Bsun Light Sakura vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Light Sakura excels in comfort and discretion, characterized by its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those engaged in extended typing sessions who work in shared or office environments. Its gentle action aims to reduce fatigue, allowing users to type for hours without discomfort. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus was designed with gamers in mind, boasting an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, perfect for those who thrive on rapid-fire keyboard inputs. Its clacky sound profile and smooth feel cater to gamers seeking that satisfying acoustic feedback during intense gameplay. While both switches share a linear design, their distinct features cater to different needs in typing and gaming environments. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer contrasting sound profiles largely due to their differing housing materials. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for producing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, which enhance sound resonance and clarity. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for RGB lighting integration, allowing for beautiful illumination effects that highlight the design of the switch. Consequently, users can expect a bright auditory experience that is particularly appealing in setups that utilize colorful lighting.
In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon as its housing material, both for the top and bottom sections. Nylon is renowned for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to polycarbonate. The traditional nature of nylon in switch design makes it a classic choice for those who prefer a more muted, yet rich, typing experience. Therefore, while the Vintage Citrus may not provide the same level of brightness in sound and light as the Light Sakura, it compensates with a smooth and warmer auditory feedback appealing to tactile typing preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Vintage Citrus boils down to individual user preferences regarding sound profile and aesthetics. If similar sound characteristics are desired, one could mix and match components from both models, as the quality of sound from the bottom and top housings can deliver a blended experience. For instance, combining the nylon bottom housing of the Vintage Citrus with the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Sakura could create a unique combination that marries the crispness of polycarbonate with the fuller audio properties of nylon. This flexibility allows users to experiment with their setups, achieving a customized auditory experience tailored to their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a medium-light actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, making it suitable for users seeking less resistance for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus provides a heavier push feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a quicker, lighter response, the Bsun Light Sakura is the better choice, while the HMX Vintage Citrus may be favored by users who enjoy a more pronounced actuation with a firmer bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Light Sakura boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you are seeking a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the preferable choice due to its shallower travel, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Light Sakura's deeper 3.6 mm travel distance offers a more substantial keystroke experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 offers a notably silent operation, making it an excellent choice for users in shared spaces or public environments where discretion is key. Its muted nature allows for a typing experience that minimizes distractions for both the user and those nearby. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is characterized by its bright, clacky sound profile, ideal for gamers who appreciate auditory feedback during intense gaming sessions. This distinct sound can enhance the overall experience, providing a satisfying auditory cue that complements rapid input actions. However, it’s important to note that the sound of both switches can vary based on the keyboard construction and the keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light actuation force, promoting a gentle and comfortable typing experience. This switch is designed for long typing sessions, easing fatigue and allowing users to maintain a fluid typing rhythm over extended periods. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm which allows for swift and responsive actions during gameplay. Its notably smooth push feel is tailored for rapid-fire inputs, making it perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Light Sakura and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different needs and usage scenarios. While the Light Sakura excels in quiet operation and comfort suitable for long periods of typing, the Vintage Citrus delivers a bright sound and rapid response crucial for gaming. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences, with users seeking a serene typing environment leaning toward the Light Sakura and gamers favoring the dynamic feedback of the Vintage Citrus.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're someone who values a silent and comfortable typing experience for extended durations, particularly in shared or professional environments, the Light Sakura is the ideal choice. Its light bottom-out force of 43 grams makes it easy on the fingers, fostering a fatigue-reducing experience while ensuring you do not disturb those around you. Conversely, if you're a gamer in search of rapid responsiveness and an engaging auditory feedback, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch could be your best bet. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams and an actuation point of just 1mm, it enhances your ability to execute quick commands, paired with a clacky sound profile that adds to the excitement of gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize comfort and quietude for typing tasks or quick, engaging feedback for gaming sessions.
Mentioned in this article
