Bsun Light Sakura vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat both offer unique benefits suited for different typing preferences. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent option for those who require discretion, especially in office or shared environments. Its design promotes comfort during long typing sessions, allowing users to type with ease without causing disruption to colleagues. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat brings a different flavor to the table with its Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience accompanied by a resonant sound profile. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback and an audible click, adding a satisfying auditory element to their typing experience. While both switches are linear, they cater to distinct types of users—one favors silence and comfort, while the other prioritizes smoothness and sound. 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and Bsun Tomcat keyboards both feature polycarbonate for their respective top housings, resulting in similar auditory qualities when pressed. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making actuations on both switches feel crisper and more pronounced. This is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a clear and resonant audio experience when typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, allowing light to diffuse beautifully through the switches, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing visual experience, regardless of the model chosen.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials set the Light Sakura and Tomcat apart. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate, echoing the auditory properties of the top housing and thus reinforcing the high-pitched and crisp sound profile throughout the entire actuation process. This consistency in material allows the switch’s characteristics to be maintained from top to bottom, contributing to a seamless sound experience. Conversely, the Tomcat employs nylon for its bottom housing, which absorbs sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This creates a clear distinction in how the switches feel at the bottom-out point, where the nylon base dampens the sound, creating a softer and fuller auditory response in contrast to the crisper output found in the Light Sakura.
Overall, the combination of materials in each keyboard offers distinct characteristics that cater to various user preferences. While the Light Sakura boasts a unified auditory experience due to its polycarbonate construction in both the top and bottom housings, the Tomcat presents a contrasting sound dynamic that balances crispness from the top with a fuller sound from the nylon bottom. Users seeking sharper sounds may prefer the Light Sakura, while those looking for a rounder and deeper typing experience may lean towards the Tomcat. Nonetheless, both switches can achieve desirable results in sound and aesthetics due to their effective use of materials, albeit through different approaches.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tomcat has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, aligning it with a medium-light feel that some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Light Sakura is the lighter option while the Tomcat is heavier, catering to different preferences in the tactile feedback spectrum. Overall, while both switches cater to different user needs, the Light Sakura is better suited for those seeking ease and comfort, while the Tomcat offers a more noticeable resistance for users who enjoy a firmer key press.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a consistent tactile response across both options. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect similar performance in terms of key feel and actuation depth, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a linear switch with a moderate travel distance.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 notably quiet, making it an excellent choice for those who need to maintain a low noise level in shared or professional environments. This silent operation ensures that typing can be done without disturbing coworkers or family members. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch features a more resonant sound profile, which could provide tactile feedback for users who appreciate auditory cues during typing. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary significantly, depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura switch offers an ultra-light touch, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. This gentle feedback can reduce fatigue over time, providing a pleasant typing experience for users who may spend hours at the keyboard. In contrast, the Tomcat switch is characterized by its Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness can enhance the sensation of typing, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a seamless action with each keystroke.
Overall, while the Light Sakura excels in delivering a quiet and fatigue-reducing experience suitable for discreet environments, the Tomcat offers a more resonant sound with super smooth feel. Both switches serve different user preferences, so selecting between them will come down to your specific needs—whether you prioritize silence and comfort or smoothness and auditory feedback. Each switch promises a distinct typing experience that can cater to an array of user styles, personalizing the keyboard experience according to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use cases. If you prioritize a lightweight and quiet typing experience, especially in environments where discretion is key, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. With its 43g bottom-out force, this switch is perfect for long typing sessions, making it ideal for office work or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept low. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly firmer feel with a smooth actuation, the Tomcat, with its 54g bottom-out force, offers a medium-light touch that can enhance precision and control, especially in gaming or typing applications that require a more deliberate keypress. Furthermore, the resonant sound profile of the Tomcat can provide a satisfying auditory feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a bit of sound nuance with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you value silence and comfort over a balanced feel and sound, guiding you in making the switch that best fits your typing or gaming style.