Bsun Light Sakura vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Light Sakura, recognized for its ultra-light linear design, offers a silent and comfortable solution for extended typing sessions, making it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces where minimal sound is essential. Its gentle feel not only promotes fatigue-reducing performance but also ensures discretion during use. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stands out as a tactile switch, featuring a medium level of tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly loud. This "Goldilocks" option strikes a balance for those who appreciate a bit of texture in their keystrokes but still desire a lightweight touch. Each switch caters to distinct preferences: the Sakura for those prioritizing silence and ease, and the Violet Gold Pro for users seeking a tactile feel without overwhelming sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, one notable similarity is the use of polycarbonate for both switches’ top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which directly influences the auditory experience when typing. This material's stiffness contributes to the clarity and resonance, making both switches capable of producing bright and vibrant sounds when the keys are engaged. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who utilize RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing glow through the switch tops. Therefore, in terms of sound performance and aesthetic versatility, users can expect similar outcomes when it comes to the top housing of both switches.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housing materials set the two switches apart significantly. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which continues the trend of a brighter audio experience due to its stiffness. This ensures that, while the switch offers a crisper bottom-out sound, there is still some depth retained thanks to the resonant properties of the polycarbonate. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, which fundamentally alters the sound profile by producing a duller and rounder auditory response. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. Thus, typing on the Dareu Violet Gold Pro will feel markedly different compared to the Bsun Light Sakura due to the contrasting characteristics of the bottom housing materials.
Overall, the combination of materials in the Light Sakura and Violet Gold Pro leads to diverging sound and tactile experiences. Users of the Light Sakura may enjoy a more uniform sound profile across both the upstroke and downstroke of key presses, thanks to the consistent use of polycarbonate, which excels in delivering clarity. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a distinctive depth to the sound that may appeal to those preferring a fuller typing experience. The effective split of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings means players and typists can choose between sharper clarity or deeper resonance, highlighting the importance of material choice in the overall keyboard switch experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, a clear distinction arises in their actuation forces. The Light Sakura features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's actuation force is measured at 45 grams, indicating a heavier requirement that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches reveal a difference in their bottom out forces; the Light Sakura has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unknown. Therefore, while both switches are designed to fulfill different preferences, the Light Sakura stands out as the lighter option, catering to users seeking a softer touch, while the Violet Gold Pro may attract those inclined toward a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Light Sakura features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Light Sakura is the shorter option, offering a quicker response time that gamers often favor for rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your switch selection.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Light Sakura and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, the Light Sakura is characterized by its silent operation, making it particularly suitable for environments where discretion is important. This quiet attribute helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere, which is beneficial for those who work in shared spaces or office settings. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches possess a neutral sound signature. This moderate sound profile offers versatility, making it appropriate for both home and work environments, appealing to a wide range of users from beginners to seasoned typists. While the Light Sakura is intentionally designed to minimize noise, the Violet Gold Pro strikes a balance that does not lean heavily toward loud or silent, making both switches suitable in different acoustic contexts.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura excels with its ultra-light actuation, which is particularly advantageous for lengthy typing sessions. This switch promotes comfort and minimizes fatigue, allowing users to type for extended periods without discomfort. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile bump characterized by a stepped feel. This means that while typing, users will encounter two distinct stages during keypresses, providing tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. The stepped nature of the Violet Gold Pro allows for a more controlled and deliberate typing rhythm, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile sensation without excessive disruption.
In summary, the Bsun Light Sakura is ideal for those seeking a quiet and ultra-light typing experience, perfect for prolonged use in quiet environments, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro caters to typists who prefer a balanced tactile feedback with a neutral sound. Both switches, though different in tactile feel and sound signature, cater to distinct preferences, providing comfortable typing experiences tailored by the user's specific needs and environments. Whether you prioritize silence or a tactile response, each switch serves its purpose well within its defined realms.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch really hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize comfort and quietness—particularly for long typing sessions in shared spaces—the Light Sakura is an excellent fit. Its ultra-light feel and silent operation make it perfect for environments where noise is a concern, allowing you to type for extended periods without fatigue or distraction. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile feedback experience that strikes a balance between too soft and overly pronounced, then the Violet Gold Pro would be the way to go. Its medium tactility delivers just enough feedback to enhance your typing without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists in a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, consider how you type and where you’ll be using your keyboard; the Light Sakura caters to those who value subtlety and silence, while the Violet Gold Pro serves those who desire a more dynamic typing feel without excess noise.