Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing environment. The Bsun Light Sakura is a silent linear switch celebrated for its ultra-light touch, making it the ideal choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. Its quiet operation is particularly advantageous in office settings or shared spaces, allowing for a gentle typing experience without disturbing coworkers. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also a linear switch, is known for offering a delightful tactile experience with its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube. This switch is excellent for those who enjoy a bit more feedback during their typing without introducing excessive noise. Each switch caters to different needs: the Light Sakura for undisturbed typing and the Sunset Gleam for a more responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a commonality in their top housing material, both opting for polycarbonate. This shared choice results in a distinctive sharpness and clarity in the sound profile of both switches, achieving a higher-pitched, crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure is key in producing a more resonant sound, ensuring that users enjoy a vibrant keypress with each stroke. Furthermore, the translucence of the polycarbonate allows for an effective display of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of both switches, particularly for enthusiasts who prioritize visual flair in their setups.
In contrast, the two switches diverge significantly when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Light Sakura opts for polycarbonate, which maintains a similar auditory profile to its top housing. As a consequence, the sound produced when bottoming out the switch continues to reflect that sharper, clearer signature that polycarbonate offers. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs more sound, introducing a rounder, duller tone that contrasts with the brighter sound characteristics of polycarbonate. This difference highlights how the various materials affect the auditory feedback of key presses in distinct ways.
Overall, the combination of materials in both models influences the user experience significantly. With the Light Sakura utilizing consistent polycarbonate throughout its housing, it ensures that the crisper qualities persist through both pressing and releasing the keys. The Sunset Gleam's blend of nylon and polycarbonate, however, creates a more nuanced auditory experience, with the softer nylon mitigating some of the brightness associated with its polycarbonate counterpart. Therefore, users seeking a unified tone might prefer the Light Sakura, while those looking for a richer tonal variance may find the HMX Sunset Gleam more appealing. The distinct characteristics of the bottom housings in each model ultimately dictate their overall sound profile, showcasing the impact of material variation in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences. The Light Sakura has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while both switches maintain a relatively light feel, the Sunset Gleam offers a more substantial resistance, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Light Sakura, while those who appreciate a stronger push will find the Sunset Gleam more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance, although small, can influence the tactile experience of each switch. The Light Sakura’s 3.6 mm allows for a bit more depth and a noticeable press, making it suitable for users who prefer a more traditional feel. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, offers a marginally quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor rapid actuation and less overall movement. Thus, if responsiveness is the priority, the Sunset Gleam might be the better option, while the Light Sakura is ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two aligns with individual preferences in key feel and 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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 designed to operate quietly, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is key. This silent nature means that typists can enjoy an uninterrupted experience without drawing attention to their keystrokes, particularly in office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a more nuanced acoustic profile characterized by a satisfying, subtle clack at the top-out. This pleasing sound is enhanced by HMX's superior factory lubrication, which helps to soften the impact while still providing auditory feedback that some typists enjoy. While the Light Sakura emphasizes silence, the Sunset Gleam strikes a balance between quiet operation and enjoyable sound, catering to different preferences.
Regarding feel, the Light Sakura is noted for its ultra-light action, making it particularly comfortable for long typing sessions. This lightweight experience can reduce fatigue, allowing users to type effortlessly over extended periods. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam is designed for a similarly comfortable experience but offers a different tactile sensation with its subtle top-out that many users find satisfying. The combination of well-thought-out materials and HMX's exemplary lubrication may provide a slightly richer feel during use compared to the ultra-light touch of the Light Sakura. Therefore, while both switches aim for comfort, they may cater to distinct preferences in terms of resistance and overall feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different user needs. The Light Sakura excels in silent operation and an ultra-light feel, making it perfect for those who prioritize stealth and comfort, while the Sunset Gleam features a delightful sound and a satisfying tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback in addition to a smooth typing experience. Depending on your specific preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a fulfilling typing experience, but the differences may sway your choice towards one or the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and typing environment. If you prioritize a quieter experience for extended typing sessions, especially in shared workspaces, the Light Sakura is your go-to option. Its ultra-light bottom-out force of 43 grams offers a fatigue-reducing typing experience that makes it ideal for long hours of use while ensuring discretion. On the other hand, if you're looking for a bit more tactile satisfaction and enjoy hearing subtle acoustic feedback during your typing, the Sunset Gleam is worth considering. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, it provides a more pronounced response that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate the sensation of a gentle clack combined with excellent factory lubrication. Therefore, think about where you’ll be using your keyboard and what kind of typing experience will make you the happiest, and choose accordingly!
Mentioned in this article
