Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Swift both offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences, despite sharing the linear switch classification. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort during long typing sessions in shared or office environments. Its design prioritizes discretion, delivering a gentle typing experience that minimizes fatigue without disturbing nearby colleagues. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is recognized for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon housing and a delicate 42g actuation force, providing a delightful tactile feedback that many gamers and typists might prefer for a more engaging experience. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, they reflect different philosophies in design and user 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
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Swift present a striking contrast that ultimately influences the tactile and auditory experiences they offer. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize clarity and resonance in their keystrokes. This particular choice of material emphasizes translucency, making it aesthetically pleasing, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. Conversely, the Swift opts for a nylon top housing, which lends a much deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer characteristics. This absorption of sound results in a more rounded tonal quality, offering a different auditory sensation when typing.
When examining the bottom housing, the differences between these switches continue to manifest. The Light Sakura maintains its polycarbonate composition in the bottom housing, reinforcing its overall sharper sound profile. This consistency allows users to experience a clear auditory feedback throughout the actuation. In stark contrast, the Swift utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances its deeper and more muted acoustic experience. As each housing material affects key feel and sound differently, users will notice the Light Sakura producing a more pronounced sound upon bottoming out, whereas the Swift will provide a softer impact.
Ultimately, regardless of these differences in housing materials, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of functional performance. Each switch will engage the tactile characteristics brought by its particular housing combination. The interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Light Sakura's dual housing versus the softer nylon in the Swift's will create distinct experiences at different stages of key presses—resulting in varied auditory and tactile feedback. Therefore, while selecting either switch will provide engaging functionality, the choice will greatly depend on whether one prefers the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the HMX Swift linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where comfort is key. In contrast, the HMX Swift has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, giving users a gentler touch, while the Swift, being heavier, caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. This distinction may influence user preference based on their specific needs for comfort versus firmness.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch offers a slightly greater travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Light Sakura the shorter option between the two, which can be advantageous for gamers who favor quicker response times due to the reduced distance required to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Swift, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing, providing a sense of stability and feedback with each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for response speed versus tactile depth, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right switch based on individual typing or gaming styles.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 linear switch is designed to operate silently, making it ideal for environments where discretion is essential. This switch excels in delivering a quiet typing experience, which is particularly beneficial in shared or office spaces where noise levels must be kept low. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch features a distinctively deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housings, contrasting with some other linear switches that may produce a brighter and more clacky sound. This deeper sound may provide a more satisfying acoustic feedback for users who appreciate a more resonant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura switch is characterized by its ultra-light activation and gentle resistance, which makes it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions. This light touch is designed to minimize fatigue, allowing users to type for longer periods without discomfort. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch claims to offer an easy-to-press experience alongside descriptors such as feathery, bouncy, and creamy. The 42g actuation force results in a switch that requires minimal effort to press, providing a lively, responsive feel much like the Light Sakura, but with an added soft and smooth characteristic that enhances the overall typing experience.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Swift linear switches cater to users seeking comfort during long typing sessions, albeit in slightly different ways. The Light Sakura excels in silent operation, promoting discretion in shared spaces, while the Swift provides a deeper acoustic profile with a silky-smooth feel that many users may find satisfying. While each switch has unique qualities, they both prioritize ease of use, making them suitable options for those looking to enhance their typing experience without undue strain or noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your specific needs and typing environment. If you prioritize a silent, ultra-light typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during prolonged sessions, the Light Sakura is your ideal choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force and discreet operation make it perfect for shared workspaces or quiet environments where noise could be disruptive. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Swift, with its deeper sound profile and smooth actuation, would be more suited to you. The 50-gram bottom-out force combined with a 'clacky' sound gives an uplifting feedback that many gamers and typists find satisfying. The Swift's unique feel, characterized by its easy-to-press action and creamy smoothness, can enhance your productivity and enjoyment, especially in gaming or casual typing scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value silence and softness over sound and tactile feedback, tailoring your mechanical keyboard experience to what feels best for you.
Mentioned in this article
