Bsun Light Sakura vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinctly different yet captivating options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Light Sakura is celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort and discretion during extended typing sessions—particularly in office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a delightful creamy texture, thanks to its unique POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a smooth and satisfying typing feel. This switch is not only about the sensation; its high-pitched and clacky sound adds a fun auditory element that many typists appreciate. While the Light Sakura focuses on gentle, fatigue-reducing feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers an engaging auditory experience without sacrificing smooth keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, one can observe notable differences in their construction and the sound profiles they produce. The Light Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material is pivotal in creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. Polycarbonate's stiff nature enhances the acoustic qualities of the switches, making them particularly well-suited for producing vibrant sounds, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucency. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a proprietary blend for its top housing, referred to as “special mixed materials.” Though details about the specific composition remain vague, KTT claims this blend also yields a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, suggesting that despite different materials, the overall auditory experience may converge in some aspects.

Delving deeper into the differences in bottom housing materials yields further distinctions. While the Light Sakura again relies on polycarbonate to maintain a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream opts for POK (polyketone) for its bottom housing. This material is recognized for its remarkably low coefficient of friction, contributing to a notably smooth key press and an impressive durability quotient. POK’s high strength and shock resistance further enhance the overall feel and longevity of the switch, giving it a tactile quality that sets it apart from the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Light Sakura. Thus, when comparing the two, the impact of the different bottom housing materials might lead to varying tactile feedback and durability traits, despite the high-pitched sound characteristics maintained in both switches.

In terms of the overall tactile experience and sonic performance, both switches exhibit complementary qualities that derive from their unique material compositions. The interplay between the housing materials results in a distinctive auditory experience when a key is pressed or released. For example, while the bottom housing offers a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing contributes notably to the sound upon release. Consequently, users might find that the Light Sakura's polycarbonate pairing yields a consistent and harmonious sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's mixed material blend and POK combination create a nuanced yet equally engaging experience. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how switching materials influence both the sound and tactile feedback of each keypress, illustrating how different choices can deliver similar auditory outcomes while fostering distinct user sensations.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience over long sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Sakura also has a lower bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. This difference indicates that the Light Sakura is overall lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. In summary, if you favor a tactile typing experience with less resistance, the Bsun Light Sakura would be the better choice, whereas the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream would suit users looking for a slightly more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Light Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures 3.5 mm. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream the shorter option, providing a very slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Light Sakura offers a bit more depth, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Overall, while both switches feature relatively short travel distances that align with the current trend for enhanced responsiveness, the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm distance offers a marginally deeper experience compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 3.5 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed specifically for quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who need to maintain a discreet typing environment, such as office spaces or shared rooms. Its silent characteristic promotes a less intrusive experience, allowing users to type without causing distractions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a distinct high-pitched, clacky sound profile, characterized by resonant and marbly qualities. This acoustic signature adds a lively, engaging auditory element to the typing experience, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback as they type. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound can vary significantly, but these two switches cater to very different preferences.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch that emphasizes comfort during extended typing sessions. Its design prioritizes a gentle keystroke, which helps alleviate fatigue and makes the switch feel suitable for long hours of use without causing hand strain. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth, effortless typing experience that glides effortlessly under your fingers. This sensation is ideal for typists seeking that luxurious, silky touch with each keystroke. While the Light Sakura focuses on lightness and discretion, the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes richness and smoothness in tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Bsun Light Sakura and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer distinctly different sound and feel characteristics, catering to varied user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Light Sakura is ideal for those prioritizing silence and comfort, while the Vanilla Ice Cream appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience paired with a luxurious typing sensation. While they provide different experiences, both switches can be instrumental in creating an enjoyable typing setup, depending on whether one leans toward a more subtle or rich keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light, quiet, and comfortable typing experience, especially in prolonged sessions or shared environments, the Light Sakura is your best option. Its low bottom-out force of 43 grams and silent operation cater perfectly to those who want to minimize noise while maximizing comfort and fatigue reduction. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a unique auditory experience alongside a buttery and creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream will be more to your liking. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 48 grams, this switch provides a smooth, enjoyable typing sensation complemented by a high-pitched, resonant sound profile that can make your typing feel more engaging. Therefore, your decision hinges upon whether you value silent comfort or a lively auditory feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more