Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Type A present two compelling options, each catering to distinct preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura, known for its silent operation, offers an ultra-light feel that promotes comfort during long typing sessions, making it ideally suited for office environments and shared spaces where noise is a concern. Its gentle action is designed to reduce fatigue and allow for a more soothing typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type A switch stands out from the "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, showcasing an innovative approach to travel distances and advanced factory lubing techniques. With its medium-weight actuation and a sound profile that leans toward the deeper side, it offers a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. While both switches boast linear characteristics, the Light Sakura excels in discretion and comfort, while the Type A balances a richer auditory feedback with a robust feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
The Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Type A switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their differing housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall feel. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its stiffness, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for configurations utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucence allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Type A employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials creates divergent sound profiles that greatly affect user experience when typing.
While both switches feature polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings, they showcase contrasting qualities that significantly influence their auditory textures. With the Light Sakura, the clear polycarbonate housings work together to create a bright and crisp typing sound, ideal for users seeking an energetic keystroke experience. Meanwhile, the Type A’s nylon construction delivers a rich, muted sound that may be preferable for those looking for a more subdued auditory feedback when typing. The combination of a stiffer top housing and bottom housing made of the same material in the Light Sakura enhances its projection and articulation, presenting a favorable option for typing clarity. Conversely, the softer nylon material in the Type A effectively dampens sound, cultivating a more intimate and comforting typing experience.
The differentiation in sound profiles owed to housing materials suggests that personal preference plays a critical role in switch selection. For users desiring brightness and resonance, the polycarbonate Light Sakura might be their ideal choice. Whereas for those who appreciate a softer and warmer sound, the Gateron Type A, with its moisture muffling qualities, would likely be a better fit. Despite their differences, one could achieve similar typing actions or responses through deliberate customization or modification, prioritizing tactile feedback while perhaps incorporating additional adjustments like dampening rings or sound-absorbing materials. Overall, understanding how each housing material interacts within the switch can enhance comprehension of their functionalities for potential users, guiding them in selecting the appropriate switch for their typing style and sound preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different preferences among users. 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 favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Type A has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer key feel. Consequently, the Light Sakura is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Gateron Type A is ideal for those seeking a heavier switch. With these differences, users can select a switch that aligns with their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Light Sakura switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Type A switch, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper press that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, for those who favor responsiveness, the Light Sakura would be the recommended choice, while individuals who prefer a fuller keypress would likely opt for the Gateron Type A.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 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 switch is designed with a focus on silence, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize discretion in their typing experience. While specific details about its sound profile are not provided, it is intended to operate quietly, reducing the likelihood of disturbing coworkers or others in shared environments. In contrast, the Gateron Type A switch features a deeper sound signature, characterized as neutral and subdued. This means that while it offers a moderate level of sound when pressed, it does not overpower a workspace; rather, it strikes a balanced tone that is equally suitable for typing at home or in an office. Overall, the Gateron Type A provides a more pronounced auditory experience compared to the Light Sakura’s intent for minimal noise.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is described as ultra-light, promoting comfort over extended typing sessions. This lightweight action helps to reduce fatigue, making it a favorable option for users who spend many hours typing. In contrast, the Gateron Type A is characterized by a medium-weight actuation, which can offer a more tactile and substantive feel when compared to the ultra-light nature of the Light Sakura. Users seeking a bit more resistance during their keystrokes might prefer the Type A's feel, whereas those who want a feather-light typing experience would be more aligned with the Light Sakura.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Gateron Type A switches provide unique benefits catering to different preferences. The Light Sakura is ideal for users who desire a silent, comfortable typing experience without putting too much strain on their fingers, while the Type A offers a balanced sound profile and a medium pressure feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a little more feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which characteristics resonate more with your typing style and environment, although both switches can deliver satisfactory results in their respective niches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light touch and an ultra-quiet experience, the Light Sakura is the perfect option, especially if you plan on using your keyboard in shared spaces or for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Its design caters to those who favor a whisper-quiet environment without compromising on a relaxed and fatigue-reducing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more heft and a neutral sound profile, the Type A might be the way to go. With its medium-light resistance, it’s more suitable for a broader range of typing styles and environments, providing a satisfying bottom-out feel without being overly noisy, making it ideal for both home and office use. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you value utmost silence and lightness or a balanced actuation with a deeper tonal character.
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