Bsun Light Sakura vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between different options can enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who type extensively in quiet environments or shared spaces. Its design prioritizes comfort, allowing for prolonged writing sessions without fatigue, which is perfect for both casual users and professionals. In contrast, the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offers a medium-level of tactility, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists crave. The Taro’s acute and crisp clacks create an engaging auditory experience, making it a great option for individuals who enjoy the tactile sensation of each keystroke and appreciate a bit of sound while typing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to your personal preferences—whether you prioritize silence and comfort or tactile feedback and auditory responsiveness. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the Jwick Taro, we notice a notable similarity in the composition of their top housings, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This shared material choice contributes to a sound profile characterized by its sharpness and clarity, largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature. As a result, both switches deliver a higher-pitched and crisper tonal quality, which can be particularly appealing for users who appreciate a dynamic and resonant experience when typing. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that enhances the overall keyboard experience for gamers and typists alike.
However, the difference in the bottom housing materials sets the Light Sakura and Jwick Taro apart in terms of auditory experience. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, thereby maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch and further enhancing the clarity of every keystroke. In contrast, the Taro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a contrast between the sharp, resonant tones of the Light Sakura and the rounded, muted sounds of the Taro, allowing users to select the switch that best aligns with their personal sound preference.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials directly influences the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of both switches. With the Light Sakura's consistent use of polycarbonate in both housings, users can expect a coherent sound with minimal variance across key presses. Conversely, the Taro's mixed materials create a duality in sound—where the higher frequencies are accentuated by the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones are softened by the nylon bottom. This dynamic contrast gives users a broader range of auditory feedback, appealing to those who seek a richer tactile experience alongside sound.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended use in work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Taro switch has an unknown actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing feel. As a result, while the Light Sakura is the lighter option between the two, the Taro's heavier bottom out force contributes to a more tactile experience, catering to a different set of preferences in keyboard feel. This difference in forces suggests that users should choose based on their typing habits—lighter for prolonged sessions and heavier for a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we observe that the Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Taro requires a bit more force to press down compared to the Sakura, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional key feel with added depth. On the other hand, gamers or those seeking a quicker response time might favor the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura, as it can lead to faster actuation and a more immediate typing experience. Overall, the Taro's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and hearty feel, while the Sakura's shorter travel distance aligns better with the trend for quicker actions in gaming and fast typing scenarios.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Light Sakura and Jwick Taro switches, the distinction is quite pronounced. The Light Sakura is designed as a silent switch, emphasizing a quiet operation that makes it perfect for environments where noise is a concern, such as open offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the Taro switch offers a more pronounced acoustic experience with its acute and crisp clacks, providing auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This means that while the Light Sakura is a great choice for discretion, the Taro caters to those who enjoy a more audible typing sound.
The feel of these switches further highlights their differences. The Light Sakura excels in providing an ultra-light, fatigue-reducing typing experience, perfect for prolonged use without causing discomfort. Its design is focused on smoothness and comfort, making it feel effortless during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Taro offers a unique sensation with its combination of buttery smoothness and stepped tactility. This provides users with a distinct feedback mechanism as they type, with the feeling of two stages in the keystroke that many typists appreciate for the added engagement it brings.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura and Jwick Taro switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Light Sakura is ideal for those looking for a quiet, comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for work environments and extended sessions. The Taro, however, provides a tactile and audible delight with its snappy response and crisp sound, appealing to users who enjoy engaging feedback as they type. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, as they both deliver excellent yet distinct experiences based on their design attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter, quieter typing experience that is gentle on your fingers and perfect for prolonged use, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its reduced actuation force of 43 grams caters to those who appreciate finesse and comfort, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise should be minimal. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a more pronounced resistance, the Jwick Taro will fit your needs well. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a snappy and satisfying tactile sensation that can enhance your typing experience—is ideal for those who prefer a more engaging feel, and the crisp sound it produces adds character to each keystroke. Therefore, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: choose the Light Sakura for comfort and discretion, or opt for the Taro if tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience are what you seek.
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