Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX SU are two linear options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it a fantastic choice for users who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions, especially in quiet office environments or shared spaces. Its design focuses on reducing fatigue while ensuring minimal noise disruption—ideal for those who value a serene workspace. On the other hand, the HMX SU brings its own appeal with a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivering a subtly deep sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke without being overly distracting. While both switches cater to linear typing preferences, their distinctive traits might influence your choice depending on your specific needs for sound, feel, and usability. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX SU, a distinct contrast emerges between their construction, impacting both their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Bsun Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the keys are pressed. Aesthetically, its transparency makes it ideal for enhancing RGB lighting effects, thereby allowing for a visually striking keyboard experience. This combination of properties results in a sound that many users might perceive as more vibrant and clear, creating an engaging typing experience.
In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material often celebrated for its classic qualities in keyboard design. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more impact and creating a rounder sound as keys are engaged and release. This differentiation in material echoes in the tactile feedback as well; users may notice that the typing experience on the HMX SU feels distinctly more muted and plush compared to the sharper feel provided by the polycarbonate housing in the Light Sakura. The aesthetic differences are also apparent; while polycarbonate allows light to shine through and illuminate the keyboard beautifully, nylon typically has a more opaque finish, prioritizing the tactile experience over visual enhancement.
Although the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX SU employ different materials for their housings, the functional outcomes of their designs still share a common goal of providing an engaging typing experience. If one values a clear sound profile with vibrant RGB lighting, the characteristics of the Light Sakura would likely yield satisfying results. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper and more subdued auditory experience would find the HMX SU appealing. Each housing's material divides responsibility for sound quality, with polycarbonate excelling in brightness and nylon contributing to warmth, illustrating how different materials influence the sensory attributes of mechanical switches even when they ultimately lead to gratifying outcomes for typists.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Light Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to its reduced resistance. In contrast, the HMX SU has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This additional weight can provide users with a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches are considered light regarding their specifications, the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, while the HMX SU caters to those seeking a heavier responsiveness during use.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect similar responsiveness and feel when pressing down on a key for both switches. Since the travel distances are the same, users will experience consistent actuation depth, which can lead to uniform typing performance and tactile feedback across both switch types.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 designed for a quiet operation, making it suited for environments where discretion is paramount. Its silent characteristics ensure that each keystroke produces minimal noise, which is particularly appreciated in office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch offers a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, providing a pleasing auditory experience without being overly loud. While the Light Sakura emphasizes silence, the SU allows for a gentle sound that could be more enjoyable for users who appreciate an audible feedback without being disruptive. The actual sound produced will also depend on factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light tactile response, making it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions. This lightness helps reduce fatigue, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort, which is ideal for typing-intensive tasks. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a different experience; while specific details about its feel remain undisclosed, it is typically characterized by its standard smoothness associated with linear switches. This means the SU should provide a consistent keypress from top to bottom without tactile feedback, similar to the gentle comfort offered by the Light Sakura, although potentially with a different weight or resistance level.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX SU linear switches cater to users seeking a comfortable typing experience, with the former focusing on ultra-light operations for silence and fatigue reduction, and the latter boasting a smooth feel paired with a deeper sound profile. While they each offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities, those who prioritize discretion in their typing should find the Light Sakura particularly appealing, while the SU might resonate better with those desiring a slight sound presence. Regardless, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own rights, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a quiet and ultra-light typing experience, especially for extended sessions, the Light Sakura is the better option. Its 43-gram actuation force makes it incredibly gentle, reducing finger fatigue, making it well-suited for busy office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and appreciate a deeper, more subtle sound profile, the HMX SU with its 50-gram bottom-out force may be more to your liking. Its PA12 housing design contributes to a satisfying tactile sensation that may appeal to typists who enjoy a bit more resistance while still enjoying a linear switch. In essence, the Light Sakura is your go-to for silence and comfort, while the HMX SU is perfect for those who seek a richer audio experience combined with a firm, yet smooth, action.
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