Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Twilight 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 HMX Twilight linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is recognized for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions, especially in office environments or shared spaces. Its gentle actuation helps reduce fatigue, allowing for a more enjoyable typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which provides a responsive typing feel while maintaining a slightly quieter sound. This switch appeals to users who appreciate the tactile feedback typically associated with clacky switches while still enjoying a more subdued acoustic profile. Both switches cater to different needs, whether it be for a quiet workspace or a more expressive typing 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Twilight, the distinct differences in their choices become apparent, impacting both sound profiles and aesthetics. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffness. This property leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing vibrant colors to shine through and enhance visual appeal. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is traditionally regarded for its sound dampening characteristics. With its softer texture, nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound waves more effectively and resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience.
While the materials used in the Light Sakura and Twilight switches have opposing acoustic properties, their performance characteristics can be understood through their respective designs. The Light Sakura's polycarbonate housings enable a more resonant sound that is especially noticeable when releasing a key, making it ideal for users seeking a bright and articulate typing experience. Conversely, the nylon housings in the Twilight prioritize smoothness and subtlety, lending themselves to a more muted and rounded egress sound. Despite the clear differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying tactile experience, though the nature of that satisfaction will differ markedly based on material choice.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials complement different user preferences and typing experiences. For those who enjoy the robust and vibrant sound profile that polycarbonate offers, the Bsun Light Sakura presents an appealing option. On the other hand, typists who prefer a softer touch with a more subdued auditory signature would gravitate toward the HMX Twilight's nylon housings. Although both switches aim to deliver an optimal response and feel, the differing materials ultimately shape their performances, proving that the choice of housing can significantly influence the typing experience, accommodating a diverse range of tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch both offer light actuation forces, but they differ in their specific measurements and overall feel. The Light Sakura features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Twilight has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require relatively low force for actuation, the Twilight is slightly heavier at both stages, providing a more substantial typing experience. Users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may gravitate towards the Light Sakura, while those seeking a stronger push feel may favor the HMX Twilight. Ultimately, if both switches are used in the same typing context, you can expect the Light Sakura to deliver a lighter and more agile experience compared to the more robust Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Twilight features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that, for users seeking a more responsive experience, the Light Sakura may be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation and faster response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. Conversely, the HMX Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key, offering a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards responsiveness, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice, whereas the HMX Twilight is suited for individuals who appreciate a more substantial key travel.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 be exceptionally quiet, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Its silent operation minimizes distraction in shared spaces, while still providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch, although quieter than many traditional switches, retains some of the characteristic clacky sound associated with HMX switches due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. This design allows for a more subdued audio profile without completely losing the enjoyable acoustics that some users appreciate.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light actuation, providing a soft and gentle typing experience that can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. This lightweight feel caters to those who prioritize comfort and extended use, making it a superb choice for office work or lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, the Twilight switch, while also a linear switch, has a more pronounced actuation due to its extended travel, which may provide a slightly different tactile experience. Users who enjoy a bit of resistance during their typing may find the Twilight switch offers a more engaging feel compared to the ultra-light Sakura.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Light Sakura excels in providing a quiet ambiance and a feather-light touch, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Meanwhile, the Twilight offers a slightly more audible yet still subdued sound profile, combined with a unique touch that benefits from its longer travel distance. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean towards stealth and comfort or a richer tactile experience—you can find satisfying results with either switch type.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a silent, comfortable experience for long typing sessions, the Light Sakura is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 43 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for users who value discretion and minimal fatigue in shared spaces like offices or small rooms. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and slightly more resistance while typing, the HMX Twilight, with its 50 grams bottom-out force and extended 3.85mm travel distance, might be more appealing. This switch provides a quiet but distinct feeling that some users find satisfying, especially during gaming or more spirited typing sessions. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance between sound, feel, and your specific typing needs. Consider where you'll be using your keyboard and how you like to type, and you'll find the switch that fits you best.
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