Bsun Light Sakura vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura and Dareu Snow are two linear switches that cater to different preferences and environments. The Light Sakura is engineered for comfort and discretion, offering an ultra-light feel that’s perfect for long typing sessions while ensuring a quiet operation ideal for shared spaces and offices. This switch is an excellent choice for users who prioritize a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience without the distraction of audible clicks. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch distinguishes itself with its unique use of POK material in both the top housing and stem. This innovative design delivers a deeper sound signature, producing a thocky, neutral, and low-pitched auditory experience that many typists find satisfying and engaging. While the Light Sakura excels in silence and comfort, the Snow switch provides a more tactile and aural feedback that can elevate the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Snow keyboards utilize distinct materials for their housing components, leading to varied auditory experiences. The Bsun Light Sakura features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that is celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiff structure, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it an ideal option for users who appreciate bright, distinct keystrokes. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, increasing its appeal among gamers and aesthetic enthusiasts alike.
In contrast, the Dareu Snow employs POK material for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The POK material, known for its smoothness and durability, offers a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to some other materials, resulting in a more tactile typing experience. Its shock resistance surpasses that of nylon, contributing to a distinctive clack and resilience, while maintaining a sound profile that leans towards being crisp. However, the cranberry qualities associated with nylon in the bottom housing produce a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more notes during typing. This combination showcases a duality in auditory feedback, allowing for a more diverse feel in a typist's experience.
When comparing these two switch designs, it becomes evident that the housing materials significantly impact their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Bsun Light Sakura relies on a uniform polycarbonate composition for a consistent and bright acoustic signature, the Dareu Snow crafts a more layered auditory experience by blending the sharpness of POK with the depth of nylon. Consequently, users seeking a well-rounded type feel with a mix of clackiness and depth might find the Dareu Snow appealing, while those who prefer crisp, clear sounds with pronounced aesthetic qualities may lean towards the Bsun Light Sakura. Ultimately, both keyboards deliver unique tactile and auditory experiences, each shaped intricately by the materials used.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch present differing characteristics in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to varied preferences among users. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who favor a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Snow features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience suited for users who appreciate a firmer key feel. Consequently, the Light Sakura is better suited for lighter use, while the Snow switch may appeal to those seeking a stronger push. Overall, these differences in force characteristics highlight the importance of individual preference when selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Light Sakura measures 3.6 mm, while the Snow is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Light Sakura offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as the shorter distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding depth versus responsiveness: if you favor a hearty keystroke, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better option, while the Dareu Snow may be more suitable for those prioritizing speed in their typing or gaming 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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 optimized for a quiet and discreet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who need to maintain a low noise level in shared or office environments. You can expect minimal sound with each key press, which promotes comfort without being disruptive. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch delivers a notably deeper sound profile characterized as thocky, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback. This switch’s low-pitched and neutral attributes will create a richer sound signature as you type, giving a satisfying thud or soft knock, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging tactile and auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring an ultra-light actuation that allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its smooth linear action ensures an effortless typing motion, perfect for users who prefer a gentle and seamless experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch boasts a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with an elastic rebound sensation. This lively engagement means that users may find typing on the Snow switch to be more enjoyable and dynamic, particularly if they appreciate that bit of extra feedback in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Dareu Snow switches cater to distinct preferences and typing environments. If you are looking for an exceptionally quiet and fatigue-reducing experience, the Light Sakura is ideal, especially in workspaces where noise is a consideration. Conversely, if you value a richer, deeper sound and a bouncy feel while typing, the Dareu Snow would align well with your desires. Ultimately, your choice would hinge on whether you prioritize discretion or auditory pleasure, as each switch provides its unique benefits.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Snow linear switches, your decision will largely depend on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light touch and quiet operation, the Light Sakura is an excellent pick. With its 43-gram bottom-out force, it’s particularly suited for long typing sessions without causing fatigue or disturbing others, making it ideal for office environments and shared spaces. Its gentle and discreet nature allows you to focus on your work without the distraction of sound. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a switch that offers more resistance and a pronounced acoustic feedback, the Dareu Snow switch might be the better choice for you. With a heavier 60-gram bottom-out force, it provides a bouncy feel that can enhance your typing experience, giving a satisfying response and a deeper, “thocky” sound that adds character to your keystrokes. This makes the Snow switch particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile sensation and sound while typing. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and personal comfort when making your selection to ensure you find the switch that best fits your style.
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