Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the nuances between models can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular choices, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, exemplify this diversity. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an ideal option for those who spend long hours typing in quiet environments. Its discreet nature ensures that you can enjoy extended typing sessions without causing disturbances, catering especially to professionals in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out with its shorter travel distance and incredibly smooth actuation, offering a slightly more responsive feel for gaming or fast-paced tasks. The thocky sound profile adds to the tactile enjoyment of each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback. While the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and silence, the Smoothie Silver provides a quick and exhilarating typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, notable contrasts arise from their respective compositions of polycarbonate and POM (Polyoxymethylene). The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This sound clarity is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance. Its translucency also makes polycarbonate ideal for applications involving RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through more effectively and can create visually appealing lighting effects under the keys. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM housings—while still quality materials—offer a more muted and deep sound profile. POM is known for its smoothness and lower-pitched resonance, providing a unique auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the higher notes of the Light Sakura.
The bottom housings of both switches further emphasize their differences, reinforcing the respective sound qualities each material provides. The Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing continues to deliver that clear and crisp sound profile, making it feel more articulate during use. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing's muted characteristics significantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress. As a result, users can expect different auditory experiences when they engage each switch, with the Light Sakura offering a sharper acoustic feedback and the Smoothie Silver providing a softer and deeper response. This difference is critical in gameplay or typing scenarios where sound feedback can impact performance or satisfaction.
Though both switches employ differing materials, the functional outcomes yield distinct tactile impressions and auditory responses. If one were to combine these housings within a single switch, the final sound profile would exhibit mixed results, with the nuances of the materials providing a rich blend of sharper and deeper tones. In scenarios where these switches are used in tandem—such as in a keyboard employing both types—users would experience a captivating acoustic contrast that combines the clarity of polycarbonate with the rich depth of POM. By understanding these material differences, one can effectively tune their preferences for sound and feel according to their specific needs and aesthetic sensibilities.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to press down the key. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a stronger typing experience. While the Light Sakura's bottom out force is 43 grams, the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is currently unknown; however, it is likely that it could be heavier given the higher actuation force. Therefore, for those who appreciate a softer touch in their keyboard feel, the Light Sakura is the better option, while users who prefer a firmer feedback should consider the Smoothie Silver for its heftier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Light Sakura boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Smoothie Silver features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Bsun Light Sakura the longer of the two switches, providing a more substantial feedback sensation that might appeal to users who prefer a deeper press. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie Silver aligns with the trend toward quicker response times, making it an attractive choice for gamers seeking rapid key activation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 switch is engineered to operate quietly, making it an excellent choice for those who need to type in environments where noise is a concern. Its silent design allows for a discreet typing experience without the audible feedback that some users might find distracting in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch produces a thocky sound that is more resonant and satisfying to some typists. This sound profile can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback, although it may not be as suitable in quiet environments.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Light Sakura is characterized by its ultra-light force required for actuation, providing a soft touch that is exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. This gentle feedback is aimed at reducing finger fatigue, which can be a significant benefit for users who spend long hours at their keyboards. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch also offers a feather-light touch but emphasizes a shorter travel distance, allowing for lightning-fast actuation. This unique combination can yield an exhilarating typing experience marked by quick responses, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speed.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches provide distinct advantages based on user preferences. The Light Sakura is ideal for those needing a silent, comfortable experience, especially in quieter surroundings, while the Smoothie Silver caters to users who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback and swift actuation. Ultimately, both options present high-quality experiences with varying focuses on sound and feel, catering to different needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches should be guided by your specific typing needs and preferences. If you predominantly work in shared or quiet environments, or if you find yourself typing for extended periods, the Light Sakura's ultra-light feel and silent operation will provide you with a comfortable and discreet experience, minimizing fatigue while ensuring you don’t disturb anyone around you. Its gentle bottom-out force of 43 grams is ideal for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, if you’re an avid gamer or a user who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is designed for you. With its unique, all-POM construction and short travel distance, this switch offers unparalleled smoothness and a thocky sound that many find satisfying during fast-paced gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with your usage scenario—choose the Light Sakura for a peaceful typing experience and the Smoothie Silver for a dynamic, rapid-response feel.
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