Bsun Light Sakura vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Bsun Light Sakura and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), each offering unique advantages for different typing preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing and require a discreet switch for office environments or shared spaces. With comfort at the forefront, this linear switch promises a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience that caters to users needing a quiet atmosphere. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a compelling alternative with its hall effect design, delivering a balanced typing experience characterized by a satisfying “thock” sound. This switch is tailored for enthusiasts who appreciate smooth keystrokes and a refined tactile sensation, thanks to its dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and improves performance. While both switches have their distinct offerings—silent comfort versus tactile satisfaction—they cater to different user needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both incorporate polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, resulting in a notable similarity in their sound profile. The polycarbonate construction offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, thanks to its inherent stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. This commonality allows both switches to deliver sound that stands out, particularly under RGB lighting conditions where the translucency of polycarbonate is visually appealing. Whether using the Light Sakura or the Sticky Rice (V2), users can expect a brilliant sound profile during gameplay or typing sessions, making both switches suitable for enthusiasts looking for that crisp auditory feedback.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the two switches present contrasting materials and subsequently differing acoustic characteristics. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the clarity and resonance of its top housing. This ensures a consistent sound experience across the switch, as both the top and bottom housings work together to create a lively auditory result. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a nylon bottom housing, which fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contrasts with the more resonant nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience at the bottom-out point.
As a result, the overall sound and feel of each switch are shaped by the unique combination of materials used. While the Light Sakura maintains a cohesive sound profile due to its uniform polycarbonate construction, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a blend of crisper sounds from the top and a warmer, fuller experience from the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, when considering these two options, users have the choice between a harmonious sound signature with the Light Sakura or a varied auditory profile with the Sticky Rice (V2), reflecting how the diverse materials influence both individual key press experiences and overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, though the Sticky Rice is slightly heavier. The Light Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Sticky Rice has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Sakura switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sticky Rice offers a slightly stronger push, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are considered light, those seeking a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes may lean towards the heavier Sticky Rice switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for users looking for a slightly deeper typing experience, the Light Sakura offers a more pronounced feel with its longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a marginally shorter experience, which can be preferable for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, enhancing the overall responsiveness of their keystrokes. In summary, while both switches have comparable travel distances within the modern range, the Bsun Light Sakura leads with its greater travel length, catering to users who enjoy a bit more depth in their typing 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 operates in near silence, making it exceptionally suitable for environments where discretion is key. This quiet operation allows users to type without disrupting those around them, which is a significant advantage for office settings and shared spaces. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) produces a more neutral sound profile, with an underlying "thock" that typists often seek. While the Sticky Rice is not loud, its sound may be more noticeable than that of the Light Sakura, contributing to a more audible typing experience that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a subtle acoustic feedback while typing.
When considering their feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation, which ensures a comfortable and fatigue-reducing typing experience, ideal for marathon typists. This lightweight characteristic makes it less demanding on the fingers, encouraging longer use without discomfort. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) focuses on providing a super smooth keystroke with a balanced tactile sensation. Its dustproof stem minimizes wobble, ensuring a refined feeling during each key press. While the Light Sakura offers a softer tactile feedback, the Sticky Rice emphasizes a smooth, consistent experience, appealing to users who appreciate refined mechanics beneath their fingertips.
Overall, both switches serve distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Bsun Light Sakura caters to those who desire silence and a lightweight touch, making it a reliable choice for discreet environments. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a satisfying sound profile combined with an impressive tactile experience, appealing to users seeking auditory feedback with every keystroke. Depending on your typing needs and environment, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, whether you prioritize a quiet workspace or a more engaging sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you often find yourself in shared or quieter spaces, the Light Sakura’s ultra-light feel and significantly quieter operation make it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions without causing disturbances. This switch is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize comfort and fatigue reduction during long work hours. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more nuanced typing experience with a satisfying "thock," the Sticky Rice (V2) is the way to go. Its balanced sound signature and smooth keystroke, enhanced by its dustproof design, deliver a refined feel that typing enthusiasts typically appreciate. Furthermore, if a slightly higher actuation force does not bother you and you prefer a touch of tactility with your keystrokes, the Sticky Rice (V2) will likely cater to those desires. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so your choice should align with your typing habits, preferences for sound, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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