Bsun Pine vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and HMX Cheese are two popular options with unique characteristics. The BSUN Pine is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and fast action, making it ideal for those who prefer a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese is a linear switch praised for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light feel, along with a satisfying clacky sound signature. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience, catering to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and HMX Cheese both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic material absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with stiffer bottom housings. However, the Pine's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic material that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Cheese's nylon top housing also contributes to a deeper sound profile, making the typing experience unique to each switch.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the HMX Cheese, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of each switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can influence the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Pine and HMX Cheese differ in their top housing materials - polycarbonate and nylon respectively - their nylon bottom housings create a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Pine's top housing results in a crisper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique sound profile and typing feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams while the Cheese only needs 46 grams, making the Pine significantly heavier in that aspect. The Pine provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Cheese offers a lighter typing experience, which may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to different preferences, with the Pine being on the heavier side and the Cheese being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Pine switch is slightly shorter than the Cheese switch by 0.1 mm, which may result in slightly quicker actuation when pressed. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and depth of the key press.
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 HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its quiet and sharp tactile bump that results in a subtle yet satisfying audible feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a distinct clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is more pronounced and noticeable. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing technique.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Pine switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a prominent tactile bump that is not overwhelming but offers a satisfying amount of feedback. This results in a snappy and responsive typing sensation that is sure to enhance the overall typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and light actuation force, offering a buttery smooth keystroke that may lack the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch but provides a unique and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a quiet and sharp tactile bump with invigorating and snappy feedback, while the Cheese switch offers a clacky and crispy sound signature with a smooth and light keystroke. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience that will cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with medium-heavy actuation force, the Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light switch with a smooth and satisfying typing experience, along with a clacky and crispy sound signature, then the Cheese switch might be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing preferences, whether you enjoy a strong and distinct tactility or a light and smooth keystroke, in making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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