Bsun Pine vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, two popular switches that often come up in discussions are the BSUN Pine and the TTC Flame Red. The BSUN Pine is a tactile switch, known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red is a linear switch with a focus on aesthetics, featuring a dazzling light diffuser making it ideal for those with backlit, RGB keyboards. While the Pine offers an invigorating and snappy typing experience, the Flame Red provides a polished and visually appealing option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the TTC Flame Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its softer nature and ability to absorb sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches that use harder plastics for the bottom housing. In this aspect, both the Pine and the Flame Red offer similar typing experiences due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. While the Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, the Flame Red opts for a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Pine's top housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Flame Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on this switch a unique auditory experience compared to the Pine.
Overall, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing and either polycarbonate or nylon for the top housing results in switches that offer a diverse range of sound profiles. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users of both the Bsun Pine and the TTC Flame Red can expect a tactile typing experience that is not only influenced by the individual qualities of the housing materials but also by the way these materials interact throughout the typing process.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine switch has a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the Flame Red switch's lighter force of 54 grams. This means that while both switches may feel similar in terms of actuation, the Pine switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Some users may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the Flame Red switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Pine switch for a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that the Pine has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Flame Red's 4 mm travel distance. The Pine's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Flame Red's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, where 4.0mm is considered standard and 3.0mm is on the shallower end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 BSUN Pine switches offer a more distinctive and sharp auditory experience due to their high feedback intensity, while the TTC Flame Red switches are known for their neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and users. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switches provide an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a highly responsive and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switches offer a milder and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a level of tactility that is not overwhelming, making them comfortable options for typing for extended periods.
In conclusion, while the BSUN Pine and TTC Flame Red switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both provide a level of tactility that is not extreme, making them versatile options for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a sharper, more distinct tactile bump like the Pine, or a smoother, more gentle typing experience like the Flame Red, you can expect satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the TTC Flame Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine switch with 65 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Flame Red switch with 54 grams may be the better option. Additionally, if you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch would be ideal for you. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a weighty feel and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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