Bsun Light Sakura vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on personal preferences and usage scenarios, and two noteworthy options are the Bsun Light Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both of which are linear switches yet bring unique characteristics to the table. The Bsun Light Sakura is designed with discretion in mind; its ultra-light feel makes it an ideal choice for those who spend prolonged periods typing, allowing for a fatigue-reducing experience that remains silent enough for office environments and shared spaces. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a more resonant and clacky feel, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job that transforms each keystroke into something silky smooth. While the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and quiet operation, the Strawberry Wine invites users to relish the tactile and auditory satisfaction of a more pronounced 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it's evident that each switch has distinct characteristics shaped by its choice of materials. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, promoting a crisp and higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to this clarity, making it particularly advantageous when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporates a mix of materials: it uses a Ly plastic top housing, which is noted for producing a bright sound signature with sharp resonant clacks, while its nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials sets these two switches apart in terms of auditory experience.
The significance of the material choice becomes even clearer when analyzing how these housings influence sound and feel during use. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of their materials at different stages of keypress. In the Light Sakura, the uniformity of polycarbonate across both the top and bottom housings results in a more cohesive sound experience, as the same material contributes to both the impact when bottoming out and the sound upon release. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a layered sound profile, with the nylon bottom absorbing some sound, creating a duller impact while the Ly top emits a brighter sound when the key is released. This interplay in the materials creates a varied auditory and tactile experience that users may find appealing.
In summary, while the Bsun Light Sakura's use of polycarbonate creates a unified sound experience characterized by clarity and brilliance, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) allows for an eclectic range of sounds through its combination of Ly and nylon materials. For those seeking a more resonant sound profile, the Strawberry Wine's hybrid approach offers a fascinating blend of sounds, while the Light Sakura excels in delivering a consistent and vibrant auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can yield satisfying results for different users depending on their sound preferences and typing styles, showcasing how varied materials in mechanical switches can lead to uniqueness in performance and experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges between their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. This means that users opting for the Light Sakura may find it easier to type for extended periods, while those who choose the Strawberry Wine (V2) are likely to appreciate the additional resistance that provides a firmer push feel. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) is heavier, suggesting that personal preference will play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for a user’s typing habits.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing either switch, users will experience the same depth of key travel, ensuring a similar tactile feedback during use. Since both switches have identical travel distances, one can expect comparable performance in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. Consequently, users may enjoy a uniform typing experience whether they choose the Light Sakura or the Strawberry Wine (V2).
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 is touted for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those in need of discretion. It provides a muted typing experience that is ideal for office and shared environments, allowing users to type without disturbing others. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has a distinctive auditory profile characterized by its clacky and resonant nature. The sound produced when pressing these switches is sharp and percussive, offering an immersive experience that can be both crisp and bright. Overall, while the Light Sakura is designed for quietude, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a vibrant and unmistakable sound that adds character to the typing experience.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Bsun Light Sakura features an ultra-light tactile response that promotes comfort during extended use. This makes it a favorable choice for those who want to reduce typing fatigue while enjoying a gentle touch. The design of the switch aims to create a fatigue-reducing sensation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) excels in delivering a silky smooth feel, which stems from an impeccable factory lube job. This feature minimizes resistance and enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience; however, the specific nuances of the feel of the Light Sakura are not disclosed.
In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Light Sakura stands out with its silent typing experience and comfort-focused design, making it suitable for quiet environments. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a vibrant sound profile paired with a silky smooth feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize noise reduction and comfort or the rich auditory feedback and smooth action provided by a more resonant switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Bsun Light Sakura and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a quiet, gentle typing experience conducive to long sessions and office environments, the Bsun Light Sakura's ultra-light actuation force and silent operation will serve you well. Its 43-gram bottom-out force is perfect for reducing fatigue during extended typing, making it an excellent option for those who type often and need an unobtrusive sound profile. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile sound and feedback while typing, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) might be your go-to choice. With its 52-gram bottom-out force and exceptionally smooth, silky feel, accompanied by clacky and resonant notes, this switch caters to users who appreciate a lively auditory experience with each keystroke. So, consider your environment and typing style when choosing: for a serene atmosphere, reach for the Light Sakura; for a more engaging, vibrant experience, opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2).
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