Bsun Light Sakura vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Haimu Viola Tricolor stand out for their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Light Sakura is a linear switch celebrated for its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who value comfort during extended typing sessions, particularly in shared or office environments where discretion is paramount. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, brings a distinct thuddy and punchy sound profile to the table, offering pronounced tactility that strikes a satisfying balance between feedback and usability without being overwhelming. This makes the Viola Tricolor an excellent option for users who appreciate the tactile sensation and auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth experience or a more engaging, responsive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the keyboard switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate—being a stiffer plastic—enhances the switches' audio characteristics, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is recognized as crisp and clear. This property is particularly valuable for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the lighting to shine through beautifully, creating an engaging aesthetic. Consequently, both switches deliver a comparable auditory experience when pressed down, giving users a confident and satisfying keypress feel, irrespective of the underlying differences in their bottom housings.
In contrast, the bottom housings reveal a significant divergence in material choice. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, reinforcing the bright and resonant sound signature throughout the entire switch. This elevates the overall consistency of the sound profile, as both top and bottom work together to maintain that crispness. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor opts for a nylon bottom housing, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and results in a rounder, more muted bottom-out sound. This difference between the two bottom housing materials creates distinct feedback characteristics when pressing down a key, allowing each switch to cater to different auditory preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to unique user experiences, despite their shared polycarbonate top housing. If users prioritize a clear and resonant sound across their whole typing experience, the Light Sakura provides a consistent signature with its polycarbonate bottom. Conversely, those who enjoy a softer sound and a more rounded feel will find the Viola Tricolor appealing due to its nylon bottom housing. By balancing the crispness of the polycarbonate top with the qualities of their respective bottom housings, users can select a switch that aligns with their auditory desires, highlighting how different materials can influence the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Sakura features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate compared to heavier switches. In stark contrast, the Viola Tricolor does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. This indicates that users may experience a more substantial push feel, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, providing a softer tactile feedback for extended use, while the Viola Tricolor is heavier, appealing to users looking for a stronger resistance when typing. Overall, opting for a switch depends on personal preference regarding the desired typing experience, with the Light Sakura being better for comfort and the Viola Tricolor for a more tactile engagement.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it's clear that the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This distinction means that the Light Sakura may cater better to users seeking quicker response times, such as gamers who appreciate the faster actuation that a shorter travel distance offers. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its greater distance, may appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keypress, giving them a feeling of depth in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches provide unique benefits based on their travel distances, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for speed, whereas the Haimu Viola Tricolor emphasizes a fuller tactile experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 the realm of sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed for a discreet typing experience, operating quietly to minimize disturbances in shared or office environments. Unfortunately, specific sound qualities of the Light Sakura are not detailed, but it can be inferred that its silent nature creates a smooth, muted typing experience. On the contrary, the Haimu Viola Tricolor presents a much more engaging auditory profile. With a bassy and low-pitched sound characterized by a deeper resonance, the Viola Tricolor elevates the typing experience by providing a rich, fulfilling auditory feedback with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is crafted for utmost comfort and ease, promoting an ultra-light touch that makes long typing sessions enjoyable. Its smoothness contributes to a fatigue-reducing experience, perfect for users who prioritize gentle feedback. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor is described as having an accented feel that strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness. Its invigorating feedback provides a pronounced yet not overpowering sensation, fostering an immersive typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate a tactile response without feeling overwhelmed.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is ideal for users seeking a quiet, ultra-light typing experience suitable for shared spaces. Meanwhile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch caters to those who favor a more engaging sound and a balanced tactile feedback. While both switches offer distinct experiences, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize silent comfort or a more resonant, tactile enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in an office setting or a shared space where noise levels are a concern, the Light Sakura is your go-to option. Its ultra-light 43-gram actuation force alongside its silent operation promotes hours of fatigue-free typing without disturbing those around you, making it ideal for long projects or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a richer auditory experience while typing, the Viola Tricolor is a better fit. With its medium-heavy 63.5-gram actuation force and evocative basy sound profile, it provides a satisfying, invigorating sensation without being overly harsh. This switch caters to those who find pleasure in the tactile nature of typing and seek a more character-filled auditory response. Ultimately, consider your environment and the desired typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.