Kailh Box White vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Pine. The Box White switch is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback, with a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, offering clear-cut feedback and fast action. While the Box White excels in creating a resonant and high-pitched typing experience, the Pine switch stands out for its invigorating and snappy 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
Yes
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 Kailh Box White and the Bsun Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its relatively stiffer nature, polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarity in material in this aspect means that users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal from both switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Box White and the Pine utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switches should not be overlooked. The qualities of the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding the distribution of these qualities in the housing materials can help users choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Box White has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams, making the Box White slightly heavier. However, the bottom out force of the Box White is 60 grams, while the Pine's is 65 grams, making the Pine heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Pine, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Box White. In the end, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with slight differences in weight that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The Box White switch may provide a slightly deeper key press feel due to the longer distance it travels from top to bottom. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which might appeal to those looking for a quicker response time and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prefer a longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience resembling the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine tactile switch lacks specific descriptions of its sound characteristics. In terms of feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Pine switch is highlighted for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a distinct and quick bottom-out sensation. Overall, while the Box White switch excels in audio feedback and polished feel, the Bsun Pine switch stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and fast action, making it a favorite for those seeking direct and no-nonsense tactility. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring users will get similar results in terms of their distinct sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers maximum audio feedback and a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch, then the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. The Box White switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is the better choice. The Pine switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, providing a pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on whether you prioritize sound feedback (Box White) or tactile feedback (Pine).
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