Bsun Light Sakura vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct features tailored to different user needs, despite both being linear switches. The Bsun Light Sakura is celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods and value discretion in shared or office spaces. Its gentle pressure can help reduce typing fatigue, allowing for greater comfort during long work sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is known for its Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, accompanied by a resonant sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory experience. While the Light Sakura prioritizes silence and comfort, the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering a fluid typing experience with satisfying acoustic elements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy) share a common trait in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which greatly influences the overall sound profile of each switch. Both switches benefit from the sharpness and crispness that polycarbonate imparts. This material's stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound upon keystrokes, creating an engaging auditory experience suitable for users who value feedback in their typing. Furthermore, both switches feature translucency that enhances RGB lighting capabilities, ensuring that the visual aesthetics are complemented by a well-defined sound experience as well.
In contrast, the materials used for the bottom housing of the two switches showcase a significant difference. The Bsun Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a similar sound profile that mirrors its top housing. This consistency means that users can expect a cohesive auditory experience, maintaining the crispness from top to bottom. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, which alters the acoustic characteristics of the switch. Nylon’s softer nature leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory feedback, particularly noticeable when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the varying impacts of the housing materials highlight the importance of how sound is perceived during use. While the Bsun Light Sakura offers a unified voice from both the top and bottom with a sharper, crisper profile due to the use of polycarbonate throughout, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) presents a differentiated experience. The contrasting nylon in the bottom housing provides a richer feel, diverging from the overall sound clarity established by the polycarbonate top. Thus, users can tailor their preference by choosing between the cohesive sharpness of the Light Sakura and the deeper, fuller resonance of the Tomcat, depending on whether they prefer a consistent sound profile or a combination of nuances within their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch with the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we can observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a firmer resistance. This difference in weight suggests that individuals who prioritize lower actuation force for comfort and prolonged use may gravitate towards the Light Sakura, whereas users desiring a more pronounced push feel might prefer the Tomcat (Heavy). Overall, the choice between these switches will hinge on the user's preference for either lighter or heavier tactile feedback during typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is identical at 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same distance when pressing down on the keys of either switch, resulting in a similar feel and responsiveness. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide comparable performance in terms of keystroke engagement and feedback, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a linear switch with a consistent actuation 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 (Heavy) 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
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for a quiet typing experience, making it particularly suitable for shared workspaces and environments where discretion is paramount. It operates silently, which means you won't disturb others as you type. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more resonant sound profile, which may be more noticeable in quieter settings. The contrast between these switches highlights how the choice of switch can greatly influence the auditory experience, with the Light Sakura favoring minimal noise while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a richer sound that some may find satisfying.
When it comes to feel, the Light Sakura is recognized for its ultra-light tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. This switch provides a gentle typing experience that many users appreciate for comfort. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is characterized by its heavier resistance, which offers substantial feedback to the typist. The Ly stems contribute to a smoother keystroke, creating a satisfying tactile experience that contrasts with the Light Sakura's ultra-light nature. Depending on your personal preference for resistance and feedback, you might lean toward one switch over the other.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura and Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to different needs in terms of sound and feel. The Light Sakura excels in silent operation and a lightweight touch, making it ideal for those who prioritize discretion and comfort. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more resonant auditory experience and a heavier tactile feel, suitable for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a silent, comfortable touch or a more audible and substantial feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a gentle, quiet typing experience, especially in shared environments or during long hours of use, the Light Sakura would be an excellent choice due to its light actuation force of 43 grams and its discreet operation. This switch provides a cozy feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it particularly well-suited for those who type extensively or prefer a softer touch. Conversely, if you are looking for a more substantial response in your keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be a better fit. With a bottom-out force of 64 grams and its smooth Ly stems, it offers a satisfying tactile experience that some typists find helps with precision and control. Its heavier actuation may be preferable for gamers or those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, assess your specific requirements, such as the environments in which you'll use your keyboard, whether you value softness or resistance, and how much typing you expect to do, to determine which switch aligns best with your comfort and performance needs.
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