Kailh Box Jade vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and Bsun Pine mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct typing experiences, each catering to different preferences. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, perfect for those who enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine switches provide a unique typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and fast action, making them a favorite for those who appreciate direct and no-nonsense tactility. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Pine switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Kailh Box Jade's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Bsun Pine's nylon bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
In terms of sound profile, both switches benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate top housings, creating a sharp and crisp sound when typing. The differences arise in the bottom housing material, where the Kailh Box Jade's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound, while the Bsun Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a combination of materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles.
While the Kailh Box Jade and Bsun Pine switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their nylon bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a different sound experience - with the Box Jade eliciting a deeper sound compared to the Pine. This difference highlights how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall sound profile of a switch. Whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound like the Box Jade, or a fuller and deeper sound like the Pine, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, the Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Box Jade's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a decent amount of resistance for typing. The lighter actuation force of the Pine may make it easier to type on for longer periods of time, while the heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Pine, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Box Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press might find the Box Jade to be slightly more satisfying. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a snappy and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, with sharp and crisp clicks that resemble stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine switch's sound profile is not specified in the information provided, so it is advised to test them out in person to determine the sound characteristics for yourself.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box Jade and Bsun Pine switches are described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. Additionally, the Bsun Pine switch is also stated to have sharp and snappy tactile bumps, ensuring a quick bottom-out and a direct typing sensation. This indicates that both switches offer a satisfying tactile response and engaging typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound profile and medium-heavy typing experience, the Kailh Box Jade switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with sharp feedback and quick actuation, the Bsun Pine switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Be sure to try out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, consider the level of bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience, with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a sharp tactile bump, fast action, and direct tactility, the Pine switches might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual typing style.
Mentioned in this article
