Bsun Light Sakura vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to customizing your mechanical keyboard, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch renowned for its ultra-light feel and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who spend lengthy hours at the keyboard in shared or office environments. This silent switch promotes comfort and discretion, catering to users who prefer a gentle and fatigue-reducing typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, offers a delightfully sharp tactile bump followed by a plush bottom-out sensation, seamlessly blending style and subtlety. The U4’s muted, low-pitched sound profile enhances its suitability for quieter settings while providing satisfying feedback for typists who appreciate the tactile experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you favor seamless, silent typing or a tactile response that boosts engagement during your keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Light Sakura and Gazzew U4 keyboards highlight distinct approaches to sound design in mechanical switches, leading to significantly different auditory experiences. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the auditory feedback upon key presses and releases. The clear nature of the polycarbonate also makes these switches visually appealing, particularly under RGB lighting, as the translucency accentuates the illumination effects. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary plastic blend known colloquially as “boba plastic” for its top and bottom housings. This material is softer compared to polycarbonate and is designed to facilitate a rich and deep sound profile, which may create a more subdued yet satisfying auditory experience when typing.
One notable distinction between the two switch designs lies in the impact of their respective housing materials on sound characteristics and overall feel. The Light Sakura’s uniform polycarbonate construction ensures that the sound profile remains crisp from both the top and bottom housings. This singular material choice allows for consistency in the auditory feedback; thus, users can expect that both the bottom-out sound and the release sound will align with the characteristic brightness of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Gazzew U4's use of boba plastic introduces a dichotomy between the two housings. While it emphasizes richness and depth, the different sound qualities produced by the two materials will lead to a unique tactile response. This means that users may experience contrasting auditory feedback upon pressing and releasing keys, which affects the overall typing experience.
In summary, while both switches have their individual strengths attributed to their housing materials, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If a user seeks a cleaner, more precise auditory feedback, the Bsun Light Sakura offers a compelling option with its polycarbonate housings. On the other hand, those who prioritize richness in sound may find the Gazzew U4 appealing, with its boba plastic contributing to a deeper auditory experience. Ultimately, while the design and materials differ, the underlying mechanics of the switches suggest that users can enjoy satisfying performances in either case; they simply will have to choose based on whether they prefer the crisp clarity of polycarbonate or the warm depth of the proprietary blend.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, requiring less effort to register a keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. In contrast, the U4 features a medium actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. This theme continues with their bottom out forces; the Light Sakura reaches 43 grams, while the U4 requires a heftier 62 grams to bottom out. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who favor less resistance, while the U4 caters to users who enjoy the experience of a heavier switch. Thus, for someone looking for a switch that allows for easier and potentially longer typing sessions, the Light Sakura would be preferable, while those seeking a more robust tactile feel might lean towards the U4.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. With this equal travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent keystroke depth in their keyboard setup.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 is designed for a silent operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is essential. This switch ensures a minimal noise output, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 also embraces a whisper-quiet sound profile, characterized as muted and low-pitched. This enables the U4 to minimize the typical clacky noises associated with mechanical keyboards while still providing a pleasant acoustic experience. Both switches cater to users who prioritize a quieter environment, ensuring that they will produce similar subdued sounds, making either a suitable choice for shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light actuation, which promotes comfort during extended typing sessions. However, specific qualitative feedback regarding its tactile nature is less defined. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump, providing robust feedback with each keystroke. This sensation can be exhilarating for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback mechanism, compensating for the lack of sound with a tangible feel. While the Light Sakura aims for ease and comfort, the U4 emphasizes an intense tactile experience, leading to different subjective feelings during use.
In summary, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Gazzew U4 switches offer unique advantages tailored to specific preferences. The Light Sakura excels in providing a lightweight and silent typing experience suitable for long-duration use, while the U4 brings a sharp tactile feedback that enhances the typing sensation with a discreet sound profile. Users can choose based on their priorities: whether they seek a more comfortable, gentle touch or prefer a pronounced tactile response. Both switches effectively ensure a quiet typing experience, making them excellent options for those who value discreetness in shared environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, your preferences and usage scenarios will play a crucial role. If you find yourself needing a switch that offers a light touch and whisper-quiet operation, particularly in environments where discretion is key—like an office or shared workspace—the Bsun Light Sakura is an excellent choice. This switch not only reduces typing fatigue during extended sessions but also ensures you won't disturb your colleagues. On the other hand, if you desire a more engaging typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback while still keeping noise to a minimum, the Gazzew U4 would be the better option for you. Its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation provide a satisfying experience for those who enjoy feeling the moment of actuation without the clatter typical of more traditional mechanical switches. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and how much feedback you desire with each keystroke to find the perfect switch for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
