Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as compelling options, each catering to distinct needs and preferences. The Bsun Light Sakura is cherished for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions, particularly in shared workspaces where discretion is paramount. Its design focuses on comfort and fatigue reduction, making it ideal for users who value a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a slightly different appeal, featuring a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that is particularly attractive to gamers and fast typists. This switch emphasizes speed and responsiveness, which can enhance performance during intense gaming or typing scenarios. While both switches are linear and provide smooth keystrokes, they cater to different user experiences—comfort and quietness with the Sakura versus speed and efficiency with the Yellow Silver. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Yellow Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sound profile that is notably sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for setups with RGB lighting as they allow for vibrant illumination to emanate through the housing. Since the sound qualities and visual attributes stemming from the top housing are similar, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when actuating these switches, particularly in terms of the clarity and brightness of the sound.
However, the bottom housing materials present a significant distinction between the two switches. The Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of sharper sound characteristics. By providing a more defined sound when the key is bottomed out, this setup fosters a cohesively bright auditory experience throughout the switch's performance. Conversely, the Yellow Silver employs a nylon bottom housing that produces a notably deeper and fuller sound, delivering a richer and more subdued feel as the key is pressed. This divergence in materials greatly affects the overall tactile and auditory experience, with the Light Sakura leaning towards a crisper, more resonant tone and the Yellow Silver offering a softer, more rounded auditory profile.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch plays a key role in shaping the actuator’s sound and feel when typing. While both the Light Sakura and Yellow Silver benefit from polycarbonate at the top, the contrasting nylon bottom in the Yellow Silver introduces a softer audio experience on bottoming, creating a split in how each switch responds when utilized. Users looking for a brighter sound may find the Light Sakura preferable, while those who appreciate a deeper, fuller tone may gravitate towards the Outemu Yellow Silver. Therefore, while each switch can create high-quality results, their distinct housing materials collectively influence the unique experience they offer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Thus, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the Light Sakura is the lighter option, catering to those who favor less resistance, whereas the Yellow Silver offers a medium-light force that might suit users seeking a balance of comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Light Sakura switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver. The shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper feel, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: the Light Sakura is better suited for those who prioritize responsiveness, while the Yellow Silver caters to those who enjoy a more deliberate key press.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for nearly silent operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where discretion is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. Its sound profile is engineered to minimize acoustic disturbance, allowing for an unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile that is moderate, making it versatile for various applications, whether gaming or typing. While the Yellow Silver lacks the absolute silence of the Light Sakura, both switches provide a suitable sound for their intended purposes—a quiet typing experience for the Sakura and a balanced sound profile for the Yellow Silver.
In terms of tactile feel, the Light Sakura switches are ultra-light, essentially catering to users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. This lightness helps reduce fatigue, enabling a more casual typing flow without heavy resistance. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is also engineered with a light actuation force that promotes speed and responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers. The overall feel of both switches supports a quick and effortless keystroke but with unique focuses; the Sakura leans towards comfort in long-term use while the Yellow Silver enhances fast-paced performance.
Overall, both the Bsun Light Sakura and Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer qualities that cater to different user preferences. If you seek a silent, comfort-oriented typing experience, the Light Sakura will serve you well. Conversely, if you favor a more balanced audio experience with a focus on speed, the Yellow Silver is the better choice. Ultimately, both switches provide light actuation that will enhance typing efficiency, making them both excellent considerations for newcomers looking to explore linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your primary usage and environment. If you value a light touch, quiet operation, and an ultra-comfortable typing experience—especially for long hours or in shared office spaces—the Light Sakura is the ideal choice for you. Its low actuation force and gentle feedback make it particularly beneficial for reducing fatigue while maintaining discretion. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a better fit. With its slightly higher actuation force and neutral sound profile, this switch strikes a balance that appeals to both gamers and typists who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback without any disruptive noise. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs for comfort, environment, and performance, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored to your preferences.
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