disrupting those around them.
The feel of the Bsun Light Sakura is ultra-light, designed for comfort during extended typing sessions. It offers a gentle touch that helps reduce fatigue, making it an excellent choice for individuals who spend long hours at their keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g delivers a balanced 53g bottom-out force, which provides a satisfying keystroke while still being on the lighter side. This balance can enhance the typing experience by offering enough resistance to feel confident in each letter struck, catering to typists who appreciate a light touch without sacrificing feedback. Both switches prioritize comfort, but the Silent Sakura - 53g adds an element of tactile satisfaction that might appeal to some users.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches are designed with a focus on quiet operation, making them ideal for use in shared or office environments. While the Light Sakura emphasizes an ultra-light and fatigue-reducing feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g combines a balanced actuation force with a satisfying keystroke. Users seeking a silent yet comfortable typing experience will find either option advantageous, depending on their personal preferences for resistance and feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you find yourself often typing for long periods and prefer a feather-light touch, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its lighter 43-gram bottom-out force not only promotes a comfortable typing experience, but its silent operation is perfectly suited for office environments or shared spaces where quiet is paramount. You’ll appreciate its ability to minimize fatigue and its discreet nature, allowing you to work uninterrupted. On the other hand, if you seek a bit more resistance in your keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch may be more to your liking. With a 53-gram bottom-out force, it delivers just the right amount of tactile feedback, providing a satisfying feel without compromising on silent operation. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a slight heft to their presses without the annoying click sounds, ideal for focused work or gaming sessions where sound is a factor. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, and your choice should be guided by your typing style, environment, and personal preference for key feel and actuation force.
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