Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the BSUN Pine mechanical keyboard switches, both tactile switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer stands out for its translucent green appearance, lightweight feel, stepped tactility, and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the BSUN Pine showcases a sharp tactile bump, long pole stem for quick bottom-out, clear-cut feedback, and fast action. Those looking for a switch that is easy-to-press and has a more subtle tactility may prefer the Gateron Beer, while individuals seeking an invigorating and snappy typing experience may lean towards the BSUN Pine. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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 lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Pine switches both use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for a translucent housing, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches use the same material for the top housing, the Bsun Pine's housing is specifically described as polycarbonate, while the Beer's description does not mention the specific type of polycarbonate used.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Gateron Beer features polycarbonate while the Bsun Pine uses nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper sound profile, similar to the top housing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Pine elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Pine switches share similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a similar sound profile of sharpness and clarity. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Pine switch results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. These differences in housing materials highlight how the choice of material can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch is lighter than the Bsun Pine tactile switch when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Beer also has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Pine has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams. The Beer switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Pine switch is a better option for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, as it requires more force to activate and bottom out. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the weight preferences of the user, so it is important to consider this when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same level of key travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Whether you opt for the Beer or the Pine, you can expect a similar tactile feedback and key press depth, making them both reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, giving off a sharp and percussive noise with each keypress. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is not available. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and offering a stepped tactility, providing a mild tactile feel with two stages during key presses. This design enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and offering a low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is described as accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities suggest a more pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a reactive typing sensation, making them suitable for users seeking a tactile switch with a prominent tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a lighter and subtler tactile experience with a clacky sound signature, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch provides a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback with qualities like invigorating and snappy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile typing experiences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a lighter, gentler tactility or a sharper, more accentuated tactile response. Ultimately, selecting either switch would result in a satisfying typing experience suitable for various preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a lighter bottom out force, easy-to-press actuation, and a more subtle tactility, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a sharp tactile bump, and a more direct and invigorating typing experience, then the BSUN Pine tactile switch could be the ideal option for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose wisely based on what suits you best.
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