Bsun Light Sakura vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the PH Studio Yoel each offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences and environments. The Light Sakura is revered for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for individuals who work in shared spaces or engage in long typing sessions, as it prioritizes comfort and discretion. In contrast, the Yoel switch stands out with its unique chewy typing sensation, delivering a bright and clacky auditory experience that many users find satisfyingly pronounced, especially when keys bottom out. While the Light Sakura fosters a gentle, fatigue-reducing experience ideal for users who value quietness, the Yoel appeals to those who appreciate a more tactile and resonant feedback. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Light Sakura and PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar auditory experience that emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity, making both switches well-suited for applications that incorporate RGB lighting. The aesthetic appeal of the polycarbonate material, particularly its translucency, allows for effective light diffusion, providing vibrant and visually appealing lighting effects when integrated with RGB features. Thus, users can expect a high degree of sound clarity and a visually engaging element in both switches due to their identical top housing materials.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly in terms of material and resultant sound profile. The Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the crispness and clarity of the top component, thus contributing to a uniform sound experience across both sections of the switch. In contrast, the Yoel's use of POM for the bottom housing introduces a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a distinctive auditory experience that differs from its polycarbonate counterpart. This material choice creates a pleasing diversity in sound dynamics, allowing for a richer bottom-out feel when the switch is pressed.
Ultimately, the differing materials used for the bottom housing result in a complementary interaction between the two switches. In the Bsun Light Sakura, the similar material composition across the top and bottom leads to a coherent sound profile characterized by clarity in both actions of the switch—pressing down and releasing. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel presents an interesting blend of sound characteristics: while the top housing maintains the sharpness found in the Light Sakura, the POM bottom provides a contrasting depth that enhances the overall acoustic experience. Therefore, although both switches deliver high-quality audio responses, they do so through distinct combinations of materials that yield unique results in user experience.
Weight
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch present a distinct contrast in their force characteristics, catering to different preferences among users. 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 seek a more effortless typing experience, perfect for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a firmer actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. As a result, the Light Sakura is considered the lighter option, whereas the Yoel is the heavier switch. Users looking for a softer touch will find the Light Sakura more comfortable for long durations, while those valuing a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Light Sakura provides a more pronounced feedback, making it suitable for users who enjoy a deeper key press, as it approximates the traditional 4.0 mm distance more closely. On the other hand, the Yoel’s 3.2 mm travel distance caters to those who favor a quicker response for activities such as gaming, offering a more rapid actuation. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a more substantial feel, the Light Sakura is the better option, while the Yoel is ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 switch is designed to operate silently, making it an excellent choice for those who need a discreet typing experience, especially in shared environments like offices. This quiet operation ensures that your keystrokes won't disturb colleagues or roommates while you type away. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch has a distinctly bright and clacky sound profile. With every keystroke, users can expect a sharp and percussive sound that is both crisp and resonant. This auditory feedback can offer a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound when they type.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Bsun Light Sakura offers an ultra-light touch, which is perfect for extended typing sessions as it allows for less finger fatigue over prolonged use. This focus on comfort translates to a typing experience that is gentle and fatigue-reducing, making it ideal for those who type for long hours. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized by a delectably chewy sensation, accompanied by a smooth, creamy texture that glides effortlessly beneath your fingers. The refined and polished feel of the Yoel enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke enjoyable and precise, akin to gliding your fingers over the keys.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes a silent and ultra-light typing experience that caters to comfort and discretion, the PH Studio Yoel switch provides a more pronounced, clacky sound alongside an immersive feel that emphasizes smoothness and a bit of resistance. Ultimately, both switches can meet different user needs—those seeking silence and comfort may gravitate towards the Light Sakura, while those who appreciate auditory feedback and a more textured keystroke experience may prefer the Yoel. Depending on your typing preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns best with your desired characteristics, knowing that each brings its unique strengths to your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize an ultra-light feel with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, the Light Sakura is an excellent option for long typing sessions, especially if you work in shared spaces where noise can be an issue. Its discreet operation and design for comfort make it particularly appealing for those who prefer a gentle typing experience without causing disruptions. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke and crave a textural satisfaction in your typing, the Yoel switch, with its medium 60 grams bottom-out force, might be your go-to. Its uniquely chewy feel, coupled with a bright and clacky sound profile, offers a vibrant auditory experience that many find engaging and enjoyable. In summary, your personal preferences regarding sound, feedback, and typing environment will guide you toward the best choice—whether you favor the gentle, quiet assurance of the Light Sakura or the lively, resonant feedback of the Yoel.
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