TTC Bluish White vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC bluish white and the Bsun pine, both tactile switches with unique characteristics. The bluish white is known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, offering a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, low-pitched feel. On the other hand, the pine switches provide a distinct and quick bottom-out with a notably sharp tactile bump and long pole stem, giving clear-cut feedback and fast action. Categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, snappy, the pine switches are favored by those who appreciate direct tactility. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, making it important to consider what qualities are most important to you. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Bsun Pine, it is clear that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, both switches will benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially when using RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material suggest that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal between the two switches.
However, where the Bluish White and the Bsun Pine differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine also uses nylon for its bottom housing, meaning that both switches will share similar qualities in terms of how they sound and feel when typing.
Ultimately, the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches will be split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in their choice of bottom housing material may result in slightly varied typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, it is clear that the Bluish White is the lighter option. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a relatively light switch. In contrast, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is on the heavier side, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use such as work or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Bsun Pine provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, which may be favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force, with the lighter Bluish White offering a lighter touch and the Bsun Pine providing a heavier, more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Bluish White switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly quicker and more abrupt feel when typing or gaming may find the Bsun Pine switch to be more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their closely matched travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a bass-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch does not have a specified sound profile provided. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. This means that it offers a smooth, gentle typing experience with a refined finish and subtle resistance. In comparison, the Pine switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This indicates that it provides a medium tactile feedback with a crisp bump and a responsive typing feel.
Overall, while both switches offer a tactile typing experience, they have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bluish White switch is best suited for those looking for a buttery and polished typing experience with mild tactility, while the Pine switch is more suitable for individuals who prefer a sharper and more invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a snappy, low-pitched typing experience, the Bluish White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp, invigorating tactile bump, the Pine switch could be more fitting for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so take the time to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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