Bsun Olive vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Olive and Huano Sakura are two popular options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Olive switch stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback and resonant sound, thanks to its all-POM housing and unique long pole stem design. This creates a satisfying, invigorating feel with a sharp bottom-out, making it an ideal choice for users who crave a tactile response and auditory pleasure in their typing. In contrast, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and ease of use take precedence. This linear switch is optimized for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. Ultimately, whether you lean toward the tactile and snappy nature of the Olive or the silky smoothness of the Sakura, each switch has its own strengths that can enhance your typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Huano Sakura switches demonstrate both similarities and notable contrasts that affect their overall performance and sound profile. The Bsun Olive features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for its unique sound characteristics, delivering a deeper and relatively muted acoustic profile. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which possesses a slightly higher friction coefficient than POM, contributing to a smoother feel during key presses. While both materials are designed to enhance performance, the POK material's durability—being 14 times stronger than POM—promises a longer lifespan and greater resilience against wear, which could translate to a more consistent performance over time.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further distinctions. The Bsun Olive again utilizes POM, mirroring the sound characteristics of its top housing, which results in a cohesive muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's inherent softer texture. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than the harder POM, resulting in a rounder, more pronounced acoustic experience. As such, the sound profile of the Huano Sakura leans toward a clacky and resonant quality, attributed largely to its nylon bottom housing, while the Olive maintains a more consistent muted profile owing to its use of POM in both top and bottom housings.
In terms of how each switch feels and sounds during use, these materials play distinct yet complementary roles. The POM top of the Bsun Olive creates a consistent auditory experience, reflecting the muted sound from the housing design, while the POK top of the Huano Sakura allows for a smooth action that enhances the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the differences in the bottom housings ensure that each switch presents unique tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics: the Olive’s POM contributes to a more cohesive sound profile, while the Sakura’s nylon enables a fuller, rounder sound that stands out. Despite the differences in material, both switches can still provide satisfying typing experiences; however, users should consider these elements carefully when assessing their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Olive switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category, while the Sakura switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This variation means that typists or gamers seeking a lighter feel may prefer the Sakura switch for longer sessions, as its lower force requirements can lead to less finger fatigue. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Olive switch, given its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which provide a sturdier feedback during use. Thus, while the Olive switch is the heavier option, the Sakura is lighter, appealing to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we find that the Olive features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Olive is the shorter option, providing a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers who prefer rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate key press. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Olive would be the better fit, while the Sakura caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 profile of the BSUN Olive tactile switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Olive switches are celebrated for their resonant, deep sound, producing a rich auditory experience that enhances the tactile feedback. This sound is notably pronounced when bottoming out, providing a crisp auditory confirmation of each keystroke. Conversely, the Sakura switches feature a more muted acoustic profile, described as medium in volume. This results in a quieter typing experience, making them potentially more suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The choice between these two switches in terms of sound ultimately hinges on user preference for bold auditory feedback versus a more subdued typing experience.
Feel-wise, the Olive switches are characterized by their invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. They provide a prominent bump that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle, making them a solid choice for typists who appreciate an engaging tactile experience. This is complemented by a medium weight that fosters a sense of assurance during typing. The Sakura switches, however, are known for their feather-light touch, which allows for a smooth and effortless keypress. While lacking a tactile bump, this lighter feel makes them ideal for extended sessions where sustained comfort is essential. Consequently, the Olive offers a more dynamic typing sensation, while the Sakura caters to those who favor a fluid and lighter keystroke.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Olive presents a deep, resonant sound coupled with pronounced tactile feedback, which appeals to users looking for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura provides a medium acoustic profile with a light touch, prioritizing comfort during extensive typing periods. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, allowing for a tailored typing experience in accordance with their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch will depend greatly on your personal preferences and typing experience you seek. If you favor a more substantial feel with pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy 65 grams bottom-out force and an invigorating tactile experience, it delivers strong feedback that enhances your typing engagement, making it ideal for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory and physical response during each keystroke. Its deep sound profile and sharp feel make it particularly well-suited for typing-intensive tasks where feedback matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for extended sessions, the Huano Sakura, with its feather-light 45 grams bottom-out force, may be more suitable. It offers a smooth and effortless keypress, making it an excellent fit for prolonged typing without fatigue. The Sakura's medium acoustics ensure a balanced noise level that won’t be distracting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound, as experienced with the Olive, or a smoother, lighter feel perfect for long typing sessions, characteristic of the Sakura.
Mentioned in this article
